Which Boston team was the most popular pro sports franchise on Google in 2021? – 98.5 The Sports Hub

Boston sports fans are used to their teams dominating on the field/court/rink. In 2021 though, one local team dominated the internet.

According to Mark J. Burns of Sports Business Journal, the Boston Red Sox are at the top of the list of the most popular trending searches of pro sports teams on Google in the U.S. in 2021. They are the only Boston team to make the list, and one of four MLB teams along with the World Series champion Braves (5th), defending champion Dodgers (7th), and AL champion Astros (8th).

The Red Sox were one of the most fascinating teams in sports in 2021. After a dismal 2020 season, they rebounded to win 92 games despite minimal offseason additions. Sparked by the return of manager Alex Cora, they went through the first half of the season at a historic pace, and despite cooling off a bit in August and September, they ended up with a spot in the AL Wild Card Game.

After beating the Yankees at Fenway in the first win-or-go-home game between the two teams since the 2004 ALCS, the Red Sox beat the AL East-winning Tampa Bay Rays in four games in the ALDS. Theyd go on to lose the ALCS to the Astros in six games.

This is the second year in a row a Boston team has topped the annual list. The Celtics were the most-Googled team in 2020, with the Bruins also appearing on the list in 9th. The Bruins also came in 2nd in 2019. The Patriots last appeared in 2017, coming in 7th. With the list coming out in the middle of the NFL season, it skews slightly away from NFL teams.

No local players were in the top 10 most Googled athletes this year. The last time Boston was represented on that list was 2019, when Antonio Brown was the most searched pro athlete and person in the country. David Ortiz was the third-most searched athlete that year.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter@RealAlexBarthor via email atabarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

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Which Boston team was the most popular pro sports franchise on Google in 2021? - 98.5 The Sports Hub