Sandy Koufax, Jackie Robinson and the Boys of Summer. Ted Williams to Yaz and the Impossible Dream.
Manny Ramirez. Pedro Martinez. Bill Buckner.
Fenway Franks and Dodger Dogs. Ebbets Field, the Green Monster. Sweet Caroline or I Love L.A.
Yet for all their rich history dating back to Babe Ruth on the mound the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers have rarely crossed paths heading into this World Series. Only once before in October, and that was more than a century ago.
In fact, Clayton Kershaw has never even pitched at Fenway Park.
Consider this: Going into Game 1 on Tuesday night, the Dodgers have beaten the Red Sox in Boston just one time.
That came on June 12, 2004. And guess who scored and drove in a run for the Dodgers during that 14-5 romp?
Alex Cora, now the rookie manager of the Red Sox. One of his teammates that afternoon Dave Roberts, ready to lead Los Angeles into its second straight Fall Classic.
Two storied franchises, that draw more interest, Red Sox second baseman Ian Kinsler said Sunday.
Roberts is sure to draw a big cheer when the teams line up for pregame introductions. Hes still a fan favorite in Boston for his daring stolen base that sparked an unprecedented comeback from a 3-0 deficit against Mariano Rivera and the rival Yankees in the 2004 AL Championship Series.
The Red Sox went on to end their 86-year title drought by sweeping St. Louis in the World Series, boosted by Big Papi, Pedro and Manny. Starting this week, Boston will try for its fourth championship in 15 seasons.
Im looking forward to going back to Fenway. Obviously for me personally, I have a lot of fond memories of the Red Sox and Fenway Park, Roberts said. To be wearing another uniform going in there playing for a World Series championship is going to be special for me.
This also marks the first time both Series managers have played for each team.
MVP candidate Mookie Betts and the Red Sox posted a team-record 108 wins, a big payoff for the team with the top payroll in the game. Boston pushed past New York in the AL Division Series and then quickly dispatched the defending champion Astros in the ALCS.
A tremendous right fielder, Betts might move to second base when the Series shifts to Dodger Stadium. That would be to make room for slugger J.D. Martinez when the Red Sox lose their designated hitter slot.
