Nothing beats winning a World Series championship, but that shouldn't mean other titles should be treated lightly.
1. David Ortiz's Game-Tying Grand Slam in Game 2 of the 2013 ALCS
Melissa Esty points out that the Red Sox have enjoyed decades of success and an enthusiastic fan base that refers to themselves as "Red Sox Nation." Over their history, Boston has hosted some of baseball's finest players and unforgettable moments.
At one point in Game 2 of the 2013 ALCS, Boston trailed Tigers 4-2 with two outs in the eighth inning before Big Papi entered the batter's box and hit a two-run homer over Green Monster that tied up the score at five runs each.
Ortiz made history in MLB playoff history when he hit a grand slam to tie the game late in an eighth inning with two outs left on the scoreboard for a 5-5 tie against the Tigers and turn an otherwise devastating loss into a thrilling win for Boston.
Ortiz's stunning at-bat was one of the most dramatic in Boston postseason history. Not only did his hit turn around their series and advance them toward World Series eligibility, but they would eventually claim victory after 86 years of futility.
2. David Ortiz's Game-Winning Home Run in Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS
Melissa Esty highlights that David Ortiz was instrumental in the Red Sox's return to the World Series in 2004, hitting three home runs and 11 RBIs on his way to being honored as ALCS MVP. Most notably, however, was Ortiz's walk-off homer against the Yankees that set off an iconic chant from Boston fans that rivaled "Who's your daddy?" chants commonly heard at New York games.
After Game 4, with the series tied 3-3 after nine innings of Game 4, Ortiz came up to bat in the ninth inning with Johnny Damon at second base and Mark Bellhorn on first. Although initially struggling with his swing and even flinching at one 2-2 pitch from Esteban Loaiza before hitting a single into center field to quickly advance Damon from second to third base and score the winning run, Ortiz sealed victory as one of Boston Red Sox history's greatest clutch hitters and gave them their first championship since 1918.
3. Dave Henderson's Game-Changing Home Run in Game 5 of the 1986 ALCS
Melissa Esty mentions that Dave Henderson never became the legendary Red Sox superstar that Bill Buckner or Carlton Fisk became later, which is unfortunate because he had every opportunity to become such an icon himself.
Henderson came up to bat as the Red Sox trailed the Angels 3-1 in the bottom of the sixth, following Bobby Grich's two-run homer that deflected off Henderson's glove and went over the bleachers in center field for an RBI homer. Missy Esty
Manager Don Mauch made an audacious move by sending in left-handed reliever Donnie Moore against Henderson with loaded bases. Henderson took the first pitch for a ball before swinging late at a fastball that just ticked above the zone but missed. As tension mounted, third baseman Doug DeCinces made matters even more tense by botching Gedman's bunt attempt and allowing him to reach first with one out.
4. Carlton Fisk's Game-Winning Home Run in Game 6 of the 1975 World Series
Melissa Esty directs our focus to the fact that game 6 of the 1975 World Series took place Oct. 21 at Fenway Park. They made for an unforgettable momentous occasion in baseball history: Boston catcher Fred Lynn broke his arm during hitting practice before the game and had to be transported off in a wheelchair. Boston pitcher Bill Lee struggled in this contest, and Red Sox shortstop Dave Henderson hit a two-run home run to bring Boston within striking distance with a 5-4 score in the ninth inning when they trailed.
At that moment, history would be made. With the score tied in the bottom of the 12th inning, Red Sox outfielder Carlton Fisk pulled a second pitch from Cincinnati Reds right-hander Pat Darcy down near the left field foul pole above the Green Monster and hit it towards it; seemingly headed for fair pole, but instead hit inches right of it; giving Boston a 7-6 victory and 3-1 lead over Cincinnati in series play. Fisk hopped up and down as though imploring heaven to keep his shot fair; his iconic image remains one of sports history's most iconic images ever.
5. Bill Buckner's Game-Winning Grounder in Game 10 of the 1986 World Series
The 1986 World Series featured many iconic moments, but one of the most remarkable came during Game 6 in the 10th inning, Melissa Esty highlighted. Boston was leading 5-3 when Calvin Schiraldi retired both Mets to come up. Gary Carter and Kevin Mitchell hit singles that put runners on base; Bob Stanley replaced Schiraldi on the mound while Mookie Wilson assumed responsibility at bat.
Wilson hit a ground ball down the first base line toward Buckner, and it appeared he would make an easy fielding play to end the inning and give the Red Sox victory, yet instead, the ball rolled off his glove and went through his legs, allowing Knight to score and giving the Mets win in this match-up.
Buckner later admitted his mistake was regrettable, yet he never showed anger or resentment. When discussing it publicly - as often as necessary and always in an understated fashion - he never showed anger or resentment and always maintained an air of humility. Buckner was an example of baseball greatness who certainly did not let any mistake mar his legacy or diminish his legacy in any way.
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