MLB Team Guide
Boston Red Sox: History, World Series & Facts
The Red Sox have played in Boston since the American League began in 1901 and at Fenway Park since 1912. They won nine World Series through the 2025 season, including four from 2004 to 2018.
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Updated live from ESPN.
Quick facts
| Founded | 1901, a charter member of the American League |
|---|---|
| Ballpark | Fenway Park, Boston (opened 1912) |
| World Series titles | 9 through 2025 (1903, 1912, 1915, 1916, 1918, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2018) |
| AL pennants | 14 through the 2025 season |
| Name history | Americans (1901–1907), Red Sox (1908–) |
World Series history
Boston won five of the first 15 World Series, then went 86 years without a title. The 2004 championship ended that drought.
- 1903 World Series: beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5–3 (best-of-nine)
- 1912 World Series: beat the New York Giants 4–3, with one tie
- 1915 World Series: beat the Philadelphia Phillies 4–1
- 1916 World Series: beat the Brooklyn Robins 4–1
- 1918 World Series: beat the Chicago Cubs 4–2
- 2004 World Series: swept the St. Louis Cardinals 4–0
- 2007 World Series: swept the Colorado Rockies 4–0
- 2013 World Series: beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4–2
- 2018 World Series: beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 4–1
Franchise history
- 1901: Began play as a charter member of the American League.
- 1903: Won the first modern World Series.
- 1908: Adopted the Red Sox name.
- 1912: Opened Fenway Park.
- 1919: Sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees.
- 2004: Came back from 0–3 against the Yankees in the ALCS, then won the World Series.
Franchise record holders
| Hits | Carl Yastrzemski, 3,419 |
|---|---|
| Home runs | Ted Williams, 521 |
| Pitching wins | Cy Young and Roger Clemens, 192 each |
Retired numbers
- 1Bobby Doerr
- 4Joe Cronin
- 6Johnny Pesky
- 8Carl Yastrzemski
- 9Ted Williams
- 14Jim Rice
- 26Wade Boggs
- 27Carlton Fisk
- 34David Ortiz
- 42Jackie Robinson (retired across MLB)
- 45Pedro Martinez
Hall of Famers
Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, Bobby Doerr, Joe Cronin, Jimmie Foxx, Lefty Grove, Rick Ferrell, Carlton Fisk, Wade Boggs, Jim Rice, Pedro Martinez, David Ortiz.
Biggest rivalries
- New York Yankees: AL rivals since the New York franchise began play in 1903, with six postseason meetings from 1999 to 2025, including Boston's 2004 ALCS comeback.
- St. Louis Cardinals: four World Series meetings: 1946, 1967, 2004 and 2013.
- Tampa Bay Rays: AL East rivals since the Rays began play in 1998.
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How many World Series have the Red Sox won?
Nine through the 2025 season: 1903, 1912, 1915, 1916, 1918, 2004, 2007, 2013 and 2018.
What was the Curse of the Bambino?
A popular name for Boston's title drought after it sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1919. The team did not win again until 2004, 86 years after 1918.
When did Fenway Park open?
In April 1912. As of 2026 it is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.
What happened in the 2004 ALCS?
Boston lost the first three games to the Yankees, then won four straight. No other MLB team has come back from 0–3 to win a postseason series as of 2026.
Who has the most hits in Red Sox history?
Carl Yastrzemski, with 3,419 from 1961 to 1983.
Sources
Facts checked September 23, 2026. Live figures above come from ESPN.