The Boston Red Sox have claimed the franchise’s ninth World Series Championship title after dominating the Los Angeles Dodgers throughout the best-of-seven series. For a team being hailed “best Red Sox team ever” by Bostonians and outsiders alike, this is the only acceptable conclusion to a stellar, record-setting season.

This season’s success began six months ago in spring training, where the Sox tallied more wins than anyone else in Florida’s Grapefruit League. The Sox continued this momentum into the regular season, achieving the most wins in the league and setting a franchise record with 108 wins.

The wins kept coming during post-season play. After beating the New York Yankees in four games, the Sox went on to end the Houston Astros’ season in five games to claim the American League pennant.

The Red Sox earned two wins in Boston to start the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who were hoping for redemption after a seven game defeat in last year’s World Series. When the series shifted to the West coast, the teams played an 18-inning classic in Game 3 that featured six stellar innings out of the bullpen by the Red Sox’ Nathan Eovaldi, whose heroic effort ultimately went for naught when the Dodgers’ Max Muncy launched a walk-off home run in the 18th inning. The Sox quickly regained their footing, responding with a come-from-behind 9-6 win in Game 4 and a 5-1 victory in Game 5 to clinch the title.

This win boosted the Red Sox’ overall win count to 119 victories on the year, the third highest in MLB history.

The individual players’ who helped Boston earn this victory added compelling narratives to the World Series.

It took a while for the Sox’s 33-year-old pitcher David Price to match his personal success with that of his team this season. His first ten postseason starts in his career had produced a 0-9 record and a horrendous ERA of 6.03, including a nightmare performance against the Yankees in the Division Series.

A completely different player seemed to break through in the World Series. Price allowed just two runs in a Game 2 start and made a scoreless appearance in relief in Game 3, pitching a far improved 1.98 ERA. His real center-stage moment came in Game 5, where he pitched seven full innings that held the Dodgers to one run and ended in rings for the Sox.

“It’s very special. Seeing all [my teammates] over there acting like little kids, it’s what it’s all about,” Price said moments after the victory.

It’s safe to say the entire team and staff felt similar pride.

“What a season. Everything starts with these guys. They’re very talented. From day one in spring training, they’ve been very consistent as far as preparation, going about business. What a way to end it,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said.

Boston fully embraced the opportunity to celebrate with packed streets of roaring fans at the victory parade on Oct. 31, the 11th such parade Boston sports fans have enjoyed in the past 18 years.

While this season will be hard to top in numbers and talent, several returning players look to ride Boston’s success into next season. Regardless of what follows, the baseball world will surely remember the 2018 World Champions.