The Boston Red Sox have retired 8 numbers throughout their storied history, placing them among the elite franchises in Major League Baseball. These numbers are displayed on the right field facade of Fenway Park, the iconic ballpark that has stood since 1912, creating a living monument to the greatest players ever to wear the Red Sox uniform.
The Hall of Honor at Fenway
Walking past Fenway Park is walking through baseball history. The 9 of Ted Williams, the Splendid Splinter who won two American League batting titles and batted .406 in 1941, dominates the right field wall. Next to it hangs the 8 of Carl Yastrzemski, who played 23 consecutive seasons with Boston and won the Triple Crown in 1967, the year the Red Sox won the American League pennant. The 4 of Joe Cronin, the shortstop and manager who led Boston to the 1946 World Series, also holds its place in that gallery of honor.
Pioneers and Modern Legends
The 1 of Bobby Doerr represents the pioneers of Boston’s dynasty in the 1940s and 1950s, when the Red Sox won pennants with regularity. Doerr was an elite defensive second baseman and reliable hitter for nearly two decades. The 27 of Carlton Fisk carries one of baseball’s most iconic moments: his home run in the 1975 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds, a twelfth-inning blast off the Green Monster in Game 6 that still echoes in the hearts of every New England fan.
Other Numbers That Honor Tradition
Beyond these five, Boston has retired the 6 of Johnny Pesky, the shortstop who symbolized the postwar era, the 14 of Jim Rice, a powerful left fielder who won the MVP award in 1978, and the 2 of Ted Williams in his role as manager. Each number tells a story of excellence, dedication, and connection to a fanbase that breathes baseball in a city where the Red Sox are more than a team—they’re part of the identity.
The Meaning of a Retired Number
Retiring a number in Major League Baseball is the highest honor a player can receive. It’s not just recognizing statistics—though the numbers of Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, and Carlton Fisk speak for themselves—but immortalizing a player’s impact on the organization and community. In Boston, where fans have long memories and high standards, each retired number represents decades of commitment and moments that defined generations of supporters.
| Number | Player | Position | Key Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Ted Williams | Left Fielder | 1939–1960 |
| 8 | Carl Yastrzemski | Left Fielder | 1961–1983 |
| 4 | Joe Cronin | Shortstop | 1935–1945 |
| 1 | Bobby Doerr | Second Base | 1937–1951 |
| 27 | Carlton Fisk | Catcher | 1969–1980 |
| 6 | Johnny Pesky | Shortstop | 1942–1952 |
| 14 | Jim Rice | Left Fielder | 1974–1989 |
| 2 | Ted Williams (Manager) | Manager | 1967–1972 |
FAQ
Where can you see the Boston Red Sox retired numbers?
They’re displayed on the right field facade of Fenway Park, visible to anyone entering the stadium or passing by its exterior. It’s a permanent tribute to the franchise’s greatest players.
Which was the first number retired by the Red Sox?
The 4 of Joe Cronin, retired in 1947, was the first in Red Sox history, establishing a tradition that continues today.
Why is Carlton Fisk so important to Boston?
Beyond being a Gold Glove-caliber catcher, his home run in the 1975 World Series is one of the most memorable moments in franchise history, even though Boston lost that series to Cincinnati in seven games.
