In 1901, the minor Western League, led by Ban Johnson, declared its equality with the National League, then the only major league in baseball. Johnson changed the name of the league to the American League, leading teams in his league to be christened with the unofficial nickname “Americans.” This was especially true in the case of the new Boston franchise, which would not adopt an official nickname until 1908.

Established
1901

City
Boston

League History
2000 – Present  Major League Baseball
1901 – 1999  American League

Nickname

Americans – The “Americans” or “Boston Americans” as in “American Leaguers.”

In 1901, the minor Western League, led by Ban Johnson, declared its equality with the National League, then the only major league in baseball. Johnson changed the name of the league to the American League, leading teams in his league to be christened with the unofficial nickname “Americans.” This was especially true in the case of the new Boston franchise, which would not adopt an official nickname until 1908.

Stadium
1912 – Present  Fenway Park
1901 – 1911  Huntington Avenue Grounds

Owner
2002 – Present  Fenway Sports Group
1992 – 2002  JRY Trust
1976 – 1992  Jean R. Yawkey
1933 – 1976  Tom Yawkey
1923 – 1933  Bob Quinn
1916 – 1923  Harry Frazee
1913 – 1916  Joseph Lannin
1911 – 1913  Jimmy McAleer
1904 – 1914  John I. Taylor
1903 – 1904  Henry Killilea
1901 – 1903  Charles Somers