BOSTON RED SOX
"This is our... city!"
- David Ortiz
The 2013 Boston Red Sox, a perfect blend of bearded, good-natured newcomers and determined, though recently underachieving veterans, delivered the city of Boston and their fans what they needed most after a tumultuous spring, a World Series championship. The group that gathered in Spring Training was a far different one than the fans remembered from the teams disappointing 2012 season. New to the roster was manager John Farrell, and a number of free agent additions, including Shane Victorino and Mike Napoli.
Following a Patriots Day victory, the deadly events of the Boston Marathon bombings dealt a huge blow to the morale of the city and shocked the nation. The Red Sox organization was determined to do their part to help the grieving community, beginning with slugger David Ortiz addressing the Fenway faithful, emotionally adopting the city's new motto: “Boston Strong.”
Channeling this collective strength, the club went on an improbable run throughout the season, leading the division for the majority of the season. Picked by many analysts to finish last in the American League East, the Sox proved to be among baseball's biggest surprises in 2013.
Fan favorites John Lester, Jacoby Ellsbury, Clay Buchholz and Dustin Pedroia provided steadfast leadership while newcomers Jonny Gomes, Stephen Drew and closing dynamo Koji Uehara infused the team with new blood. Additionally, Napoli and Gomes sparked a sense of unity by showing up to Spring Training with beards, a look that soon spread across the clubhouse and became a major point of interest for both fans and the media all season long.
After dispensing of the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Divisional playoffs, the Red Sox advanced to face the Detroit Tigers in the American League Championship Series. Following a miraculous comeback in Game 3, thanks in large part to Ortiz's game tying grand slam, the Red Sox advanced to the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Led by the continued red hot hitting of Ortiz and solid pitching, including Lester's two stellar starts, the Red Sox defeated the Cardinals in six games, giving the franchise its third title in just ten years and the first championship won in Fenway Park since 1918.
JG Autographs, Inc. offers a stunning collection of officially autographed memorabilia from private signings with team stars David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Shane Victorino, Jonny Gomes, Koji Uehara, Junichi Tazawa and Jake Peavy. Featured selections include various sized prints, bats, special edition balls, Fenway Park stadium seat backs, magazine covers and programs.
