#3- 1978: The second Boston Massacre

hroughout the 1978 season, one thing was known for sure: The Boston Red Sox had the best team in baseball. Hitting, pitching, and, oh, yeah, managing: They had it all.

In the middle of the season, their lead over the Yankees was similar to Secretariat's at the Belmont. By September, the Red Sox margin was still comfortable. Then, the Yankees came to town for four.

As had happened many times in the past, the Yankees swept, establishing themselves as the team to beat.

But — undaunted — in a late season rally, the Sox came back to tie the Yankees and set up a one-game playoff in Boston. The Red Sox took an early lead on the strength of a Yaz two-run homer, but in the end, Bucky Dent hit the shot that was heard around the world. At least, around Fenway. Once again, a ship sank in Boston harbor.

Oh, sure, we rallied in the 9th, putting the tying run on third and the winning run on second. In a tanalizing moment, fate brought Carl Yaztrzemski to the plate. Could the Red Sox wish for anything better?

Continued...