I meant to get this out at the end of last week, when the Yankees and Red Sox played their first series of the season. But it didn’t happen. But with a game Wednesday night, it makes sense to take some time and think about all the fantastic moments this rivalry has seen. Here’s 5 that I’m particularly fond of. Listed in no particular order. Its clearly skewed towards events between these two teams in the past decade, probably because for years the Yankees simply owned the Sox.

1. Dave Roberts steals second.

To me, this is the singular moment in Red Sox history. I love the story about Francona sending in Roberts as a pinch runner and Roberts looking back for instruction from his manager. Francona’s instructions were simple: “Touch home plate.” Hell you could probably find 5 fantastic moments from the 2004 ALCS all by itself. Such as…

2. Papi’s game winning hit in game 5 of the 2004 ALCS

My favorite fan shot video of all time. Give me goosebumps every time I watch it.

3. Johnny Damon returns to Fenway as a Yankee

I actually disagreed with the treatment Damon got his first at bat. After all, Johnny was a big part of winning the World Series in 2004. Remember his granny in game 7 of the ALCS? How big was that? In my opinion, Johnny deserved a standing O that first time back, then after that he’s a Yankee and the enemy. Boo the hell out of him. But what I loved about this moment is the definitive statement made by Sox fans: Under no circumstances can you leave the Red Sox, sign with the Yankees, and expect hugs when you come back to Fenway. Don’t even think about it.

4. Fisk give Yankees bench the bird

Fisk gets invited to throw out the first pitch of game 3 in the 99 ALCS at Fenway, gets out on the mound, turns to the Yankees bench, and gives them the finger. Probably still upset for Pinella going into home spikes up in ‘76 and the body slam Bill Lee got (ruining his career) in the ensuing brawl.

5. Varitek feeds his catcher’s mitt to A-Rod

A lot has been said about this moment. Probably the moment that turned the 2004 season around. Things like this are the reason Varitek is the captain. Broson Arroyo simply lost control of a pitch (that happend a lot with him) - and if I remember correctly, it was probably a slow curve - A-Rod decides he going to try and intimidate the young pitcher. As A-Rod is yakking at Bronson Arroyo and Varitek is standing between them while walking up the first base line, the legend goes that Varitek told A-Rod “We don’t throw at .260 hitters.”

Have a favorite moment not listed here? Let us know in the comments below.