The Curse of the Bambino

From SoSH

Originally a book by Dan Shaughnessy, the "Curse of the Bambino" took on a life of its own leading up to the 2003 season. Watching the playoffs that year, it seemed that every announcer had to mention the "Curse of the Bambino" every inning.

From 1903 to 1918, the Boston Red Sox won 5 World Series. In the 1918 series, a pitcher by the name of George Herman Ruth pitched 17 innings for two wins, a 1.06 ERA, and a 1.05 WHIP. In 1920, the Red Sox traded this pitcher to the dreaded New York Yankees for $125,000 and a $300,000 loan. After moving to the outfield, "the Babe" helped the Yankees to four World Series wins, including their first ever in 1923. Cumulatively since the trade, the Yankees won 26 World Series, while Boston won none heading into 2004. It was said that the discrepancy was because the ghost of Babe Ruth had put a "curse" on the Red Sox for trading him. Of course, this was all a product of one sportswriter's active imagination. And in 2004, the Red Sox swept the Yankees after being down three in the 2004 ALCS for the Greatest Baseball Comeback Ever. Since the ensuing World Series win, there has been very little talk of a "Curse of the Bambino."