The 2003 Boston Red Sox season was a thrilling and record-breaking campaign that saw the team capture the American League Wild Card with a strong 95-67 record. Under the leadership of first-year general manager Theo Epstein and manager Grady Little, the "Cowboy Up" Red Sox featured a historic offense that set major league records for team slugging percentage and extra-base hits. The season was highlighted by Bill Mueller winning the American League batting title, the emergence of David Ortiz, and a dramatic postseason comeback against the Oakland Athletics in the ALDS. Although they narrowly fell in a seven-game ALCS battle, the season’s camaraderie and resilient spirit laid the foundation for their historic championship the following year. A three-time World Series champion and 2022 Hall of Fame inductee, David "Big Papi" Ortiz was a legendary designated hitter for the Boston Red Sox who recorded 541 career home runs and earned 10 All-Star selections.