Boston Strong Season (2013)

Lore & Background

The 2013 season was defined by resilience and unity, as the city of Boston rallied behind the team after the tragic Boston Marathon bombing in April. The Red Sox adopted the rallying cry 'Boston Strong' and wore jerseys with the phrase on the field. The team, led by first-year manager John Farrell, featured a mix of veterans and newcomers who embraced a 'band of brothers' mentality. Key moments included David Ortiz's emotional speech at Fenway Park after the bombing, a 26-inning marathon game against the Mariners, and a stunning ALCS comeback from a 2-1 series deficit against the Tigers, capped by Ortiz's game-tying grand slam in Game 2. The World Series victory over the Cardinals was sealed at Fenway Park, giving Boston its third championship in a decade.

In Their Own Story

The word out of Florida on Lynn was very positive. The young man who had gone to the USC as a football linebacker, but gave up football for baseball, seemed to be doing it all. Not only did he hit and run and field, he was a good-looking, charming young man. He was a hit with Boston and New England fans and hit with power, and with the way big Jim Rice was clobbering the baseball, Boston appeared to have a power punch that could only get better when Fisk got back into the lineup. Rick Wise, back after a year of shoulder trouble and then a broken finger, looked ready to boost a pitching staff, which already had Luis Tiant, Bill Lee, Reggie Cleveland, and the stringbean flame-thrower Roger Moret. The bullpen also looked strong, with Dick Drago as the closer and hard-thrower Dick Pole and veteran Diego Seguí. Additionally, the word on Tony Conigliaro was encouraging, and that boosted spirits back home. Carl Yastrzemski was at first base, and after three short trials in previous years Cecil Cooper was going to make this team and probably be the designated hitter. The Red Sox played only 160 games, as two games against the Yankees were rained out in the final week of the season, and not rescheduled once Boston clinched the AL East title. After a great season, The Red Sox continued by sweeping the Oakland Athletics in three games in the American League Championship Series to advance to their first World Series since 1967. In the historic World Series that followed, it came down to Carl Yastrzemski with the Red Sox trailing, 4–3, with two outs in the ninth inning of Game 7. Yaz's drive fell into the hands of Reds outfielder César Gerónimo, and Boston's magical season fell one game short. Boston would not return to the World Series until 1986.

Did You Know?

• The Red Sox went from last place in the AL East in 2012 to first place in 2013, a 28-win improvement.
• David Ortiz hit .688 (11-for-16) in the World Series, earning MVP honors.
• Koji Uehara posted a 1.09 ERA and saved 21 games after taking over as closer in June.
• The Red Sox set a franchise record with 29 one-run wins during the regular season.
• Shane Victorino's grand slam in Game 6 of the ALCS was the first postseason grand slam in Red Sox history.