Save Fenway Park!

The American League comes to Boston. With apologies to Carlton Fisk's homer in Game 6 of the '75 Series, there would never have been a Red Sox franchise had not the original Boston Americans been hatched in 1901.

n the greatest baseball game ever played, the Red Sox beat Cincinnati Reds, 7-6, in Game 6 of the 1975 World Series on Carlton Fisk's 12th-inning home run. The memorable game includes Bernie Carbo's pinch-hit, three-run, game-tying home run in the eighth inning, George Foster throwing out the Sox' Denny Doyle at the plate in the ninth and Dwight Evans' catch to rob Joe Morgan of a home run in the 11th.

On the final day of the 1967 season, the 100-to-1 longshot "Impossible Dream" Red Sox rally from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Minnesota Twins, earning a tie for the American League pennant. Later in the day, after the Angels defeat the Tigers, the Red Sox clinch their first pennant in 21 years.

During pregame ceremonies at the 1999 All-Star Game, held at Fenway Park, the baseball world is reduced to tears when Ted Williams receives a collective hug from one of the greatest casts of baseball legends ever assembled on one field.

In his last big-league at-bat, on Sept. 28, 1960, Ted hits a Jack Fisher pitch into the Red Sox bullpen, the 521st round-tripper of his brilliant career.

On April 16, 1945, the Red Sox grant a Fenway Park tryout to three Negro League players -- shortstop Jackie Robinson, outfielder Sam Jethroe and second baseman Marvin Williams. The Red Sox do not sign any of the men.

On Jan. 5, 1920, the Red Sox announce the sale of Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees, a deal engineered by Sox owner Harry Frazee. Whatever Frazee's motives for selling Ruth, it changed the course of baseball history -- and, indeed, American history.

The Red Sox become the last team to have an African-American on their roster when, in 1959, Elijah "Pumpsie" Green makes his big-league debut.

Red Sox win the 1918 World Series, their third in four years, by beating the Chicago Cubs in six games. Babe Ruth, whose streak of consecutive World Series scoreless innings pitched ended at 29 2/3, and Carl Mays each win two games for the powerful Red Sox juggernaut, which, everyone agrees, will rule the baseball world for years to come. (In the unlikely event you need to hear this, the Sox haven't won a World Series since.)

When bad things happened to New York instead of Boston: the Red Sox post a 3-2 victory over the New York Giants in Game 8 of the 1912 World Series, capturing their first championship since '03. The Sox capitalize as the Giants' Fred Snodgrass drops a fly ball and then Tris Speaker's foul pop falls between Fred Merkle and Chief Meyers. Speaker singled, and Larry Gardner went on to win the game, and the Series, with a sacrifice fly. Smoky Joe Wood earned the victory, his third of the Series.

When bad things happened to Boston instead of New York (Part 1): Mets storm back to beat Red Sox in Game 6 of '86 World Series, culminating with Mookie Wilson's infamous ground ball between Bill Buckner's legs. Roger Clemens leaves game after seven innings because of a blister -- though it remains debatable as to whether he took himself out or was lifted by manager John McNamara.

When bad things happened to Boston instead of New York (Part 2): Bucky Dent's three-run homer off Mike Torrez powers Yankees to 5-4 victory over Red Sox in one-game AL playoff game on Oct 2, 1978.

Sox stage dramatic comeback against California Angels in Game 5 of 1986 ALCS on Oct 12, 1986. Ninth-inning home runs by Don Baylor and Dave Henderson rescue the Sox, who win the game in 11 innings, 7-6, and then beat the Angels in Games 6 and 7 in Boston for AL pennant.

Pedro Martinez quiets the masses at Cleveland's Jacobs Field when he trots in from the bullpen and pitches six no-hit innings as Sox beat Indians in Game 5 of 1999 Division Series, 12-8. The Sox had been down 0-2 in the series.

In February of 1933, cash-poor J.A. "Bob" Quinn sells Sox for $1.2 million to Thomas Austin Yawkey. Only 30 at the time, Yawkey would own the Red Sox until his death in 1976.

Sox lose, 8-3, in one-game playoff for AL pennant against the Cleveland Indians, on Oct. 3, 1948, after Sox manager Joe McCarthy inexplicably goes with journeyman Denny Galehouse as his starting pitcher.

Sox lose Game 7 of 1986 World Series to Mets, 8-5, blowing a 3-0 lead.

Sox lose Game 7 of the 1946 World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals, 4-3, when Enos Slaughter races from first to home on Harry Walker's eighth-inning single. Shortstop Johnny Pesky unfairly takes the blame for having "held the ball," when, in reality, the two major factors were center fielder Leon Culberson's soft throw to the infield and the simple reality that Slaughter's daring baserunning won the game.

Sox lose Game 7 of the 1967 World Series, also to the Cardinals, as Bob Gibson bests Jim Lonborg, who was pitching for the Sox on two days' rest.

Sox go into Yankee Stadium for last two games of 1949 season needing just one victory to clinch AL pennant. Instead, they lose 5-4 and 5-3 to the Yankees, who go on to beat Brooklyn in the World Series.

Roger Clemens sets major-league record by striking out 20 Seattle Mariners on April 29, 1986.

Bill Lee, greatest loudmouth in Red Sox history, serves up eephus pitch to Tony Perez in sixth inning of Game 7 of the 1975 World Series, said pitch landing somewhere in Kenmore Square for a two-run homer. Sox lose, 4-3.

In a series memorable for bad fielding by the Red Sox -- and even worse umpiring -- Sox are taken out in five games by the Yankees in 1999 ALCS.

On the last day of the 1941 season, Ted Williams goes 6-for-8 in a doubleheader against Philadelphia to finish at .406 -- baseball's last .400 hitter.

Tony Conigliaro is hit by a Jack Hamilton pitch in a game against the Angels on April 18, 1967. Conig misses the remainder of the season. Though he made comebacks in 1969 and again in 1975, Conigliaro, who might have been one of the game's greatest alltime sluggers, was never the same hitter.

In Game 3 of the '99 ALCS, Pedro Martinez pitches Sox to a 13-1 victory over Roger Clemens and the Yankees.

Carl Yastrzemski captures Triple Crown in 1967, hitting .326 with 44 home runs and 121 RBI. Manager Dick Williams calls it "the greatest season I've ever seen by one player."

Roger Clemens has one of the greatest seasons by a Sox pitcher in history, going 24-4 for the '86 Red Sox, winning AL MVP and Cy Young honors.

Pedro Martinez goes 23-4 for '99 Red Sox, winning AL Cy Young Award but getting nosed out of MVP honors when two writers leave him off their ballot.

In the biggest free-agent signing in club history, the Red Sox sign outfielder Manny Ramirez to an eight-year, $160 million contract on Dec. 13, 2000.

Bill Dinneen wins two games, including a 3-0 shutout in the clincher on Oct. 13, 1903, as Boston defeats Pittsburgh in the first-ever World Series.

Owner John I. Taylor re-names the Americans the "Red Sox."

Harry Hooper's second home run of the game powers the Sox to 5-4 victory over Philadelphia in clinching fifth game of the World Series on Oct. 13, 1915. Babe Ruth does not pitch in the Series and gets only one at-bat.

The Sox play their first regular-season game at Fenway Park on April 20, 1912, beating the Highlanders, 7-6.

Sox clinch their first pennant in 28 years on Sept. 13, 1946, beating Cleveland 1-0. The lone run of the game is provided by the only inside-the-park home run of Ted Williams' career.

Sox take out Brooklyn in five games to win 1916 World Series. Ernie Shore throws complete-game three-hitter in Game 5, his second victory of the Series.

During an emotional two-day, season-ending event at Fenway Park in 1983, Carl Yastrzemski says goodbye. Following "Yaz Day" on the second-to-last game of the season, Yaz closes out his career by starting in left field on the last day of the season, collecting his 3,419th, and last, hit off Indians pitcher Bud Anderson. After popping out in his last at-bat, against Dan Spillner, he is replaced in left field by Chico Walker.

The greatest Red Sox trade ever made: Sox acquire Pedro Martinez from the Montreal Expos for minor-leaguers Carl Pavano and Tony Armas Jr., on Nov. 18, 1997.

The greatest Red Sox trade never made: In a June 15, 1976 deal, Red Sox acquire reliever Rollie Fingers and outfielder Joe Rudi from Oakland A's owner Charles O. Finley for $2 million and two players, Steve Dillard and Andy Merchant. However, commissioner Bowie Kuhn voids the deal, along with Finley's sale of pitcher Vida Blue to the Yankees.

The worst Red Sox trade ever made Part 1: Sox deal minor league third baseman Jeff Bagwell to Houston Atros for veteran pitcher Larry Anderson to help out for stretch run in 1990. Bagwell is in the midst of a Hall of Fame career with the 'stros. Anderson has long since retired.

The worst Red Sox trade ever made Part 2: Reliever Sparky Lyle is dealt to the Yankees for first baseman Danny Cater on March 22, 1972.

July 9, 1976: Thomas Austin Yawkey dies.

Morgan Magic: After John McNamara is fired, Red Sox react to the naming of Walpole native Joe Morgan as manager by winning 19-of-20 games and winning 1988 AL East title.

Umpire Larry Barnett's controversial ruling on a bunt by Ed Armbrister contributes to Cincinnati's 6-5 victory over the Sox in Game 3 of the 1975 World Series.

A's complete four-game sweep of Sox in 1990 ALCS, as Red Sox starter Roger Clemens is ejected by plate umpire Terry Cooney in Game 4.

Jimmy Foxx hits .349 with 50 home runs and 175 RBI for the '38 Sox. He remains the only player in Red Sox history to hit 50 home runs in a season.

Ted Williams wins his first Triple Crown, hitting .356 with 36 home runs and 137 RBI for the '42 Red Sox.

Ted wins his second Triple Crown, this one in 1947, hitting .343 with 32 home runs and 114 RBI.

Ted returns from World War II and is named 1946 AL MVP, hitting .342 with 38 home runs and 123 RBI.

Ted wins AL MVP again in 1949, .343 with 43 home runs and 159 RBI.

Roger Clemens submits second 20-strikeout game, this time against the Tigers on Sept 18, 1996 at Tiger Stadium.

In one of the greatest regular-season games in Red Sox history, Smoky Joe Wood outduels Wasington Senators ace Walter Johnson, 1-0, on Sept. 6, 1912, en route to a 34-5 season. Johnson went 32-12 for the Senators, who finished second behind the pennant-winning Sox.

Rookie Billy Rohr, making his first major-league start, carries a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the Yankees on April 14, 1967. Left fielder Carl Yastrzemski makes a spectacular catch to rob Tom Tresh of a hit, but with two out Elston Howard singles to right to end the bid. It remains one of the most memorable moments of the Sox' Impossible Dream season.

Tom Yawkey names Dick O'Connell general manager of the Red Sox on Sept. 16, 1965. It was on this day that the "Impossible Dream" began. No modern-day general manager did more to resurrect the Red Sox than O'Connell.

Tony Conigliaro makes the first of two comebacks with the Red Sox, hitting a 10th-inning home run at Baltimore on Opening Day, 1969.

Tony C. makes his second Red Sox comeback, as the Sox' DH on Opening Day, 1975, against the Milwaukee Brewers. (The game also marked the American League debut of Henry Aaron, who returned to Milwaukee to finish his brilliant career.)

Sox drop 3-1 heartbreaker to Detroit Tigers in second-to-last game of strike-shortened 1972 season, a game that will be remembered for the play in which Luis Aparicio tripped rounding third base, resulting in Carl Yastrzemski, charging from second, being thrown out.

It really (ital)is(ital) about the money: On Feb. 11, 1901, Jimmy Collins becomes the first player to sign with the new American League team, telling reporters: ". . . this is business for me. I look out for James J. Collins."

In a spine-tingling finish, right fielder Jose Tartabull throws Ken Berry out at the plate after catching Duane Josephson's fly, giving the Red Sox a 4-3 victory over the White Sox on August xx, 1967, at old Comiskey Park.

Feb. 26, 1992: Jean Yawkey dies.

Ted hits the longest home run of his career on June 9, 1946 off the Tigers' Fred Hutchinson. The ball lands in the 30th row of the Fenway Park bleachers, breaking the straw hat of a construction worker named Joseph A. Boucher.

Babe Ruth makes his major-league debut with the Red Sox on July 11, 1914, pitching the Sox to victory over Cleveland.

The arrival of the Gold Dust Twins: Fred Lynn (.331-21-105) and Jim Rice (.309-22-102) burst upon the scene for the '75 Red Sox. Lynn is Rookie of the Year and MVP.

Jim Rice is named AL MVP in 1978 after hitting .315 with 46 home runs, 139 RBI and 406 total bases. Is the only player since 1937 with 400 or more total bases in a season.

Mo Vaughn is 1995 AL MVP, hitting .300 with 39 home runs and 126 RBI.

Wade Boggs wins fourth straight batting title in 1988, hitting .366.

On Dec. 2, 1944, about a month after divorcing his first wife, Tom Yawkey is married to a New York City clothing store saleswoman named Jean Hollander Hiller, herself a divorcee. The couple would remain married until Tom Yawkey's death in 1976.

In their first-ever home game at the new Huntington Avenue Grounds, on May 8, 1901, the Americans ride the strong pitching of Cy Young en route to a 12-4 victory over Philadelphia.

Journeyman outfielder Patsy Dougherty hits two home runs for the Bostons in Game 2 of the 1903 World Series, the first player to hit a home run in Series history.

While Cardinals and Dodgers are engaged in three-game playoff series for 1946 NL playoff, Sox take on a squad of AL players in a tuneup series for the '46 World Series. During one game, Ted Williams injures his right elbow when hit by a pitch thrown by the Washington Senators' Mickey Haefner.

Before what many believe is the largest crowd ever to attend a game at Fenway Park, Red Sox top Oakland A's, x-x, on May 28, 1971 in great Sonny Siebert-Vida Blue showdown.

Sox sweep three-time defending World Series champion Oakland A's in 1975 ALCS.

Another collapse: 1974 Red Sox have an eight-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles on Aug. 30, but finish the season in third place in the AL East, seven games behind the O's.

Sox are swept four straight by Oakland A's in 1988 ALCS.

In one of the saddest moments in team history, part-owner Buddy Leroux stages an unsuccessful takeover of the Sox, having banded together minority partners. The event takes place on June 6, 1983 - Tony Conigliaro Night, a fundraiser for the ailing former Red Sox star.

During a barnstorming tour before the season opener, manager Chick Stahl commits suicide on West Baden Springs, Ind., on March 28, 1907.

Sox first baseman Harry Agganis, a burgeoning young star from Lynn, dies on June 27, 1955 after suffering a blood clot.

Sox beat Brooklyn in Game 2 of the 1916 World Series, 2-1, on Del Gainor's pinch-hit double in the 14th inning. Babe Ruth, making his World Series pitching debut, hurls all 14 innings for the victory.

Cy Young pitches a perfect game against Philadelphia on May 5, 1904 at the Huntington Avenue Grounds.

For $250,000 and shortstop Lyn Lary, Sox owner Tom Yawkey purchases player-manager Joe Cronin from the Washington Senators in time for the 1935 season. Cronin managed the Sox for 13 seasons, including the 1946 pennant-winners, and he played for the Sox for 10 seasons, plus a three-game cameo in 1945.

In 1957, at age 39, Ted Williams flirts with another .400 season, finishing at .388.

In 1958, at age 40, Ted wins his sixth, and last, AL batting title.

Nomar Garciaparra wins second straight batting title, hitting .372 for 2000 Red Sox.

The Red Sox state their case for winning the AL East when, on Sept. 16, 1975, Luis Tiant pitches Sox to a 2-0 victory over Jim Palmer and the Orioles.

Following the 1996 season, three-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens signs with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Following the 1998 season, slugging first baseman Mo Vaughn signs with the Anaheim Angels.

After managing the Red Sox to World Series championships in 1915 and '16, Bill Carrigan retires to become president of a bank in Lewiston, Maine. (He returned in 1927, managing the depleted Red Sox to three straight last-place finishes.)

Before the start of the 1934 season, Tom Yawkey purchases Lefty Grove, at the time the best pitcher in baseball, from the Philadelphia A's for $125,000.

In 1938, Yawkey acquires slugger Jimmy Foxx (and pitcher Johnny Marcum) from the A's for two players and, according to "Red Sox Century," ". . . between $150,000 and $200,000."

On July 7, 1962, Earl Wilson becomes the first African-American to throw a no-hitter in AL history as he shuts down the California Angels. He also hit a home run, one of 35 Wilson hit during his 11 years in the big leagues.

Reliever Bill Campbell becomes Sox' first major free-agent acquisition, signing a five-year contract.

The Sox trade disgruntled outfielder Tris Speaker to Cleveland prior to the 1916 season. Speaker hit .354 during his 11 years with the Naps.

In June, 1988, Wade Boggs is hit with a palimony suit by a woman named Margo Adams, with whom the Sox third baseman had been having an affair.

During the 1979, Carl Yastrzemski becomes the only player in AL history to have 3,000 hits and 400 home runs.

Lefty Grove wins his 300th, and last, major-league game on July 26, 1941. Though past his prime after arriving in Boston, Grove went 105-62 in eight seasons with the Red Sox.

Following a series of outbursts during a game against the Washington Senators on June 17, 1952, rookie Jimmy Piersall is sent to the minors and later hospitalized after suffering a mental breakdown. Piersall returns in 1953 and has a 17-year career, including eight years with the Red Sox.

Carl Yastrzemski wins 1968 batting title with .301 average, the lowest average ever to lead either league.

On Opening Day, 1942, 22-year-old Johnny Pesky displaces aging Joe Cronin as the Red Sox' shortstop. Pesky would hit .307 during a brilliant 10-year career, including three consecutive 200-hit seasons.

Tommy Harper steals 54 bases in 1973 to set a club record that stands to this day.

Sox and Yankees engage in epic brawl during May 20, 1976 game at Yankee Stadium. Bill Lee tears ligaments in his left shoulder and is lost for almost two months.