The year was 1966. The team in ninth place in the then 10-team American League Division, that year, was the Boston Red Sox). A year later, the 1967 Red Sox would turn that dismal 1966 season around, and reach the World Series, while taking on the moniker of the “Cardiac Kids.”
TEACH ME HOW, VERDUGIE
The Red Sox walk it off!
(via @RedSox) pic.twitter.com/1BkDN3EreA
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 2, 2023
After 56 Years, the Red Sox are the Cardiac Kids, Again
Cardiac Kids
The origin of Cardiac Kids came about because the team played exciting and unexpected baseball during that 1967 season. The Red Sox were not expected to have the season they had. Red Sox fans wanted and hoped they could overcome negative predictions and reach the World Series. That 1967 team was made up of young players. The average age of the team was just 24 years old. In essence, the Red Sox were just kids. The propensity of the young team to defy the odds was enough to give Red Sox fans a heart attack. Thus, the Cardiac Kids moniker was born.
They’re Back…
To watch the 2023 Red Sox, one cannot help but be reminded of the 1967 team. The 2023 team was not expected to be good, but are playing competitive baseball. In 29 games this season, 20 of those games have been decided by three runs or less (69%). Additionally, the Sox have come back to win after trailing at some point or being tied, in seven of those 20 games.
How the Cardiac Kids Came Back to Boston
The Red Sox have been defying the odds much like that 1967 team. Much hullabaloo was made when the Red Sox did not re-sign fan favorite and Red Sox stalwart, Xander Bogaerts. The Sox have appeared to weather that storm. Alex Verdugo is showing his full potential, and Jarren Duran is playing a productive role for the Sox since being recalled from Triple-A Worcester, earlier this season. Pitching has also been a big part of the Sox’s success, to the point that Red Sox manager, Alex Cora, has decided to go with the rarely-seen six-man starting rotation, due largely in part to the success of Tanner Houck (3-1, 4.50 ERA, 26 IP, 24 K’s), and Kutter Crawford (1-1, 3.70 ERA, 24.1 IP, 24 K’s).
Takeaway
The 2023 Red Sox, much like their 1967 counterparts are a fun and exciting team to watch. Red Sox fans, especially those old enough to remember, will see the similarities between the two teams. For those fans, it will remind them of their younger days and maybe a simpler time. A time when they rooted for a group of young guys and a young manager, who defied the odds and expectations and made it to within a game of being World Series champions. For those, not old enough to remember, calling this 2023 Red Sox team the cardiac kids is an opportunity to learn about the history of their favorite team and the original cardiac kids from 1967. A team that defied the odds and silenced the critics, just like the 2023 team is doing with each game they play; the Cardiac Kids are back!
Main photo credits:
Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned:
Xander Bogaerts, Alex Verdugo, Jarren Duran, Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford
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