Titletown: Ranking Boston’s Championship Teams Since 2001

8 of 9

2013 Boston Red Sox

Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

This team will forever be remembered in association with the term ‘Boston Strong.’ Following the tragedy of the Boston Marathon Bombing on April 15, 2013, the Red Sox returned to Fenway on April 20th with the 35,000 plus fans in the park still in shock. They responded with a rousing pregame ceremony in which David Ortiz famously declared, “This is our f***ing city.” The Red Sox also won the game to improve to 12-4.

They finished the season 97-65, tied with the St. Louis Cardinals for the best record in baseball. In the playoffs they took care of the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 and followed that up with a 4-2 series win over the Detroit Tigers. Facing the Cardinals in the World Series, Ortiz turned in one of the greatest performances in postseason history. Over the course of six games, Big Papi batted .688 with two home runs and six RBIs. He led the Red Sox to three straight victories after they fell behind 2-1 and collected his third title overall.

Making good on a season-long pact, this team helped an entire city in its healing process. They went from last place in the division in 2012 to the AL East title under first year manager John Farrell. After two title closeouts on the road, they won their first World Series at Fenway Park in 95 years, a fitting end to a season that was so much about the city of Boston itself.

Next: No. 7 - No, We Will Not Be Waiting Another 86 Years