History of Rays–Red Sox rivalry in Timeline

The Rays–Red Sox rivalry in MLB gained prominence in 2008 after their ALCS matchup. The rivalry is more recent than the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry. Between 2008 and 2021, the Rays and Red Sox have won a combined seven AL East division titles, solidifying the rivalry. It's considered one of baseball's most competitive modern rivalries.

1963: Don Drysdale said nothing

In 2014, Joe Maddon referenced a quote by Don Drysdale to illustrate friction between teams: "What did Don Drysdale say to the last guy he knocked down on his butt back in 1963? Nothing. He didn't say anything [...] Those kind of thoughts are kind of insinuated, put in play. Play the game."

1977: Toronto Blue Jays join AL East

In 1977, the Toronto Blue Jays had joined AL East. This was referenced when Tampa Bay became the Devil Rays, as they were the first expansion team to join the AL East since the Toronto Blue Jays.

1993: Boggs Signs with Yankees, Angering Red Sox Fans

In 1993, Wade Boggs signed with the New York Yankees, angering some Boston fans who booed him upon his return to Fenway Park.

1998: Tampa Bay Awarded American League Franchise

In 1998, Tampa Bay was awarded an American League franchise and became the Devil Rays. They were the first expansion team to join the AL East since the Toronto Blue Jays joined in 1977.

1998: Wade Boggs' Performance

In 1998, Wade Boggs, batting .280/.348/.400, was one of the most productive players for Tampa Bay.

August 29, 2000: Benches-Clearing Brawl at Tropicana Field

On August 29, 2000, a benches-clearing brawl erupted at Tropicana Field after Devil Rays' Gerald Williams was hit by a pitch thrown by Red Sox' Pedro Martínez. Williams charged the mound, leading to multiple ejections and retaliatory actions throughout the game. Martínez took a no-hitter into the ninth inning.

2000: Rays retire Boggs' number

In 2000, the Rays retired Wade Boggs' number 12.

2004: Red Sox Postseason Walk-Off Wins

In the 2004 ALCS against the Yankees, the Red Sox had their first set of back-to-back walk-off wins in the postseason. This was brought up when comparing it to 2021, after Game 4, when the Red Sox beat Tampa.

2004: Red Sox Win World Series

The Red Sox made four postseason appearances through 2007 including a World Series title in 2004.

2005: Brawl Erupts After Retaliatory Throwing

In 2005, after the Red Sox hit Aubrey Huff, the Devil Rays retaliated by throwing at Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz, leading to a melee with multiple ejections. Curt Schilling criticized Tampa's manager Lou Piniella on a radio show.

2005: Boggs Inducted into Hall of Fame

Wade Boggs was inducted into the Hall of Fame on the 2005 ballot, wearing a Red Sox cap.

2006: Tavárez Punches Gathright, Inciting Brawl

In 2006, Red Sox pitcher Julián Tavárez stepped on Devil Rays baserunner Joey Gathright and then punched him, leading to a brawl and a ten-game suspension.

2007: Red Sox Win World Series

The Red Sox made four postseason appearances through 2007 including a World Series title.

2008: Rays Rebrand and AL East Title

In 2008, the Devil Rays rebranded as the Rays. Tensions rose after a June series of incidents, including a brawl after James Shields drilled Coco Crisp. The Rays won their first AL East title, displacing the Red Sox, and later defeated them in the ALCS before losing the World Series.

2008: Rivalry Intensification and First Postseason Meeting

In 2008, the Rays–Red Sox rivalry intensified, marking the first postseason meeting between the two teams in the ALCS.

2010: Rays Recapture AL East Title

In 2010, the Rays recaptured their AL East title, while the Red Sox were shut out of the postseason for the next two years.

2011: Rays Secure Wild Card Berth, Eliminating Red Sox

In 2011, the Rays and Red Sox were tied in a Wild Card race until the last day of the season. A Red Sox loss and a walk-off home run by Evan Longoria secured the Wild Card berth for the Rays, eliminating the Red Sox. Carl Crawford later called the environment in Boston "toxic."

2013: Altercations and Social Media Barbs

In 2013, several altercations occurred, including an exchange between Matt Joyce and John Lackey. After a controversial Rays victory in July, the teams traded barbs on social media. The Red Sox won the ALDS against the Rays and went on to win the World Series.

2014: Brawls and Controversy

In 2014, brawls erupted in two games in May, leading to several ejections. In July, Chris Archer criticized David Ortiz's home run celebration, sparking a debate between the players and commentary from manager Joe Maddon.

2016: Red Sox retire Boggs' number

In 2016, the Red Sox retired Wade Boggs' number 26.

2018: Red Sox Win World Series, Rays Miss Postseason

In 2018, Boston won another World Series title, while Tampa failed to make the postseason despite a 90-win season.

2019: Bloom Hired as Boston's Chief Baseball Officer

In 2019, Chaim Bloom, formerly of the Rays front office, was hired as Boston's chief baseball officer. He was expected to restructure Boston's team along the same philosophy as Tampa.

2020: Rays Win Division, Red Sox Miss Postseason

In the shortened 2020 season, the Red Sox failed to make the postseason, while the Rays won the division and the American League Pennant. Columnist Dan Shaughnessy criticized the Rays and their small-market approach. The Rays lost the World Series to the Dodgers.

2020: Dismal Seasons for Red Sox

The Red Sox endured dismal seasons in 2020 after Bloom was hired. It was seen as the expectation to turn the Red Sox into Tampa Bay North.

2021: Combined Seven AL East Division Wins

Between 2008 and 2021, the Rays and Red Sox collectively secured the American League (AL) East division title seven times.

2021: Rays Win Division, Controversies Erupt in Division Series

In 2021, the Rays won the division, and Boston defeated New York in the Wild Card game to meet Tampa in the Division Series. Rumors emerged that the Rays ordered champagne in anticipation of a series victory at Fenway Park, which was deemed disrespectful by Alex Verdugo.

2022: Another Dismal Season for the Red Sox

In 2022, the Red Sox endured another dismal season under Chaim Bloom. Globe columnist Shaughnessy summed up the situation: "I hate the Rays because the Red Sox are trying to become the Rays."