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September 8, 1978 - Fenway Park Incident:

1. Context: The Boston Red Sox were in a fierce pennant race with their arch-rival, the New York Yankees, during the 1978 MLB season. The term "Boston Massacre" refers to a pivotal four-game series at Fenway Park from September 7-10, 1978, where the Yankees swept the Red Sox, dramatically altering the course of the season.
2. Impact of the Series:
• Game Results: The Yankees won all four games decisively, with scores of 15-3, 13-2, 7-0, and 7-4.
• Standings Shift: The series sweep erased a significant lead that the Red Sox had in the American League East, bringing the Yankees into a tie with Boston.
• Psychological Blow: The crushing defeats dealt a severe psychological blow to the Red Sox, who had been leading the division comfortably.
3. Aftermath:
• Season Finish: The Yankees and Red Sox ended the regular season tied, necessitating a one-game playoff to decide the division champion.
• Bucky Dent Game: In the one-game playoff held on October 2, 1978, Yankees' shortstop Bucky Dent hit a memorable three-run home run, leading to a Yankees' victory and securing their place in the postseason.
4. Legacy:
• Historical Significance: The 1978 "Boston Massacre" is remembered as a critical moment in the storied Yankees-Red Sox rivalry. It exemplifies the dramatic and often heartbreaking nature of the rivalry for Boston fans.
• Cultural Impact: The events of September 1978 have been discussed and analyzed extensively in sports media and fan circles, contributing to the mythos of the Yankees-Red Sox feud.

The 1978 "Boston Massacre" remains a significant episode in baseball history, symbolizing the intense competition and emotional highs and lows of one of the sport's greatest rivalries.

Offered is an original 8x10 photograph taken by Rachel Ritchie and stamped September 8, 1978 of the first game of the Boston Massacre. Reggie Jackson is being congratulated by Thurman Munson & Mickey Rivers after his Home Run drove them in to score in the 2^nd inning. Chris Chamblis is there to join in the celebration while a dejected Carlton Fisk behind the plate looks on.

Encapsulated Authentic as a TYPE I photo by PSA/DNA