At first glance, the Red Sox’s bright yellow Marathon-themed City Connect uniforms seem like just another lame gimmick. There is no red or tradition to be found, and they are quite jarring.
But they represent resiliency, and more recently, wins. The Red Sox have won four straight games in their special uniforms. They aren’t ready to take them off any time soon.
“I'm sorry, but if we continue winning we've got to stay with them,” Xander Bogaerts said Wednesday. The star shortstop hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the fifth and a two-run double in the sixth to propel the Red Sox to a 6-3 victory.
It was Boston’s sixth straight win overall.
The Red Sox’s yellow Marathon jerseys — complete with a “617” patch on the shoulder in the style of a runner’s bib and MBTA-style lettering on the front — were unveiled as a tribute to the Boston Marathon. While the Red Sox have played a special late-morning game on Patriots Day since 1959, their connection to the iconic event was strengthened following the 2013 bombings.
The Red Sox made a surprise World Series run that season, turning around their fortunes following a disastrous last-place finish on the strength of a great core and solid veterans on short-term deals.
Does that formula sound familiar?
It’s been a brutal stretch run for the Red Sox. In addition to relinquishing first place, they’ve placed 14 players on the COVID-related injury list — including Bogaerts, Matt Barnes and the unvaccinated Chris Sale. The organization also opted to stay conservative at the deadline, much to the chagrin of its fans.
But the Red Sox’s fortunes have turned around during the final home stand of the season. They now have a 1.5-game edge for the first Wild Card, and a 2-game lead over the Yankees. They could essentially clinch their playoff spot with a series win over the Yankees this weekend.
Next week, the Red Sox finish up against the Orioles and Nationals, whereas the Yankees and Blue Jays will go head-to-head.
Winning baseball teams often adopt rallying cries and superstitions over the long six-month season. The Red Sox started up the laundry cart early on, and the Marathon jerseys are helping them finish.
For years, the Red Sox’s primary alternate uniforms were their red get-ups, usually saved for Friday night home games. But it looks like it’s time to get ready for bright yellow. It’s rare an alternate jersey provides this much meaning.
