July 24, 2024 – International League (IL)
Worcester Red Sox News Release
Before the Boston Red Sox hosted the New York Yankees on July 24, 2004, the Dropkick Murphys performed their modernized version of “Tessie” for the first time live outside Fenway Park. The musical event began what would become one of the most impactful days in Red Sox history.
About a century earlier, the Boston Americans–the moniker the team used before becoming the Red Sox in 1908–played Honus Wagner and the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1903 World Series. With the team down three games to one in the best-of-nine series, a group of rambunctious fans began singing “Tessie” in hopes of distracting the opposition. The fans’ tactics worked, helping lead the Americans to four straight victories and the first World Series title in team history.
The group of Bostonians were known as the Royal Rooters–the first fan club of the Americans and, later, the Red Sox. Led by Michael “Nuf Ced” McGreevy, the assembly of diehards garnered national attention, becoming infamous to opposing teams for their insults and intimidation strategies.
Gathering on game days at McGreevy’s 3rd Base Saloon, the group would march in procession to their seating that was fittingly on the third base line. From there, the Rooters hootin’ and hollerin’ would ring out from the first to the last pitch.
Originally written by Billy Murray and performed in the Broadway musical The Silver Slipper, “Tessie” quickly became the Royal Rooters’ rallying cry. Often exchanging lyrics for insults and jabs at the opposition, the song was comparable to a right-of-passage and remained with the club as the Sox went on to win five titles in the early 20th century.
Fast forward to 2004, and the Red Sox had not won a World Series in 86 years.
On the cusp of their first American League pennant since 1986, Aaron Boone’s walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS left Boston numb as the Yankees advanced to the World Series. Looking to acquire the final piece of the puzzle that offseason, the Red Sox sought the services of seven-time All-Star and reigning American League MVP Alex Rodriguez.
In a three-team trade with the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox, Boston got their guy–almost. Though the trade was agreed upon, the MLB Players Association axed the deal due to a reduction in the value of Rodriguez’s contact. To make matters worse, the Yankees swooped in and acquired Rodriguez–handing Boston another difficult loss.
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