Denton True "Cy" Young -- More commonly known as "Cy," the big right hander spent nearly 20 years in the big leagues and set the pitching standard for all of baseball to follow. He was the only pitcher in baseball's first 100 years to win 500 games, including three no-hit shutouts and a perfect game on May 5, 1904.
1907 - Tris Speaker -- "Spoke" was born in a center fielder's mold, which he broke soon after he retired in 1928. Nobody manning center field has been able to recreate it since.
1908 - Smokey Joe Wood -- He arrived in Boston at the end of the 1908 season with a load of talent in his right arm, making him the successor of the great Cy Young.
1912 - Fenway Park Opens. Built on his own land in the Fenway section of Boston, John Taylor, moved his Boston Red Sox from the Huntington Avenue Grounds, which they leased, to Fenway Park in 1912. The new stadium was built specifically for the Red Sox. One writer called it "Louis and Dempsey in spiked shoes." Walter Johnson was the champion and "Smokey" Joe Wood was the challenger in one of the most hyped pitching matchups in baseball history.
1914 - Babe Ruth -- You'll rarely find a name in baseball recognized by so many people. From his portly physique to his legendary swing, to his affection for fans, George Herman "Babe" Ruth has often been called the best baseball player of all time.
1915 - The 1915 World Series was marked by the strong hitting performances of the legendary Sox outfield of Duffy Lewis, Tris Speaker and Harry Hooper. After dropping Game 1, the Sox won the next four to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies for the championship.
1916 - Babe Ruth was the season and World Series hero, with a 23-12 regular season record and a 1.75 ERA. In Game 2 of the Series, Ruth pitched a 14-inning, complete game 2-1 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers, while the Sox went on to take the Series four games to one for the second straight year. The Sox played their World Series games in 1915 and 1916 in the new and larger capacity National League Braves Field on Commonwealth Avenue, which held 40,000 fans.
1918 - Babe Ruth extended his streak to 29 2/3 scoreless World Series innings, a record that stood until 1961, and also tied for the league lead with 11 home runs. In the World Series against the Chicago Cubs, Ruth and Carl Mays each won two games to lead the Sox to their fourth world championship in seven years.
1920 - Babe Ruth is sold to the New York Yankees.
1933 - Tom Yawkey -- Tom Yawkey took over a struggling Boston franchise in 1933 and spent the following four decades building a successful ballclub that mirrored the passion of its owner.
1934 - Lefty Grove -- He came to the Red Sox with a resumé that was as impressive as the fastball his left arm uncorked.
1935 - Joe Cronin -- If ever there was a man who deserved to be called "Mr. Baseball," it was Joe Cronin. His playing career as a shortstop began in 1926 in Pittsburgh. In 1928, Cronin joined the Washington Senators and was appointed player/manager in 1933, capturing his first pennant that year.
1936 - Jimmy Foxx -- At first glance it would appear Jimmie Foxx and Fenway Park were made for each other. In fact, on his arrival in Boston after owner Tom Yawkey purchased the big first baseman from Philadelphia, Foxx said, "My dream has come true."
1937 - Bobby Doerr -- Although he played in the shadow of players like Ted Williams and Jimmie Foxx, Bobby Doerr has to be considered one of the greatest Red Sox players ever. During his 14 year Hall of Fame career, Doerr established himself as one of the most productive and consistent second basemen of his era.
1939 - Ted Williams -- Considered by many to be the greatest hitter to ever play the game of baseball, Ted Williams is a true personification of the Red Sox mystique. He amassed 521 home runs, including a dramatic farewell homer on his last at bat in 1960. more >
1941 - "Teddy Ballgame" Goes .406. In just his third year, at only 23 years of age, Ted Williams went into the last day of the 1941 season hitting .3996, an average that officially rounds up to .400.
1942 - Johnny Pesky -- If anyone can say he eats, sleeps and breathes Red Sox baseball it is Johnny Pesky. Pesky started his Red Sox career in 1942 and with a few years off here and there, it has never ended.
1947 - Mel Parnell -- He is the winningest left-hand pitcher in Red Sox history and prior to the emergence of the hard-throwing "Rocket" Roger Clemens in the '80s and '90s, it was Mel Parnell who stood second on the Red Sox all-time wins list, second only to the immortal Cy Young.
A Record Breaking Day. Giving new meaning to the term 7th inning stretch, the Red Sox scored 17 runs in one inning against the Detroit Tigersmore
1955 - Frank Malzone -- Not since the World War I days of Larry Gardner (1908-1917) had the Red Sox seen so reliable a third baseman as they had in Frank Malzone.
1960 - Carl Yastremski -- In 1961, a highly touted rookie from Long Island, NY stepped into the hallowed shadow of Fenway's left field wall to guard an area just vacated by a legend.
A "Parting Shot" -- Never has an athlete finished in such style. In his last at bat of a Hall of Fame career, Ted Williams sent 10,454 fans into a frenzy when he launched a 1-1 pitch from Baltimore Orioles' pitcher Jack Fisher high into the damp gray sky and into the Red Sox bullpen for a home run.
1963 - Rico Petrocelli -- Rico Petrocelli joined the Boston Red Sox in 1965 as a shortstop that would develop a powerful stroke at the plate. His bat guided him into numerous categories of the club's record books but it was his family that guided him as a person.
1964 - Tony Conigliaro -- He was a hometown hero with a home-run swing and a Hollywood-handsome face. "Tony C," as he became known to fans, burst onto the baseball scene in Fenway Park in 1964, taking 24 homers over the "Green Monster" in 111 games while batting .290.
1967 - Making his major league debut in Yankee Stadium, 21-year-old lefty Billy Rohr came within one out of pitching a no-hitter. An Elston Howard single to left with two outs in the ninth ruined the rookie's shot at immortality, but his unforgettable performance will live forever in Red Sox lore.
Yaz and "The Impossible Dream." Has there ever been a better example of the cream rising to the top? With the Sox fighting for their first pennant in 21 years, Carl Yastrzemski picked up his team, placed it squarely on his back and carried them to "The Impossible Dream", that was 1967.
1969 - Carlton Fisk -- Carlton Fisk was in control from the start. He was a big, rugged, powerful presence both behind the plate and over it, in a Red Sox career that lasted a decade.
1971 - Luis Tiant -- Snatched from the minors during the 1971 season, Luis Taint resurrected his career and a pitching staff during the 1970's. After a 1-7 record in 1971, "El Tiante" re-discovered his magic the next year and went 15-6. Three 20 win seasons, a trip to the World Series, and countless chants of "Loo-ie, Loo-ie" followed.
1972 - Dwight Evans -- Dwight Evans patrolled the spacious right field of Fenway Park with a special combination of grit and hustle mixed with a rifle of an arm. He was a confident outfielder who loved to hit the ball.
1974 - Fred Lynn -- In 1975, a rookie from USC made baseball history while carving out a place in the hearts of Red Sox fans. Fred Lynn's classic swing and spectacular center field play earned him both the 1975 Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player Awards, an accomplishment that had neither been done before nor done since.
Jim Rice -- In the amazing fraternity that is left field at Fenway Park, it was only fitting that Jim Rice would continue the saga started by Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski before the famed green wall..
1975 - A Rookie Ignites. Years before Robert Redford starred as "The Natural," a kid from California joined the Red Sox and played with such style and grace that it seems Roy Hobbs was patented after him. Fred Lynn started his first full season in 1975, and went on to set history as the only player to be both Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season.
Bernie Carbo's Biggest Hit. It remains as the greatest World Series game ever played. Baseball's two finest teams, both loaded with talent, locked horns for the 1975 Fall Classic: the Boston Red Sox vs. the Cincinnati Reds. Never has a World Series game encompassed everything baseball can be: dramatic defense, clutch hitting and extra inning heroics.
carlton Fisk Makes History. If there was ever a game to use as a measuring stick for which future World Series games will be compared, it is Game 6 of the 1975 World Series. Stellar defense, clutch hitting, extra inning theatrics and World Series pressure, all underscored by the nostalgic backdrop of Fenway Park, set the stage for a game that will never be forgotten
1978 - Bucky Dent Prevails. In any other park, Bucky Dent's three-run home run likely would have been a routine fly ball for an out. But in Boston's Fenway Park, which isn't always friendly to the Olde Town Team, it was the final nail that sealed the coffin of the Red Sox' 1978 season.
1979 - Yaz Hits Number 3,000. A soft ground ball made a path through the infield, out of the reach of defender's gloves and into the plush green grass of Fenway. It was a defining moment of the game, a quiet single that reminded us of how simple baseball could be and a monumental statistic that told the story of a ballplayer for the ages.
1983 - Carl Yastrzemski's Last Game -- Yaz Day. "New England," he said. " I love you." Carl Yastrzemski was ready to play the last game of an amazing Red Sox career. It was "Yaz Day" at Fenway Park. A late summer afternoon where the hard-working left fielder would stand before the shadow of the "Green Monster" for the last time.
1986 - The Rocket mows down 20. Red Sox manager John McNamara said it was the most awesome display of pitching he had ever seen. On a Tuesday night in April of 1986, Red Sox right-hander Roger Clemens shot down a record number of Seattle Mariners to break the Major League record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game.
Dave Henderson's Game Five Homer. Anaheim was preparing for a history's worth of celebration. Its Angels were one out away from the World Series, one strike from adding another chapter to the book of Red Sox playoff misfortunes and one moment away from labeling Dave Henderson as the goat of Game 5 in the American League Championship Series of 1986.
1987 - It was an unsatisfying season team-wise, as Boston followed its 1986 pennant by going 78-84. However, there were some terrific individual performances. Roger Clemens solidified his second consecutive Cy Young award by earning win No. 20 on the final day of the season. Wade Boggs won his third consecutive batting title, and fourth in five years. The hitting machine also set a career high in homers with 24.
1988 - The Red Sox made a managerial change after the All-Star break, as coach Joe Morgan took over for John McNamara. The Red Sox ripped off victories in Morgan's first 12 games, and 19 out of his first 20. They also won 24 in a row at home. The period became known as "Morgan Magic", and culminated with the Red Sox winning their second division title in three years. The joy ended there, as Boston was swept by the A's in four straight in the ALCS. On an individual note, Wade Boggs won his fifth batting title and Mike Greenwell finished second to Jose Canseco in AL MVP voting.
1990 - In one of the most memorable plays in Red Sox history, Tom Brunansky made a diving catch in the right field corner to save the final game of the regular season and clinch the AL East for the Sox. It was Boston's third division title in five years. However, the Sox were again swept by the A's in the ALCS, extending their postseason losing streak to 10 games.
1991 - Roger Clemens won his third and final Cy Young in a Red Sox uniform by going 18-10 with a 2.62 ERA. He also registered 241 strikeouts. Despite a second-place finish, manager Joe Morgan was fired the day after the season. He was replaced by former Sox third baseman Butch Hobson.
1995 - Kevin Kennedy took over the managerial reins from Butch Hobson, and Boston proved to be one of the surprise stories in baseball. The Sox won the AL East with a record of 86-58. Mo Vaughn emerged into a superstar, earning AL MVP honors. Tim Wakefield was plucked off the scrap heap by GM Dan Duquette and shocked the baseball world by beginning the season 14-1. However, the Red Sox were again swept out of the playoffs, this time by the Indians in three games in the newly formatted Division Series. It brought Boston's postseason losing streak to 13 games.
1996 - In his final season with the Red Sox, Roger Clemens tied his own Major League record by registering 20 strikeouts against the Tiger on Sept. 18. The Red Sox made a late wild-card bid, but fell short. Mo Vaughn had the best statistical season of his career, smashing 44 homers and driving in 143 runs. Manager Kevin Kennedy was fired shortly after the season, and replaced by Jimy Williams.
1997 - The Red Sox were treated to the arrival of a rookie named Nomar Garciaparra, who immediately turned into a superstar. The dynamic shortstop won Rookie of the Year honors by hitting .306 with 122 runs, 209 hits, 44 doubles, 11 triples, 30 homers, 98 RBIs and 22 stolen bases. But the season was a disappointment, as Boston went 78-84 in Jimy Williams' first season as manager.
1998 - After acquiring star right-hander Pedro Martinez in the winter, the Red Sox produced their first 90-win season since 1996. The 92-70 finish was good enough to vault them into the playoffs as the AL Wild Card. There was no sophomore jinx for Nomar Garciaparra, as he finished second in AL MVP balloting. The Red Sox snapped their postseason losing streak of 13 games by clubbing the Indians in Game 1. Mo Vaughn blasted two homers, pacing an 11-3 victoy. The Red Sox were eliminated by losing the next three games. Vaughn, a free agent after the season, signed a six-year contract with the Anaheim Angels.
1999 - Without Mo Vaughn, the Red Sox were not without hope. In fact, the Red Sox improved upon their win total from the season before, finishing 94-68. Jimy Williams was named AL Manager of the Year. Nomar Garciaparra won his first batting title. Pedro Martinez was the best pitcher in baseball, going 23-4 with a 2.07 ERA and 313 strikeouts. The Sox again won the AL Wild Card. They also won their first postseason series since 1986, rallying back from a 2-0 deficit to beat the Indians in five games. Martinez was heroic in the Game 5 clincher, tossing six no-hit innings out of the bullpen despite an injury to his right shoulder. Boston lost the ALCS to the Yankees in five games.
2000 - Nomar Garciaparra earned his second consecutive batting title. Pedro Martinez earned his third Cy Young award in four years. But it wasn't enough to get the Red Sox to the playoffs for a third consecutive season. Boston finished 85-77, 2 1/2 games behind the Yankees in the AL East
2001 - The Red Sox signed superstar slugger Manny Ramirez off the free agent market. Ramirez's impact was felt immediately. He clubbed a three-run homer in the first pitch he saw in a home uniform at Fenway Park. On April 4, Hideo Nomo pitched Boston's first no-hitter since 1965. The start against the Orioles at Camden Yards was Nomo's first in a Boston uniform. But injuries to Nomar Garciaparra, Pedro Martinez and Jason Varitek decimated any chance Boston had of qualifying for postseason. Manager Jimy Williams was fired on Aug. 16 and replaced by pitching coach Joe Kerrigan. The Red Sox went 17-26 the rest of the way.
2002 - The Red Sox began a new era, as the ownership group led by John Henry, Tom Werner and Larry Lucchino officially took over on Feb. 27. The next day, GM Dan Duquette was fired and replaced on an interim basis by Mike Port. On March 5, Joe Kerrigan was fired as manager. He was replaced on March 11 by Grady Little, who had formerly been a coach in Boston under Jimy Williams. The Red Sox went 93-69 under Little, but missed the playoffs for the third straight year. Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe gave the Sox their first 20-win tandem since 1949. The highlight of the season was Lowe's no-hitter at Fenway on April 27 against the Devil Rays. Manny Ramirez, despite missing six weeks with a fractured left index finger, won his first batting title.
2004 - It is a season that will live on forever in the minds of Red Sox fans. After a 98-win regular season -- the most victories posted by the club since 1978 -- the Sox, led by stellar performances from Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Johnny Damon, Pedro Martinez and newly acquired Curt Schilling, went into the postseason as the American League Wild Card entry. They swept the Angels in the Division Series. The Sox were nearly swept out of the American League Championship Series, trailing the Yankees, 3-0, in the best-of-seven series. But that was when they officially became historymakers, becoming the first team in Major League Baseball history to recover from a 3-0 deficit. After thumping the Yankees in seven games, the Sox swept the Cardinals for their first World Series championship in 86 years. Ramirez was named MVP of the Series.
2005 - It's tough to follow a dream season, but the Red Sox did their best in 2005. Retooling in the offseason by bringing in veteran starters David Wells and Matt Clement, the Sox were primed to repeat as world champs. After a stop-and-start first two months, Boston reclaimed first place in the American League East on June 24, and held the top spot for most of the second half of the season. David Ortiz was the lynchpin of the offense, putting together a season (.300, 47 HR, 147 RBIs) that would see him finish second in American League MVP voting. Outfielder Manny Ramirez threw together another stellar year, hitting 45 home runs and driving in 144. After hobbling into the playoffs in the final weekend, a banged-up Sox pitching staff couldn't hold off the eventual World Series-winning White Sox, and Boston fell in an AL Division Series sweep.
2006 - It looked like the Red Sox were primed to play postseason baseball for a fourth consecutive October. Led by perhaps the best defense in team history, manager Terry Francona’s team bolted out to a 59-36 record and led the American League East by 3 ˝ games on July 21. But the bottom fell out of after that, as the team was decimated by injuries to key players such as Jason Varitek, Trot Nixon and Tim Wakefield and went 27-40 the rest of the way. However, the season still had plenty of excitement, none bigger than David Ortiz setting a club record with 54 homers. Jonathan Papelbon (0.92 ERA) established himself as an elite player in his rookie season. Curt Schilling bounced back from his injury-marred 2005 with 15 wins. Boston’s .98910 fielding percentage was the best in Major League history.
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