As we dive into the 2021 baseball season with high hopes and unknown expectations, it is worthwhile to take note of what happened 75 years ago, for this is the anniversary of one of the best teams in Red Sox history. The 1946 Red Sox (104 and 50 during the season) will always be remembered, of course, as the victims of Enos Slaughter s mad dash to home to capture the World Series title, but 46 was a glorious time to be a Red Sox fan.
The Sox that year led the American League from wire to wire, beginning with Opening Day at Washington s Griffith Stadium with a six to three victory that was notable for two reasons: Ted Williams hit a monster 465-foot home run to celebrate his return from World War II; it was the presidential Opening Day debut of southpaw Harry Truman who, in addition to throwing out the first ball of the season, went the distance in the game. He was still in his seat beside the Washington dugout when the final out was made.