Ranking the most hated Boston Red Sox teams of all-time

After winning their fourth World Series title since 2004, it’s time to rank the most hated Boston Red Sox teams of all-time.

The very moment Kevin Burkhardt bid the Boston Red Sox congratulations, namely World Series MVP Steve Pearse, the New York baseball fan had about enough. If we’re being honest, “enough” could have been defined after that disheartening Game 4 effort put forth by the Los Angeles Dodgers after the 18-inning record-breaking marathon a night earlier.

Nevertheless, it was Burkhardt (Mets) congratulating Pearce (Yankees) while others such as Eduardo Nunez (Yankees) joined the FOX booth (manned by both Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz). (Forget Justin Turner. He’s small potatoes in this scenario.)

New York Yankees and Mets fans have had enough of Major League Baseball for one season, especially the mighty Red Sox, who only lost three games all October long (postseason).

Due to the fact the Yankees were squarely beaten by the Sox just two rounds ago, this squad ranks up there in terms of nasty feelings. I mean, how it is possible for any manager or organization to get something out of David Price in the playoffs? Even at the beginning of the month, that feat seemed impossible.

How about a World Series MVP being dished out to a 35-year-old journeyman who’s experienced each and every AL East club during his career? Yeah, Pearce only played 12 games with the Bombers, but it still doesn’t feel right.

The icing on the cake was Nunez doing his best dramatic Paul Pierce imitation in Game 3. The former Yankee literally fell to the ground and/or into the stands at least 17 times.

There are many reasons to hate the 2018 Boston Red Sox. The question remains, “Where do they rank in terms of all-time hatred?”

Today, we rank the most hated Boston Red Sox teams of all-time from a New York Yankees and Mets perspective:

8. 1978 Boston Red Sox

We begin with child’s play, the 1970s.

Although something can be said for the New York Yankees frustrating wait until the 1977 Bronx Zoo title, the 70s Boston Red Sox teams can’t be listed among the most hated due to the fact the Yanks dominated the winning.

Of course, 1978 represents the Bucky Dent moment.

As the defending champ and two-time defending AL pennant winner, the Yankees found themselves as far back as 14 games in mid-July. After the Boston Massacre helped lead to a one-game playoff for the AL East title, the ’78 Sox went from being really hated to just another loveable loser.

7. 1975 Boston Red Sox

Though the Yankees never had an opportunity to take on these Sox in October, watching them in October, thinking they were on their way to capturing their first title since 1918 had the hate meter up pretty high.

Carlton Fisk’s home run did work out. Unfortunately for Boston, the rest of the series did not as the Big Red Machine knocked off the Sox four games to three.

6. 2013 Boston Red Sox

It is perhaps, the most unexpected Red Sox title in recent memory but represented the last title between both organizations until 2018.

Winning only 85 games while missing the postseason for the first time since 2008 and second time since 1994, the Yankees were forced to watch David Ortiz tear up October.

5. 2007 Boston Red Sox

OK, once, while torture, was bearable. After all, flukes happen, right? But when 2007 and that Colorado Rockies dominance occurred, Yankees fans everywhere were treated to semi-dynasty talk that called its color red.

The Yanks won 94 games but were ousted by the Cleveland Indians and Joba Chamberlain’s midges mound issues.

4. 1986 Boston Red Sox

Literally, the cursed team was one out away. The likes of Roger Clemens and others couldn’t contain their burgeoning excitement as they were leading by two runs in the bottom of the 11th inning, one out away from the organization’s first title in 68 years.

But then Keith Hernandez cracked open a cold beer and had a smoke in the clubhouse after flying out. Gary Carter and company did the unthinkable and the rest was history.

For a brief moment, the 1986 version was the most hated Boston Red Sox team of all-time. They almost snatched away a well-deserved New York Mets World Series.

… almost doesn’t count. This is why ’86 is fourth on the list.

3. 2018 Boston Red Sox

No, they did not get to 114 wins (the number of wins the 1998 New York Yankees came away with during the regular season). But the 2018 Boston Red Sox win total of 108 is way too close for comfort.

This season’s version of the BoSox rank third on the list for a straight simple reason: they’re a damn good team with very little to hate about them.

Think about it. There is no annoying David Ortiz or pompous Curt Schilling. There’s no creepy Pedro Martinez beating on old men. These guys are really tough to hate if Yankees fans are feeling honest with themselves.

If they actually reached the 114 regular-season number and, consequently, 123-win number in total, they may have been ranked higher on the list. For now, the 2018 BoSox belong here.

2. 2003 Boston Red Sox

When it gets down to the heart of the list, there are only two versions of the Boston Red Sox that must finish one-two.

The 2003 Red Sox may have died with the launch of Aaron Boone in dramatic fashion, but the hate was only getting started.

This was the season Pedro Martinez threw Don Zimmer to the ground. This was the season the Red Sox truly felt they owned the division and the championship was theirs. This was the season they truly and effectively stood up to the Yanks.

1. 2004 Boston Red Sox

Of course, 2004 is the most hated BoSox team of all-time.

Naturally, they have to take the top spot. What’s funny, though, is the team’s first championship in 86 years wouldn’t generally be met with hate.

In fact, most diehard Yankee fans, while they’d never admit it aloud, would silently reflect and showcase a slight smile at the thought that Boston finally picked up a well-deserved championship after so many tortured years. (After all, we do have our Jets, Mets, Knicks, etc.)

The reason it doesn’t file as warm and fuzzy in history is due to how it happened. Not only did they finally slay the dragon (the Yankees), they did it in historic fashion while overcoming a 3-0 ALCS lead.

David Ortiz, Pedro Martinez, Johnny Damon, Manny Ramirez, Curt Schilling … does anything else need to be said?