1948 and 1949
The 1948 season was one where they need to win against the Yankees and did it. A two game series at Fenway Park saw Boston capture both games easily and finish the season tied with the Cleveland Indians. The Boston Braves had already captured a National League title so a street car series was in the works.
The Indians and the Red Sox both had excellent offensive teams as the Tribe led the AL in hitting and Boston finished third. The Red Sox staff led the AL and all awaited Mel Parnell to win it all. Manager Joe McCarthy chose Denny Galehouse and another chapter in the Fellowship of the Miserable was written.
In 1949 the Red Sox had to face the Yankees again at season’s end to get an invite to the World Series. Boston had the top ranked staff in the AL and the Yankees staff a rare last. Offensively the Red Sox were also ranked first with the Yankees just a step behind.
During the season Boston trailed as much as 10 and ½ games, but started to chip away until on September 26th they took a one game lead. Boston had won 12 out of 13 games going into a two game set in New York. Just win one! But it was not one, but none.