Who came up with the phrase "Red Sox Nation" ???

[Chairman of the Board]

I have a bet with a friend of mine who says "Red Sox Nation" goes all the way back to the 20's as for the phrase that is known to all Boston Red Sox fans. I disagree and just heard recently that the phrase came from a few local Boston sports fans who started this with the resurgence of baseball and finally winning a championship!
Does anyone know when exactly this supposed "Red Sox Nation" came about?I could really benefit from information on this. It is actually worth $500 to me!
hehehe...

 

[chd]

not sure if this is right or not
but the Oakland Raiders fans have been called
the Raider Nation for years
maybe just a copy cat thing

 

[shack]

not sure if this is right or not
but the Oakland Raiders fans have been called
the Raider Nation for years
maybe just a copy cat thing

Sounds about right.

 

[polisci]

and there's Leaf Nation!!??

 

[shiftee]

Red Sox Nation

I believe the red sox nation website www.redsoxnation.net started in december 2003. I cannot remember hearing the term in the '80's or '90's for that matter