Baseball has always been a huge part of the American sports scene and contrary to popular belief, it actually originated from traditional folk games played in Europe. Major League Baseball (MLB) is a cultural boom that is almost a century old now, with more players in the record books than ever before. In Michigan, the USPBL was launched on May 2016 and features best practices such as having all of it’s games played on prime dates. The Boston Red Sox was named team of the decade 1910-1919 having won four world championships during that time. Originally one of America’s eight charter franchises, the Red Sox became known for their iconic uniform and base in Fenway Park following their move in 1912. These are some of the most significant milestones in that decade for the Red Sox. For more information, check out Fanduel’s World Series odds.
1910
The start of the decade wasn’t too significant in terms of rankings for the Red Sox, but it was definitely momentous when looking at player gains and where it led them in later years. The fact that they finished their tenth MLB season and were fourth in the American League (AL) is impressive because they were one of the original teams that paved the way for baseball in decades to come. Finishing with 81 wins and 72 losses, the Red Sox were in a respectable position, thanks to the winning combination of Jake Stahl’s offense scoring 10 home runs. Not to mention Eddie Cicotte’s pitching gaining a total of 15 wins, and of course Smoky Joe Wood’s 145 strikeouts.
1911
The following year saw the Red Sox’s final season before moving to Fenway Park, and they finished the season 24 games behind the Philadelphia Athletics. Although this isn’t a huge year for progress, the team saw, for the first time in franchise history, the end of a series with no games ending in a tie. The trio behind the Red Sox was coming into their own and was known as the “Golden outfield”. Duffy Lewis, Tris Speaker, and Harry Hooper are to thank for this dynamic and team spirit.
1912
Next, we see the Sox setting the franchise record for the highest winning percentage in a season that still stands today. Also known as the year when they dominated the leaderboard and had their fewest total losses in a season. Players really began coming into their own, with Speaker being voted MVP at the end of this season.
1913
Finishing the following year with a total home game winnings 41-34, the Sox finished fourth in the American League. The team won 76 games and lost 71. Completing a total of 150 games in the season.
1914
1914 saw the Red Sox go on to finish second in the league, which is a huge gain for their baseball reputation. With 91 wins and only 62 losses, this is really when their hard work and training start to pay off.
1915
This year, the Sox completed a total of 101 wins and only 50 losses. They dominated the leaderboard and were at the top of the American League. Not to mention, they faced their biggest opponent so far, the Philadelphia Phillies, in the 1915 world series. The Sox captured the franchise’s third world series, and won in five games. The big moves didn’t stop there, as the Sox moved that year to a larger home base to allow for more seating.
1916
Another impressive year for the Sox saw them maintain their place, finishing first in the American League. Totaling another amazing 91 wins, and 63 losses, they were the ones to beat this season. They won against the Brooklyn Robins in the World Series and won in five games. This created their record of finishing their second consecutive, and fourth overall, world series.
1917
A quieter yet equally monumental season saw the Red Sox finish second in the American League, with 90 wins, and 62 losses. They continue to dominate the game and set the standard for years to come.
1918
Having successfully finished first in the American League with 75 wins and 51 losses, this year’s season was cut short due to World War I. However, an extension was granted to MLB players until Labor Day, where it was then extended to see the world series. Many players were sent to contribute to war efforts. That being said, 1918 saw huge gains for the Red Sox. The pitching staff allowed the fewest runs in the league and secured their last World Series championship until 2004. Babe Ruth was the best hitter on the team, leading the AL in home runs and slugging percentage. Maybe the war was the valuable motivation for players to do well in their game, with the war ending two months after these victories.
1919
Finally, the end of the decade saw a slow return for many MLB players following the end of WWI. Finishing the season with 66 wins, and 71 losses, the Red Sox’s luck wasn’t in their favor. Babe Ruth continued to dazzle opponents, however, having been converted to an outfielder. Ruth set a major league record of 29 home runs, and led the league in runs batted and runs scored. Not to mention, his impressive 15 pitching starts.
Overall, the Red Sox had an impressive decade and are currently working hard to regain their once prestigious title. Stay tuned to see how this season develops and who ends up on top of the leaderboard.
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