The Red Sox vs Yankees Head-to-Head Record

By Will Brown Contributor Updated: 31 December 2024

Will Brown Contributor

William Brown is a Content Writer with strong expertise in US and global gambling industry trends. Having covered the local sports betting market since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, William approaches his gambling guides with passion and diligence. He is a keen player of online slots, blackjack, and a regular sports bettor.

See Full Bio

Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees

The Red Sox and Yankees rivalry is almost as old as major league baseball itself, with its impact leaking out into other professional sports teams in Boston and New York. But which team is more successful than the other? In this guide to the rivalry, we’ve explored everything from the Red Sox vs Yankees head-to-head record to the individual performances of each team. We’ve also provided background information on how the rivalry started and why it will always endure.

Intro to the Red Sox vs Yankees Rivalry

Before getting too far into this topic, we’ve provided ample information into how the rivalry started, along with some milestone events in the rivalry’s history. We’ve then provided a comparison of both teams’ records and head-to-head statistics.

From there, we’ve looked at some top moments in the Red Sox’s and Yankees’ history. Then, we’ve discussed the current standings of both teams and the implications of these on the future of the Red Sox vs Yankees rivalry. Use the following buttons to go to each topic or keep scrolling for the full picture.

• The History of the Rivalry
• All-Time Records Comparison
• Top Red Sox Moments
• Top Yankees Moments
• Red Sox Recent Performance
• Yankees Recent Performance

A Long-Held Rivalry: The Red Sox vs Yankees History

There are few other major league sports feuds in the US quite as storied as the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry. This conflict has spanned over 100 years and has produced intense competitions, dramatic moments, and tense encounters. But how did it start? Most pundits put its beginnings down to 1919.

While before then the teams were engaged in a friendly divisional rivalry, things heated up after the Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1919. Ruth was yet to become the star talent he was, but the transaction was said to have sparked the “Curse of the Bambino”, which was an 86-year World Series championship drought for Boston.

Throughout the 20th century, the Yankees achieved 26 World Series titles, including seven with Babe Ruth. The Red Sox, on the other hand, were dealt disappointment after disappointment. One tense showdown between the two teams ended in heartbreak for the Red Sox, after the Yankees’ Bucky Dent secured a win with a surprising home run.

The 2000s saw the rivalry reach new levels of tension, with the Yankees Aaron Boone ending Red Sox hopes with an 11th-inning walk-off homer. Then, in 2004, Boston’s fortunes changed during one of the best MLB seasons. The Red Sox won four straight games against the Yankees for the first time in MLB history and went on to win their first World Series since 1918.

Today, Red Sox vs Yankees history is still being made, with games between the teams stirring national attention, drawing huge activity at MLB betting sites, and often resulting in sell-out crowds. The games tend to be more intense and strategic, with a lot more on the line than a simple win. With this rivalry, it’s all about civic pride. This intense rivalry makes their matches incredibly popular.

The All-Time Team Records Comparison

The Red Sox vs Yankees head-to-head record begins on their first encounter on May 7, 1903. In their first game, a fight broke out, though the Red Sox would go on to win the game. The following year, the team would showdown in the American League finals, with the Red Sox going to win “The Massachusetts Game” yet again.

However, after the Babe Ruth debacle, the Yankees went on to dominate the regular season, and they now hold the record for the most World Series wins at 27. The Red Sox have been more successful at the World Series in the 21st century, though, having won four compared to the Yankees one.

When looking at their all-time head-to-head scores, The Yankees have dominated in the regular season. However, both teams are evenly matched when it comes to their post-season records. Below we’ve outlined the most key figures in the Red Sox vs Yankees head-to-head record.

Between 2019 and 2023, neither team managed to make it to the World Series, though the Yankees finally broke this streak in 2024. However, the team would go on to lose against the Dodgers 4-1.

Boston Red Sox’s Memorable Rivalry Moments

Over the Red Sox vs Yankees history, Boston has registered many memorable wins against their arch-rivals. Their storied and intense rivalry includes the 1999 ALCS Game 3. In this game, Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez outdueled his Yankees counterpart, Roger Clemens, striking out 12 batters to clinch a memorable win.

The 2003 ALCS Game 7 turned out to be dramatic as the Red Sox defeated the Yankees in the extra-innings with a walk-off home run by Aaron Boone. The victory ensured a place in the World Series for the Red Sox. This victory further solidified their popularity among their fans at Massachusetts online sportsbooks.

The 2004 ALCS Game 4 and Game 5 saw the Red Sox register one of the most famous comebacks in sports history. The Red Sox were trailing 0-3 in the series but overturned the deficit by winning four straight games to advance to the World Series.

In the 2007 ALDS Game 3, the Red Sox registered another memorable comeback by overturning a 0-3 deficit against the Yankees. Later, in Fenway Park’s 100th Anniversary, 2012, Cody Ross hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth innings, capping off a dramatic win for the Red Sox.

New York Yankees’ Memorable Rivalry Moments

The Red Sox vs Yankees rivalry has also seen New York dominate Boston and further entrench the deep antipathy between players and fans. The most famous was the 1978 AL East Tiebreaker Game. Bucky Dent hit a three-run home run to guide the Yankees to a win and secure the play-off spot.

The 2003 ALCS Game 7 saw the Yankees register one of the most memorable wins over their arch-rivals. Aaron Boone hit a walk-off home run in the 11th inning of Game 7 to clinch the victory and send the Yankees to the World Series.

Among other memorable wins, in the 2001 ALDS Game 5, the Yankees overcame a 2-0 deficit against Pedro Martinez and the Red Sox to secure a dramatic 4-3 victory. Early in the 1938 AL Pennant Race, the Yankees, led by Joe DiMaggio and Lou Gehrig, won a crucial late-season game against the Red Sox to clinch the AL Pennant.

While the 2004 ALCS is most memorable for the Red Sox’s comeback, the Yankees displayed their offensive prowess in Game 3 to secure a dramatic 19-8 victory early in the series. Although the following decade saw the Red Sox routinely trump their rivals, customers at the top New York online sportsbooks will delight at seeing the Yankees now dominating the Red Yankees rivalry once again.

Boston Red Sox’s Recent Form and Moments

The 2024 season saw the Boston Red Sox compete in the 124th season of franchise history. After a turbulent 2023, the team rebuilt under new leadership and saw a new direction help them to refocus. The team saw new talent introduced and an adjusted strategy which kept them competitive in the American League East.

Despite the challenges, the team’s performance across the season was consistent and they ended with an 81-81 record and third in the division. This is a decent record that marks a transitional phase and potential for future growth. Although the Yankees vs Red Sox all-time record saw no major shifts, there’s always next year.

New York Yankees’ Recent Form and Moments

The New York Yankees featured in their 121st season in 2023. They entered the season as the defending AL East Champions but finished in the fourth spot with an 82-80 record despite a strong season opening. This was their worst result since 1992.

With their Red Sox vs Yankees head-to-head record on the line, the team shifted gears in 2024. The team dominated the American League with 94 victories, and ultimately made it to the World Series against the Dodgers. However, they were ultimately bested 4-1. Time will tell if the team will bounce back in 2025 — hopefully with more interesting rivals in the Red Sox.