Red Sox Nation: Playoff Hopes, 617 Patches, and What It Means to Be a Fan

The Boston Red Sox are one of the most famous teams in baseball, with a long history and millions of passionate fans. Whether you’re a lifelong follower or new to the team, you might have some questions. Here are the answers to some of the most common things people ask about the team from Fenway Park.

Do the Red Sox Have a Chance of Making the Playoffs?

The Red Sox playoff picture is a hot topic. As of September 2025, their chances of making the MLB playoffs 2025 are looking strong. According to FanGraphs, a website that analyzes baseball statistics, the Red Sox have a high probability of making the postseason.

The team is in a good position to secure a Wild Card spot. Their chances have improved significantly since the beginning of the season, thanks to strong performances from both young players and veterans. However, they play in the very competitive American League East, so they will have to continue playing well in their final games, especially against rivals like the New York Yankees.

What Do You Call a Red Sox Fan?

If you’re wondering what is a Red Sox fan called, the most popular term is a member of “Red Sox Nation.” This nickname was first used by a writer for The Boston Globe in 1986. It perfectly captures the idea that Red Sox fans are a large, loyal community spread across the entire country, not just in Boston. The team even offers official “citizenship” in Red Sox Nation, which comes with a membership card.

What Does 617 Mean on a Red Sox Uniform?

On the sleeve of the blue and yellow Boston Red Sox uniform, there is a patch that looks like a runner’s bib with the number 617. This number represents the main Boston area code.

This specific Boston Red Sox uniform is called the “City Connect” jersey. It was designed to celebrate the city of Boston and its culture. The yellow and blue colors are a tribute to the Boston Marathon, and the Red Sox 617 meaning is a direct nod to the city and Fenway Park’s home area code.

Why Is It Sox Not Socks?

The reason for the unique spelling of “Sox” dates back to the early 1900s. The team’s name was inspired by an older Boston team called the “Red Stockings.”

Back then, newspaper headline writers often shortened long words to make them fit. “Sox” became a popular, punchy slang for “stockings.” This was part of a broader movement at the time to simplify the spelling of English words. When the team officially became the “Red Sox” in 1908, they adopted this trendy, shorter spelling that was already being used by sportswriters.