The 1919 Boston Red Sox season was the 19th season in the franchise's Major League Baseball history. The Red Sox finished sixth in the American League (AL) with a record of 66 wins and 71 losses, games behind the Chicago White Sox. The team played its home games at Fenway Park.
While World War I had ended in November 1918, players who had been drafted returned gradually during 1919. The season was shortened from 154 to 140 games and did not begin until mid-April, with the Red Sox playing their first game on April 23.
In his last year playing for the Red Sox, Babe Ruth had his breakout offensive season having been converted into an outfielder. He set a major league record with 29 home runs and also led the league in runs batted in and runs scored. Ruth also made 15 pitching starts, going 9âÂÂ5 with a 2.97 earned run average.
On July 31, Waite Hoyt made his first start for the Boston Red Sox, beating the Detroit Tigers 2âÂÂ1 in twelve innings for his first major league victory.
In July, the Red Sox traded pitcher Carl Mays to the Yankees for pitchers Allen Russell and Bob McGraw, as well as $40,000.
In late July, pitcher Waite Hoyt of the independent Baltimore Dry Docks signed a contract to play for the Red Sox for $600 a month.
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts