The Complete History of Boston Red Sox Championships: Every World Series series win explained

The Red Sox opened the World Series era with a win as the Boston Americans. From there, with the help of Babe Ruth, the team launched a dynasty.

Ruth’s departure also marked the start of a long title drought, causing many fans to blame the “Curse of the Bambino.” Of course, the Red Sox were able to rejoice when they won the 2004 title, silencing any curse-related conversations.

How much do you know about Boston’s World Series history? Here’s a breakdown of every championship-winning Red Sox team.

A quick guide to each championship season and its signature storyline

1903 World Series

The first World Series in MLB history featured the then-Boston Americans beating the Pittsburgh Pirates, 5-3. It set the stage for future World Series games and an eventual Red Sox dynasty.

1912 World Series

The Red Sox dynasty started in the 1912 World Series, as it was the first of four series wins in the decade. “Smoky Joe” Wood had three wins in the series to beat the New York Giants.

1915 World Series

Three years later, the Red Sox beat the Phillies, 4-1. Rube Foster went 2-0 with two complete games and 13 strikeouts in 18 innings.

1916 World Series

The Red Sox captured back-to-back titles by defeating the Brooklyn Robins in 1916. It was another 4-1 series win.

1918 World Series

Before being sent to the Yankees, Ruth won his third World Series with the Red Sox in 1918. He pitched two strong games against the Cubs, allowing just two earned runs in 17 innings.

2004 World Series

The “Curse of the Bambino” was destroyed in 2004. After the Red Sox overcame a 3-0 deficit against the Yankees in the ALCS, Boston never looked back, sweeping the Cardinals. David Ortiz and World Series MVP Manny Ramirez produced at the plate, while Pedro Martinez, Curt Schilling and Derek Lowe had sensational pitching performances.

2007 World Series

The Red Sox enjoyed another sweep three years later, this time against the Rockies. Colorado scored just 10 total runs against Boston’s elite pitching staff, and Mike Lowell won the World Series MVP award.

2013 World Series

After finish 69-93 and missing the playoffs in 2012, the Red Sox won 97 games in 2013 and took down the Cardinals in the World Series, 4-2. Ortiz was on fire throughout the series, finishing with a ridiculous .688 batting average, two home runs and six RBIs.

2018 World Series

The Red Sox won their ninth championship behind an unlikely breakout performance from World Series MVP Steve Pearce. The first baseman hit three home runs in five games to propel Boston to the title.

Best World Series games to rewatch as a Boston fan

1903: You never forget your first. The then-Boston Americans relied on Bill Dinneen, who started four games and pitched 35 innings. (It was a best-of-nine — yes, nine — series.)

1918: Of course, the last World Series win for the Red Sox until 2004 involved Ruth, who pitched a shutout in Game 1. In Game 4, Ruth had two RBIs and pitched another eight innings to earn his second win of the series.

1975 Game 6: The best highlight of Game 6 between the Red Sox and Reds is Carlton Fisk’s dramatic home run. Though the Red Sox lost the World Series, Fisk waving his arms to make sure the ball went fair is an unforgettable moment.

2004 Game 4: The game that ended the 86-year drought. Lowe threw seven scoreless innings, and the bullpen didn’t allow a run down the stretch. Goodbye to the dreaded “Curse of the Bambino.”

2013: It’s difficult to pick a single game. Ortiz was an unstoppable force, and Jon Lester and John Lackey combined for 26 strikeouts. It was an emotional six-game series against the Cardinals after the Boston Marathon bombing shook the city earlier that year.

2018 Games 4 and 5: Though they lost an epic 18-inning Game 3, the Red Sox secured their most recent World Series win following back-to-back victories in Games 4 and 5. Pearce led the way with eight RBIs in the series, and David Price finished with a 1.98 ERA across 13 2/3 innings.