The Boston Redsox…A Perennial Contender
When you think about baseball, one of the first teams to pop into many peoples’ heads is the Boston Redsox. Arguably one of the best known teams in the league, the Redsox have been part of professional baseball since the inception of the American League in 1901. A league leader, the “Sox” successfully won the first ever World Series, going on to win four more in the next 15 years.
One reason why the team has been so victorious may have something to do with their most famous player, Babe Ruth or the “Bambino.” One of the most successful players in the league, Ruth was a Redsox member during their winning years. Unfortunately, the owner of the team decided to sell Ruth in 1920 to the failing New York Yankees.
After the sale, the two teams seemed to switch positions in the league, with the Yankees becoming one of the most successful teams in the league and the Redsox falling to the bottom of the list. Many fans to this day call the next 84 years the “Curse of the Bambino” due to the fact that the team only made it to the World Series a few times and did not win another one until 2004 against the Yankees.
During this period, the Boston Redsox won four American League Pennants, five East Division Titles, and three Wild Card Berths. Since 2004 they have captured two more pennants, a division title, three Wild Card Berths, and another World Series.
Beginning in 1912, the world famous Fenway Park has been the home of the Boston Redsox. Featured in movies, the subject of books, and an all around American Icon, the stadium is definitely a must see for anyone in the Boston Area.
Seating 39,605, Fenway cost 650,000 dollars to build back in 1912, and although many changes have taken place, such as the replacement of old seating and the addition of new seating, the park remains largely unchanged giving it that cozy, old-time baseball feel.
Beginning in May of 2003, every game since has sold out, breaking a previous record in the league for most consecutive sell-outs. Features of the park include the “Green Monster” a closer than average left field wall, “The Triangle” where the walls meet in center field, and the lone red seat in the right field bleachers which marks the longest home run ever hit at Fenway.
In their community the Boston Redsox are involved in many different charities and events, serving the underprivileged citizens of the New England area. They even have their own organization, the Red Sox Foundation, which focuses on health, education, and recreation for children and adults in need of help in the area.
No matter where you go, people all over the United States are proud fans and supporters of one of baseball’s most famous teams. On the field and off the Boston Redsox have some of the most devoted and committed fans there are. A game at Fenway Park is definitely worth the price and a little extra time taken to tour the grounds will leave any fan of the game in awe.
