The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox Rivalry

There are many great rivalries across theBoston did have some memorable moments
spectrum of sports, but the one between theduring the years of Yankee supremacy. The Red
New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox is inSox nearly edged out the Yankees for the
a league of its own. The history between thesepennant in 1949 when they only had to win one
two fabled baseball teams is too extensive toof their two remaining games against the Bronx
give proper consideration in a brief article.Bombers. They were defeated in both games and
Nevertheless, this article will attempt to provide athe Yankees went on to start a streak of five
brief synopsis of this great rivalry.consecutive World Series championships.
Boston won the first World Series in 1903 as theThe Red Sox appeared to be a lock for the
Americans, before changing their name to thepennant in 1978, but the season ended in an epic
Red Sox in 1908. The Yankees, who were knownbattle with the Yanks prevailing in a one game
as the Highlanders in the early days, met theplayoff. Many great Red Sox players such as
Boston Americans in 1904 in a season endingYastrzemski, Rice, Fisk, and Lynn were part of
battle for the pennant. Boston was victorious inthis exciting, but losing effort. Unfortunately, this
that game, which was the only time that thesewould prove to be the last opportunity for these
two teams met in the final game of a season,talented players to win a World Series. Boston
due to a World Series not being played that year.would finally break the curse in 2004.
Babe Ruth arrived in New York for the 1920This rivalry goes far beyond the game played on
season after six successful years in Boston as athe diamond. The fans have been ferocious rivals
pitcher and outfielder. He was sold by the Bostonthrough the years, with the New York fans
owner, Harry Frazee, to pay off loans, and thisshowing no mercy to the Boston fans during their
was the beginning of what many have called "Theyears of frustration.
Curse of The Bambino". It took 86 years forThe sports media has never lacked for great
Boston to win another World Series after winningstories while reporting on this fantastic rivalry
with Ruth in 1918. The New York Yankees'played in the most historic stadiums anywhere.
dominance was unprecedented over these years,Will there ever be another rivalry like this one in all
with pennants, championships, and statistics thatof sports? If there is it will certainly be worth the
would be unequaled by any sports team in history.price of admission.