Early Dynasty Championships (1903-1918)

Lore & Background

The Red Sox won their first pennant in 1903 and repeated in 1904, but the 1904 World Series was not played. In 1903, they participated in the first modern World Series, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates five games to three. The 1912 team won the World Series against the New York Giants. The 1915 team beat the Philadelphia Phillies four games to one. The 1916 team defeated the Brooklyn Robins. The 1918 team won the World Series over the Chicago Cubs.

In Their Own Story

The sun beat down on the freshly laid dirt of Fenway Park in April 1912. A crowd murmured in anticipation as Cy Young stepped onto the mound, his white uniform crisp against the green grass. He wiped sweat from his brow with a red-socked leg, gripping the ball tight. The crack of the bat echoed through the new stadium walls, signaling not just a hit, but the beginning of a new chapter for Boston baseball.

Reader's Guide

Key early stars included manager and third baseman Jimmy Collins, pitcher Cy Young, outfielders Tris Speaker, Harry Hooper, and Duffy Lewis, and pitcher Babe Ruth. The team played home games at Huntington Avenue Grounds before moving to Fenway Park.

Did You Know?

• The 1903 World Series was the first modern World Series, won by Boston over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• In 1912, the Red Sox won a club-record 105 games with a .691 winning percentage.
• Babe Ruth debuted as a pitcher for the Red Sox and won a game against the Indians in 1914.
• The 1916 World Series featured a 14-inning complete game victory by Babe Ruth.