Top 5 Reasons Why You Should be a Boston Red Sox Fan

From a Las Vegas native who’s never stepped foot in Boston.

Star pitcher Garrett Crochet is an exciting and key player for the Red Sox. One of my favorite players, Crochet dominates on the mound and keeps the Red Sox alive in close games. Designed by Adam Drazba

1. The History

The Boston Red Sox are one of the oldest, and one of the most successful, franchises in baseball. Although they started as a franchise in 1901, they were originally the Boston Americans, and later became the Red Sox in 1907.

Within their rich history, the Red Sox have had over 20 Hall of Fame players and managers put on their iconic uniforms. Players such as Cy Young, Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, Pedro Martinez, and David Ortiz.

These players alone would excite any new fan.

2. The Park

Fenway Park, known as “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark,” opened in 1912. Fenway has many unique features. The iconic, 37-foot-high wall in left field is nicknamed the “Green Monster.” The “Pesky Pole” is the right field foul pole, and it’s named after Johnny Pesky. It stands just over 300 feet from home plate. In the outfield stands, every seat is green but one. The lone seat is painted red to honor Ted Williams’ record of longest home run at Fenway Park (502 feet).

Fans can enjoy eating and drinking at the Bleacher Bar, located ground level with the Park’s outfield. Fans can enjoy watching the Red Sox up close and personal.

These characteristics and features can make any fan, even Yankees fans, enjoy a nice matinee game or brisk evening at Fenway Park.

Fenway Park is certainly on my bucket list. As a big Red Sox fan, I need to go in the next couple years.

3. The Comeback

The story of the 2004 Red Sox can convert any common baseball fan into a passionate Red Sox fan.

October, 2004. The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are playing in the American League Championship Series, battling for a spot in the World Series.

Games 1, 2, and 3 are won by the Yankees. Boston faces a 3–0 series deficit. No team in the history of baseball has come back from a 3–0 deficit. The Yankees have the stars to sweep the Sox, with players such as Jeter, Rodriguez, Sheffield, along with the best closer in baseball at the time, Mariano Rivera.

“Don’t let us win tonight,” said Red Sox player Kevin Millar, before game 4. They won the game in dramatic fashion by a walk off, 2 run home run by David Ortiz.

The Red Sox won games 5 and 6 as well, out scoring New York 9–6. Game 7 seemed like an absolute miracle, but to win it would be an anomaly. Not only did the Red Sox win, they blew the Yankees out of the water, winning 10–3 in New York. The Red Sox did the impossible: came back from a 3–0 series deficit.

Every Red Sox fan, young and old, knows the full story of The Comeback, and every new fan will learn it quickly.

4. The Core

The current Red Sox core is an exciting young team. They have a nice mix of veteran leadership, such as shortstop Trevor Story and 1st baseman Wilson Contreras. Their rotation is one of the top rotations in the league, highlighted by star ace Garrett Crochet. The young core of rising prospects include Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, and Kristian Campbell. Hitters also include Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela, and newly-acquired Caleb Durbin.

The core is full of young, talented players ready to win championships for the Red Sox. Their biggest question is, can they put it all together?

Personally, it’s tough to say yes given the roster turnover, but nothing is impossible, especially with this team.

5. The Titles

To round out the top 5, the titles themselves are simply a great reason to root for the Red Sox. With nine World Series championships (with four since the year 2000) and 14 American League pennants, the franchise isn’t shy about winning and taking what’s theirs.