How the 2004 Red Sox defied baseball history to end an 86-year championship drought
In short: After trailing the New York Yankees three games to none in the 2004 American League Championship Series, the Boston Red Sox achieved the impossible. They became the first team in Major League Baseball history to overcome such a deficit, fueling a momentum that carried them to their first World Series title since 1918.
The 2004 season began with significant organizational changes, including the hiring of manager Terry Francona and the acquisition of key players like Curt Schilling and Keith Foulke. Despite a strong offensive performance, the team struggled midseason with injuries and defensive inconsistencies, falling over eight games behind the Yankees. General manager Theo Epstein responded at the July 31 trade deadline by acquiring Orlando Cabrera, Doug Mientkiewicz, and Dave Roberts, a move that catalyzed a 22-win surge in 25 games to secure a wild card spot.
The postseason path was fraught with drama. After sweeping the Anaheim Angels in the ALDS, the Red Sox faced their bitter rivals, the Yankees, in the ALCS. Down 3–0, the team faced elimination in Game 4. A stolen base by Dave Roberts and a game-winning home run by David Ortiz sparked a comeback. In Game 6, Curt Schilling famously pitched with a torn tendon sheath in his ankle, his sock stained red with blood. The Red Sox won the series in seven games, a feat never before accomplished in MLB history.
Carrying this momentum into the World Series, the Red Sox faced the St. Louis Cardinals, who held the best record in the major leagues. Boston dominated the series, never trailing in any of the four games. The championship was secured on October 27, 2004, exactly 86 years after their last title. Manny Ramírez was named World Series MVP, while the final out was recorded when Keith Foulke fielded a ball hit by Édgar Rentería, ending a nearly century-long wait for the franchise.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2004 Boston Red Sox season
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