The Boston Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1 in game six of the 109^th World Series last Wednesday night. This win gave Boston their third World Series title since 2003.

This year was a big change in pace for the Red Sox, who only won 69 games and ended the season on an eight-game losing streak just one year ago. One year, one manager, and $100 million later, Boston added one more World Series title to their record books.

“We expected a step in the right direction,” Red Sox President Larry Lucchino said. “We just didn’t know how big a step it would be.”

Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz was named the Most Valuable Player, after he got 11 hits in 15 at-bats for a .733 batting average. Just for comparison, anything around .300 is an exceptional batting average. Ortiz batted in six runs and walked four times and if he had not have played in the World Series; Boston’s team batting average would’ve dropped from .205 to .151.

“When we started rolling, nobody ever stopped the train,” Ortiz said.

In April, the finish line of the Boston Marathon was rocked by an explosion. The Red Sox team rallied to support the city and many players dedicated their season to the citizens of Boston.

“This was above us as a group,” Red Sox catcher David Ross said. “This was bigger than a baseball team, an organization. The city brought passion, character. This was bigger than just the Boston Red Sox and the guys on the field. This is a great win for the city of Boston.

The Boston Red Sox’s victory parade drew a crowd of around 1 million people, and ended at the same finish line of the Boston Marathon, where the fans and team sang God Bless America.

“I think when we all stopped in that moment, and ‘God Bless America’ was sung, I think for a split second, and rightfully so, it took us back to the day in which we departed here on April 15,” manager John Farrell said. “And again, in some ways, to bring a little bit of closure to it in terms of how the baseball season related to the tragedy, it was kind of a unique moment.”

The Red Sox now have time off until mid-February when pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training. Boston has yet to release their schedule, but it is expected that their first game will be in late February.