SPORTS ILLUSTRATED PRESENTS has published a special collectors issue commemorating the Boston Red Sox 2007 World Championship. The 92-page magazine features ALCS MVP Josh Beckett on its cover with a billing that reads, "Boston Red SoxWorld Champions 2007." Highlights of the special issue include:
NOT YOUR FATHERS RED SOX: After years of tears, the Red Sox suddenly have an empire to call their own, writes Michael Northrop.
THE 2007 SEASON IN PICTURES: Boston earned its first division title in 12 years by taking an early lead and holding on tight, writes Bill Trocchi.
THE 2007 PLAYOFFS: Challenged to the brink by the Indians, Boston otherwise sped through the Playoffs to earn a second title in four seasons. Clearing the First Hurdle: The one-two punch of Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz quickly KOd the Angels, writes Joe Lemire. The Power and the Glory: Josh Beckett proved himself to be baseballs best big-game hunter, writes Melissa Segura.
WORLD SERIES: The 2007 World Series: Flat-out flying from the first pitch, Boston sailed to its second series win in four seasons, writes Tom Verducci.
THE HEROES: The Red Sox got big-time contributions from their established stars and some newly minted ones in 2007. Big Papi: With a big personality and an even bigger bat, David Ortiz brings the Red Sox together, writes Tom Verducci. Jonathan Papelbon: The natural born closer has a killer instinct and a fastball to match, writes Tom Verducci. Kevin Youkilis: The Red Sox first base mensch has fans from Concord to Cambridge chanting his name, writes Mark Bechtel.
THE HISTORY BOYS: In this era of plenty we toast four greats who reached the World Series but didnt win a ring with Boston. Ted Williams: The Florida sun shone brightly when the Kid returned to spring training following Korea, writes Robert Creamer. Carl Yastrzemski: His Triple Crown season turned the dream of a pennant in 1967 into reality, writes William Leggett. Carlton Fisk: It wasnt in his nature for the Boston catcher to settle for less than the best, writes Melvin Maddocks. Wade Boggs: For Mr. Routine, it was all in the preparation, but which came first: the chicken or the hits? - by Peter Gammons.
COVERING ALL THE BASES: As the Red Sox camped out in the unfamiliar territory of first place in the American League East, what else was going on around the Major Leagues?
FOR THE RECORD: From Beckett to Youkilis, telling numbers for the Boston Red Sox.
FRONT-PAGE NEWS: The SI Cover Gallery; Since winning the World Series in 2004, the Red Sox have been well covered.
