Red Sox Nation

Red Sox Nation is a term given to fans of the Boston Red Sox. The phrase "Red Sox Nation" was first used by Boston Globe feature writer Nathan Cobb in an October 20, 1986 article about split allegiances among fans in Connecticut during the 1986 World Series. The phrase was popularized by the 1996 book At Fenway: Dispatches From Red Sox Nation () by Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy. The term has since been become a commercial trademark of the Boston Red Sox. It is also widely copied both inside and outside sports, e.g. "NASCAR Nation", to describe various subcultures.

Songs, phrases, and hair of significance to Red Sox Nation

• Cowboy Up: Coined by Sox first baseman Kevin Millar during the 2003 regular season, "Cowboy Up" became the rallying cry of the team and Nation in their run through the playoffs. Oddly for the decidedly un-Western region, the phrase is taken from song by Ryan Reynolds, a Country music singer.
• Globe article on the "Cowboy Up" phenomenon
• Still, We Believe: 2004 documentary of the 2003 Red Sox season. Terms like "Believe" and "Faith" would be the mantra of the fanbase during the 2004 season.
• Faith Rewarded: The NESN documentary chronicling the Sox's march to a championship in 2004. Features silly bonus extras, including Big Papi cooking Dominican cuisine for Sam Horn at his Boston apartment.
• Dirty Water, by The Standells: played after every victory at Fenway Park, it is one of the theme songs that the Red Sox Nation is known by.
• Tessie: Theme song performed in 2004 by the Dropkick Murphys, with proceeds going to charity. Red Sox Nation has proven to be an incredible source of philanthropy. Tessie is of historical significance in Red Sox lore as it became the theme song of the Royal Rooters ('Nuff Said McGreavy, Hi-Hi Dixwell, and friends) beginning perhaps at the first World Series in 1903. The Royal Rooters supplied (were) their own band, marched into home and away ball parks as a group with the band playing, and supplied their own lyrics, topically connected to opponent's players and quirks.
• Sweet Caroline: The Neil Diamond song that's played in the middle of the 8th inning at every Red Sox home game and that fans enthusiastically sing-along with.
• Hair: The 2004 Red Sox were known as the "hairiest team in baseball," due to their unconventional hairstyles. This is in marked opposition to the Yankees, who have a very rigid grooming policy. President George W. Bush even commented on the Sox' hirsute nature at a Rose Garden ceremony honoring the team in March 2005. A list of Red Sox and their follicular exploits:
• Kevin Millar: Started the trend by shaving his head during the 2003 postseason. Many of his teammates joined him.
• Bill Mueller: During the bald-head phase, grew a unique handlebar moustache.
• Johnny Damon: Arrived at 2004 spring training with a full beard and long hair, prompting comparisons to cavemen, Jesus, Chewbacca, and even Jim Morrison of The Doors.
• Manny Ramírez: Grew his hair out, wearing it in dreadlocks.
• Bronson Arroyo: Styled his hair into cornrows, somewhat unique for a Caucasian.
• Pokey Reese: Sighted with an afro while on the disabled list.
• Pedro Martínez: Wore his hair in a jheri curl style.