When the Red Sox last won a World Series in 1918 there was no trophy or championship rings. The games weren't even broadcast on radio.

Suffice to say, a lot has changed in 86 years, but prior to 2004 the Red Sox have never had an actual World Series Trophy to showcase to the fans of Red Sox Nation.

That all changed shortly after Boston swept the Cardinals in the 2004 World Series. In the aftermath of victory, team president Larry Lucchino pledged to take the World Series Trophy to each of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts.

Such a quest would require some help, and in January the Massachusetts Lottery became the presenting sponsor of the Red Sox World Series Trophy Tour, spending $250,000 of their $10 million advertising budget to fund security, transportation and publicity for the stops.

Officially known as the Commissioner's Trophy, it was first presented to the World Series winner in 1967, when the Cardinals beat the Red Sox in 7 games. The trophy features flags with each of the 30 teams on it and the World Series champion gets to keep it because a new one is made each year.

The Red Sox's Commissioner's Trophy was designed by Tiffany & Co and carries a $15,000 price tag. It weighs about 30 pounds and is made from sterling silver. The trophy is 2½ feet high and 36 inches around the base.

The Trophy has already been to 14 states, the District of Columbia and the team's academy in the Dominican Republic. It has been celebrated in parades, rallies and viewings in all six New England states plus California, Florida, Georgia, New York, South Carolina, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey. The Trophy has traveled via planes, trains, automobiles, helicopters and boats.

On June 24 the Trophy completed its original journey in Gosnold, the smallest town in Massachusetts (population: 86) and the 351st destination in the state. "After 86 years, the response in all 351 cities and towns has been enormous and deeply gratifying. We go to thank them; they use the occasion to thank us," Lucchino said.

The Trophy will continue to visit any Massachusetts city or town that requests to see it, and since February the ball used for the final out of the World Series has accompanied the trophy on all visits.

The Red Sox can't guarantee the Trophy will be available for specific events and dates. Requests for visits may be submitted in writing to:

  Colin Burch
  Boston Red Sox
  4 Yawkey Way
  Boston, MA   02215

For more information, visit the official World Series Trophy Tour page at the Massachusetts State Lottery's website.

Last updated on June 27, 2005

The Red Sox World Series Trophy on display at Frankie's Sports Grill in Atlanta on December 5, 2004.