Boston Red Sox

Quick Facts

  • Founded: 1901

  • Original Name/City: Boston Americans

  • Current Ballpark: Fenway Park

  • World Series Titles: 9 (1903, 1912, 1915, 1916, 1918, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2018)

  • Franchise Nicknames: The BoSox, The Olde Towne Team

A History of the Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox were founded in 1901 as the Boston Americans, a charter member of the American League. They were an immediate force, winning the first-ever World Series in 1903 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. With star pitcher Cy Young on the mound at Huntington Avenue Grounds, the early club was a success, winning three more championships by 1918.

This era was defined by a young, talented pitcher and slugger named Babe Ruth. However, the course of baseball history changed dramatically in 1920 when Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold Ruth to the New York Yankees.

The sale of Babe Ruth triggered one of the most famous narratives in sports history: the "Curse of the Bambino." For the next 86 years, the Red Sox were plagued by heartbreakingly close calls and agonizing losses, failing to win a single World Series.

The franchise moved into Fenway Park in 1912, and the iconic "Green Monster" in left field would become the backdrop for generations of frustration, from Enos Slaughter's "mad dash" in the 1946 World Series to Bucky Dent's home run in 1978.

During this long drought, the team was carried by legendary figures like Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski, who became icons of hope for the long-suffering fanbase, known as "Red Sox Nation."

Everything changed in 2004. In the ALCS, the Red Sox mounted the greatest comeback in baseball history, rallying from a 3-0 series deficit to defeat their arch-rival New York Yankees. They went on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, finally breaking the curse and bringing a championship back to Boston.

This victory opened the floodgates. No longer defined by their past failures, the Red Sox transformed into one of the most successful franchises of the 21st century. They captured three more World Series titles in 2007, 2013, and 2018, and cemented Fenway Park as a site of joyous celebration rather than perpetual sorrow.

Franchise Timeline

  • 1901: Founded as the Boston Americans, a charter member of the American League.

  • 1903: Won the inaugural World Series.

  • 1908: Officially renamed the Boston Red Sox.

  • 1912: Moved into their current home, Fenway Park.

  • 1918: Won their fifth World Series.

  • 1920: Sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees, beginning the "Curse of the Bambino."

  • 2004: Won their sixth World Series, breaking the 86-year championship drought.

  • 2007, 2013, 2018: Won three additional World Series titles.

Legendary Players

Ted Williams (1939-1960)

  • "The Splendid Splinter" is widely regarded as the greatest pure hitter who ever lived. He was the last player to bat over .400 in a season (.406 in 1941) and finished his career with 521 home runs, despite missing nearly five full seasons to military service. A two-time MVP, his goal was to have people say, "There goes Ted Williams, the greatest hitter who ever lived."

Carl Yastrzemski (1961-1983)

  • The beloved "Yaz" succeeded Ted Williams in left field and became the face of the franchise for 23 seasons. He won the Triple Crown during the "Impossible Dream" season of 1967, leading the Red Sox to an improbable pennant. An 18-time All-Star, he was the first AL player to record both 3,000 hits and 400 home runs.

Pedro Martínez (1998-2004)

  • In an era of high offense, Pedro Martínez was utterly dominant. The charismatic right-hander won two Cy Young Awards in Boston, including one of the most dominant pitching seasons ever in 2000. His electrifying performances and competitive fire made him a fan favorite and the ace of the staff that set the stage for the 2004 championship.

David Ortiz (2003-2016)

  • "Big Papi" was instrumental in transforming the Red Sox’s franchise identity. He was the clutch, joyful heart of three World Series championship teams. His heroic, series-turning hits during the 2004 postseason are legendary. As the 2013 World Series MVP, he helped a city heal after the Boston Marathon bombing.

Ballparks and Locations

  • Huntington Avenue Grounds (1901-1911)

  • Fenway Park (1912-present)

Ownership History

  • Charles Taylor (1904-1911)

  • Harry Frazee (1916-1923)

  • Tom Yawkey (1933-1976)

  • John Henry & Tom Werner (2002-present)