Few rivalries in sports carry as much history, passion, and drama as the one between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. Stretching back more than a century, this matchup has produced unforgettable games, legendary players, and even cultural storylines that extend far beyond the baseball diamond.
One of the most common questions fans ask is: “What is the Yankees record against the Red Sox?” The numbers tell one story, but the rivalry’s deeper meaning goes beyond wins and losses. Let’s break down the statistics, the history, and why this rivalry remains one of the most compelling in sports.
The All-Time Record: Yankees vs. Red Sox
As of the 2025 MLB season, the New York Yankees lead the all-time head-to-head series against the Boston Red Sox.
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Regular Season Record:
The Yankees have won 1,246 games, while the Red Sox have taken 1,033 games in their regular season matchups. This gives New York a comfortable lead and a winning percentage of around .547. -
Postseason Record:
When the two teams meet in October, things are more balanced. Both franchises have claimed postseason victories against each other. Historic series like the 2003 ALCS (won by the Yankees) and the 2004 ALCS (won by the Red Sox) stand out as defining moments. -
Combined Record:
If you include both regular season and playoff games, the Yankees still hold the edge overall, though the Red Sox have carved out unforgettable wins that fans will never forget.
A Rivalry Born in 1903
The Yankees–Red Sox rivalry began in May 1903, when the Boston Americans (later the Red Sox) faced the New York Highlanders (later the Yankees). From that moment on, the two teams have been locked in competition for American League dominance.
The rivalry escalated dramatically in 1919, when the Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees. This transaction is remembered as the start of the infamous “Curse of the Bambino”, a superstition that haunted Boston for 86 years until their 2004 World Series victory.
Key Rivalry Moments
The Yankees–Red Sox history is filled with defining clashes. Some of the most notable include:
The Curse of the Bambino
The Yankees benefited enormously from acquiring Babe Ruth. His presence helped New York rise to dominance, while Boston entered a prolonged championship drought. This curse became part of baseball folklore.
The 1978 “Bucky Dent Game”
In October 1978, the Yankees and Red Sox played a one-game playoff at Fenway Park to decide the AL East. Light-hitting shortstop Bucky Dent stunned the crowd with a three-run homer, propelling New York to victory and leaving Boston fans heartbroken.
The 2003 ALCS
Aaron Boone’s dramatic walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS sent the Yankees to the World Series and deepened Red Sox fans’ frustration.
The 2004 ALCS Comeback
Just one year later, the Red Sox achieved the unthinkable. Down 0 – 3 in the series, Boston stormed back to win four straight games against the Yankees, completing the most famous comeback in baseball history. The Red Sox then went on to break their World Series curse.
Recent Postseason Battles
The rivalry continued in the 2018 ALDS, where the Red Sox defeated the Yankees on their way to another championship, and the 2021 Wild Card Game, which Boston also won at Fenway Park.
Current Season Snapshot (2025)
In the 2025 season, the rivalry remains as fiery as ever. The Boston Red Sox currently lead the season series 5–1 against the Yankees. This reflects a swing in momentum, even though New York still controls the long-term head-to-head advantage.
Each year, these games carry heightened stakes, often affecting playoff races in the competitive American League East.
Why This Rivalry Captivates Fans
The Yankees–Red Sox rivalry is more than just baseball. It’s about identity, culture, and pride.
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Geographic Proximity: With New York and Boston just a few hours apart, fans interact regularly, fueling constant banter.
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Contrasting Identities: The Yankees are often seen as the wealthy powerhouse with 27 World Series championships, while the Red Sox embody resilience and underdog spirit despite their rich history.
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Generational Impact: Families pass down stories of heartbreak and triumph, ensuring the rivalry never loses its intensity.
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National Attention: Yankees–Red Sox games are broadcast nationwide, often drawing playoff-like ratings even during the regular season.
The Numbers That Matter
Here’s a quick breakdown of the rivalry statistics:
| Category | Yankees | Red Sox | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season Wins | 1,246 | 1,033 | Yankees lead overall |
| Postseason Series | Several | Several | Historic balance, but iconic clashes |
| Combined Wins (All-Time) | 1,246 | 1,045 | Yankees hold advantage |
| 2025 Season Record | 1 | 5 | Red Sox lead current season |
The Cultural Impact of Yankees–Red Sox
Beyond the diamond, the rivalry influences:
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Movies & Pop Culture: Films like Fever Pitch highlight Red Sox fandom, while Yankees’ dominance is often showcased in documentaries.
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Merchandise Wars: Yankees and Red Sox caps are among the most recognizable sports symbols globally.
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Tourism: Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium remain must-visit landmarks, especially during rivalry matchups.
Looking Ahead: The Rivalry in the Modern Era
Both franchises continue to invest heavily in talent, analytics, and development. The Yankees aim to return to World Series dominance, while the Red Sox look to reestablish themselves as perennial contenders.
As the 2025 season unfolds, every matchup between the two is treated as a playoff game, reinforcing why this rivalry has stood the test of time.
So, what is the Yankees record against the Red Sox? The numbers reveal that the Yankees hold a clear historical edge, with over 1,200 victories compared to just over 1,000 for Boston. But the true story of the Yankees–Red Sox rivalry cannot be told by statistics alone.
It is a tale of curses and comebacks, legends and heartbreaks, and a century of battles that continue to captivate baseball fans around the world. Whether the Yankees or the Red Sox are on top in a given year, the rivalry remains baseball’s greatest drama one that defines the sport itself.
