The Boston Red Sox might have spent 86 years between World Series victories in 1918 and 2004.
Despite that long drought, they are one of the winningest franchises in MLB because of the five trophies they got up until 1918 and the four they have earned from 2004 to this date.
That 2004 title marked the end of an era and the start of a new one, filled with happy moments.
The Red Sox are now honoring three players who have been instrumental in the franchise’s revival in the new millennium.
One of them was around for those glorious 2004 days, and the other two were crucial in the 2007 and 2013 World Series.
Outfielder Trot Nixon, second baseman Dustin Pedroia, and closer Jonathan Papelbon are entering the Red Sox Hall of Fame.
Introducing the Red Sox Hall of Fame Class of 2024! pic.twitter.com/nQhBwU3Z7v
— Red Sox (@RedSox) December 18, 2023
Nixon played the vast majority of his career in Boston, including that 2004 campaign that featured the single most impressive comeback in the history of American sports.
He retired with 137 homers and a cool .828 OPS.
Papelbon was the closer in 2007’s triumph and got 219 saves with the Red Sox and 368 in total, with a career 2.44 ERA.
He was a six-time All-Star in a very productive career.
Pedroia was the Red Sox’s icon and star in the late-2000s and the majority of the 2010s.
He retired with 140 homers and a .805 OPS, scoring 922 runs.
He went to four All-Star Games, won four Gold Glove awards and, most importantly, was the 2008 AL MVP.
Evidently, all three players have enough credentials to enter the franchise’s Hall of Fame.
The trio will be forever in fans’ hearts.
NEXT: Red Sox Add Veteran At Key Position