Why are the Socks “RED”?

Boston is a city steeped in sports and American history. Among its most cherished establishments is the Boston Red Sox. They have captured the hearts of generations and have come to represent the essence of the city.

The Boston Red Sox were founded in 1901. Originally known as the Boston Americans, the team played its home games at the Huntington Avenue Grounds, which is situated in the Roxbury district near the intersection of Huntington and Rogers Avenues.

On December 18, 1907, Boston’s National League team announced they were dropping red stockings from their 1908 uniforms. Seizing the opportunity, John I. Taylor, the owner of the Boston Americans at the time, decided his team would wear red socks instead, and renamed them the Boston Red Sox. Taylor took charge of designing the new uniforms, choosing red stockings to honor Boston’s first pro baseball team, the Red Stockings.

In 1912 they moved to Fenway Park where you can find them today. Since then, the Red Sox have become one of the most celebrated franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Championships and World Series Titles

The Red Sox quickly rose to fame, when they won their first World Series in 1903.  By 1918, they had won another five championships, solidifying their place as a dominant force in baseball. However, the team suffered an 85-year championship drought, often attributed to the "Curse of the Bambino," which began after the Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1919.

The curse was finally broken in 2004 when the Red Sox staged an incredible comeback from a 3-0 deficit against the Yankees in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) and went on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. After 2004, the Red Sox went on to win the 2007, 2013, and 2018 championships.

Five Legendary Players in Boston Red Sox History

The Boston Red Sox have been home to some of the greatest players in the history of baseball. Here are five legends who have left a lasting mark on the team and the sport:

1.   Babe Ruth

While his time with the Red Sox was brief from 1914 - 1919, his impact on the team and the sport is undeniable. Nicknamed "The Bambino" and "The Sultan of Swat", he began his MLB career as a star left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox but achieved his greatest fame as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees. Before becoming a Yankee legend, Ruth helped the Red Sox win three World Series titles before his infamous sale to New York.

2.   Ted Williams

Often regarded as the greatest hitter who ever lived, he played his entire 19-year Major League Baseball career for the Boston Red Sox from 1939 to 1960. A two-time MVP and six-time batting champion, Williams was the last player to hit over .400 in a season, achieving a .406 average in 1941.

3.   Carl Yastrzemski

Nicknamed "Yaz," Carl Yastrzemski is a Hall of Famer who played his entire career with the Boston Red Sox. He replaced Ted Williams in Boston’s lineup in 1961and played 23 seasons with the Red Sox. In 1967, he won the American League's triple crown -- homers, runs batted in and batting average -- and then some.

4.   David Ortiz

David Americo Ortiz Arias is a Dominican-American former professional baseball designated hitter and first baseman who played primarily for the Boston Red Sox from 1997 to 2016. "Big Papi" as he was called, played a crucial role in ending the Red Sox's championship drought in 2004. By the time Ortiz retired after 14 years with the Red Sox, Boston had three championships. And Ortiz was a major storyline in each one of them.

5.   Pedro Martinez

Pedro Jaime Martínez is a Dominican-American former professional baseball starting pitcher, who played for the Boston Red Sox from 1998 to 2004. As of 2023, Martínez's record of 219 wins and 100 losses places him tenth-highest in winning percentage in major league history and fifth-highest among pitchers with more than 2,000 career innings pitched.

The Biggest Rival: New York Yankees

The rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees is arguably the most famous in all of sports. The fierce rivalry between the two teams, dates back over a century and has been fueled by numerous dramatic games, player trades, and playoff battles. The rivalry reached its peak during the 2004 ALCS when the Red Sox completed a historic comeback against the Yankees, a series that still resonates with fans today. Games between these two teams are always intense, and Fenway Park comes alive when the Yankees are in town.

Where to Watch Red Sox Games

While you can watch live Red Sox games anywhere on your favorite device, the best place to watch a Boston Red Sox game is at Fenway Park. Located only13 minutes away from Newbury Guest House in the heart of Boston. Inside the popular ballpark, the 37-foot-2-inch-high park's left-field wall, nicknamed “The Green Monster”, is one of the most iconic features in sports, and a popular target for right-handed hitters.

If you’re visiting Boston and looking for a convenient and comfortable place to stay, consider booking a room at the Newbury Guest House. Whether you’re in town to catch a Red Sox game or to explore the city’s rich cultural offerings, Newbury Guest House offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience.

Experience the Red Sox Tradition

Boston Red Sox games are more than just a sporting event—they’re a tradition, a celebration of a team that has captured the hearts of fans for over a century. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a visitor looking to experience the thrill of a Red Sox game, Fenway Park is a must-visit destination. And after the final out is recorded, you can retreat to the welcoming ambiance of Newbury Guest House, where you’ll feel right at home in the heart of Boston.