After too many disappointing Octobers, the Red Sox beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-0 Wednesday night to sweep the World Series in four games, bringing the city its first title since 1918.

Several hundred fans welcomed players home to Fenway on a clear, chilly morning, watching as designated-hitter Ellis Burks carried the championship trophy off the team bus.

``They've waited their entire lives, every year saying this is the year and meaning it, and this IS the year,'' team owner John Henry said.