Each of the Boston Red Sox' four World Series-winning runs had its own storyline. The 2004 team overcame a 3-0 series deficit to finally defeat the New York Yankees, ending an 86-year World Series drought. The 2007 Red Sox proved that 2004 was no fluke and ushered in the next wave of Red Sox legends. The 2018 team was the franchise's greatest, steamrolling their way to a World Series title. 

Then, of course, there’s the 2013 Red Sox, who united the city when it needed them most. On Oct. 13, 2013, Hall of Fame designated hitter David Ortiz delivered what may be his most memorable postseason moment in a career full of them. 

After defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in four games in the American League Division Series, the Red Sox advanced to face their toughest test yet in the American League Championship Series, a matchup with the Detroit Tigers, whose rotation featured a pair of Hall of Famers in Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer and a lineup with Miguel Cabrera fresh off a triple crown. 

After falling 1-0 in Game 1, the Red Sox faced a 2-0 series deficit with Scherzer on the mound in Game 2. 

Through five innings, Boston starter Clay Buccholz matched Scherzer, allowing only one run and keeping the Red Sox within striking distance. However, Detroit finally got to Buccholz, scoring four runs in the top of the fifth inning to extend the lead to five, 5-0. 

Scherzer was, as expected, spectacular, allowing only one earned run in the bottom of the fifth to cut the lead to four, 5-1. Overall, the future Hall of Famer struck out 13 Red Sox batters, allowing only one run on two hits over seven innings. 

However, with Scherzer out of the game, things began to turn in the Red Sox favor in the bottom of the eighth. 

After quickly retiring shortstop Stephen Drew on one pitch, Detroit reliever Jose Veras gave up a double down the left-field line to third baseman Will Middlebrooks. Veras continued to unravel, walking leadoff man Jacoby Ellsbury. With men on first and second, Detroit manager Jim Leyland turned to reliever Al Albuquerque to face the switch-hitting Shane Victorino. After striking out Victorino for the second out, Albuquerque allowed a sharply hit single off the bat of Dustin Pedroia, setting the stage for more postseason magic from Ortiz. 

With Ortiz looming and the game hanging in the balance, Leyland turned to closer Joaquin Benoit. With the sold-out Fenway Park crowd on their feet, Ortiz launched the first pitch he saw over the head of right fielder Torri Hunter, who tumbled head over heels into the Boston bullpen along with the ball, tying the game and sending the crowd into a frenzy. 

Whether it be the now iconic photo of the Boston Police Officer celebrating the home run as Hunter tumbled into the bullpen, or Dave O’Brien’s iconic call of “David Ortiz, David Ortiz, David Ortiz,” that grand slam instantly became one of the defining moments in a golden age of Red Sox baseball and the Hall of Fame career of Ortiz, one of the most clutch hitters in the history of the game. 

Boston went on to win Game 2, 6-5, thanks to a walk-off single by Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and took the series from Detroit in six games, punching their ticket to the World Series. 

Powered by one of the greatest World Series performances of all time from Ortiz, the Red Sox capped off their magical and improbable run by defeating the St. Louis Cardinals in six games to claim the third World Series title in nine seasons. 

With the Red Sox officially in offseason mode, Zach Coe and David Azer are back on the 'Entering Kenmore' Podcast discussing how close Boston is to winning a World Series, offseason needs, and whether or not the 2026 season was successful. Check it out wherever you get your podcasts, or in the YouTube player below: