Baseball is a relentless endeavor. With teams playing 162 games over the course of six months, the sheer volume can render individual moments ephemeral. There’s always “another game tomorrow.” Yet, occasionally, baseball gives rise to remarkable moments that solidify fandom and create lasting nostalgia—“I remember where I was.” The 2004 ALCS between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox is one such unforgettable moment.
We’ve previously covered the context: a brawl, a trade, some late-season drama, and a heart-wrenching playoff loss to the Twins. Now, it’s time to explore the climax of the series.
Games 1-3
If someone were to wake up from a two-decade coma after these games, they would likely be astonished that this series is regarded as a pivotal moment in baseball history. Is this the series where the Yankees once again overpowered the Red Sox?
In Game 1, Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling struggled with a troublesome ankle, leading to a 10-7 victory for the Yankees, who had Mariano Rivera sealing the game at Yankee Stadium.
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Pedro Martinez went up against the NYY lineup in Game 2, completing 6 innings while allowing 3 earned runs, but the support from the Boston bats fell short, resulting in a 3-1 defeat. Once more, Mo played Sinatra’s rendition of New York, New York.
Returning to Beantown for Game 3, there was plenty of hope for a Sox revival. Unfortunately, the much-anticipated Fenway magic was absent—the Sox were overwhelmed, losing 19-8.
Yes—exactly that sort of feeling
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Game 4
Historically, no team has successfully come back from a 3-0 playoff series deficit, and it seemed that record would remain intact. With a score of 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth, Boston found itself facing Rivera, teetering on the edge of potentially writing one of the darkest chapters in the saga of the Curse of the Bambino.
Yet, that was the moment when the unexpected started to unfold.
Kevin Millar earned a walk, prompting Dave Roberts to step in as a pinch runner. As everyone braced for a possible stolen base, the speedy utility player took off on the very first pitch…
It is often said that baseball is a game of inches. If the current manager of the LA Dodgers had slipped by a mere inch—or if Jorge Posada’s throw had been slightly more precise—the Red Sox would likely have faded quietly into oblivion. But that was not the case on this night.
In that instant, Bill Mueller hit a single, allowing Roberts to score and pushing the game into extra innings.
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Tied!
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Following two frames without scoring, David Ortiz, a former Twin, conjured up the magic once again, setting off Dirty Water in Fenway…
Game 5
Marketed as a pitching showdown—Pedro against Mike Mussina—this matchup transformed into an all-time classic for entirely unexpected reasons.
Locked at 4-4 (have two teams ever been more evenly matched?!) after 9 innings, the stalemate pressed on deep into the darkness of New England. Inning 10—11—12—13. Neither team could produce a single score on home plate.
Once again, the magic surfaced at the bottom of the 14th inning.
Following walks issued by NY pitcher Esteban Loaiza to Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez, Ortiz found himself with a new heroic chance—which he seized with both hands…
As Joe Buck famously remarked: “[Damon] can keep on running to New York!”. In an utterly improbable—some may say magical—manner, the ALCS would conclude in NYC.
Game 6
Throughout the season, Schilling was the workhorse for the BoSox, finishing second to Johan Santana in the AL Cy Young voting. The catch? His ankle was in disarray. With a tendon sheath stitched together via a new procedure that would eventually carry his name, Schilling decided to take the mound.
Remarkably, the baseball magic had indeed shifted from Beantown to the Bronx. With blood trickling through his athletic sock…
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…Schilling dominated: 7 innings pitched, 4 hits allowed, 1 earned run scored, leading to a 4-2 victory for the Red Sox.
With the series now tied, it had already become an unforgettable classic, setting the stage for a decisive Game 7.
Game 7
Interestingly, the magic of the finale unfolded quickly but turned out to be somewhat anticlimactic.
In the first inning, Ortiz—who else?!—cracked a two-run homer off Kevin Brown. The Sox continued to trouble Brown, leading to his exit after a sequence of walks in the second inning, which set the stage for Damon…
It felt as though the spirits overseeing this thrilling ALCS had deemed it Boston’s moment. The Red Sox sailed to a 10-3 victory, with Pokey Reese delivering the final out to Doug Mientkiewicz…
In sportswriting, it’s easy to go overboard…
Certain moments or feelings can evoke strong responses. In this context, however, I believe that a sense of magical sentimentality is completely justified. There was an era when baseball reigned supreme in professional sports, with none more captivating than the rivalry between the Yankees and the Red Sox. While 2004 may mark the conclusion of MLB’s golden age, it symbolizes a time when the nation was captivated by baseball’s events—something that is no longer true in today’s fragmented entertainment scene.
I personally recall watching those thrilling games during my college fall break. Every time I witness Dave Roberts getting into that sprinter’s stance and narrowly beating Jeter’s tag, chills run down my spine. It’s not just the remarkable athleticism that moves me; it’s the shared excitement experienced by countless others in that very moment. This truly became a cultural milestone crafted by my beloved sport—if only for the last time.
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Chills
Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images
The Magic of 2004: How the Red Sox Defied History in the ALCS Against the Yankees
Background: The Rivalry
The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have a storied rivalry, characterized by passionate fanbases, memorable moments, and, notably, dramatic postseason matchups. The year 2004 was particularly significant due to the historical context surrounding the teams. The Red Sox were chasing their first World Series title since 1918, while the Yankees aimed to extend their dominance in Major League Baseball (MLB).
The ALCS Setup
In 2004, the Red Sox faced the Yankees in the American League Championship Series (ALCS). The series began on October 12, 2004, with many expecting the Yankees to win based on their regular-season performance and past playoff experiences. However, the Red Sox had other plans.
Key Players to Watch
- David Ortiz: The clutch hitter who would become the face of the series.
- Pedro Martinez: A seasoned pitcher with a fiery competitive spirit.
- Johnny Damon: A pivotal player whose contributions would prove vital.
- Mariano Rivera: The Yankees’ star closer, known for his postseason prowess.
Game-by-Game Breakdown
The Red Sox found themselves in an almost insurmountable position, down three games to none in the series, a feat no team had ever overcome in MLB history. The following is a detailed overview of how they turned the tide:
Game 1: Yankees 10, Red Sox 7
In a thrilling matchup, the Yankees took the lead early, showcasing their offensive power. The Red Sox fought back but ultimately fell short, leaving them in a 1-0 deficit.
Game 2: Yankees 3, Red Sox 1
Another tough loss for the Red Sox as they struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities. This game highlighted the Yankees’ pitching depth, sending the series further into the Yankees’ favor.
Game 3: Yankees 19, Red Sox 8
The Bronx Bombers exploded in this game, demonstrating their ability to dominate. With the Red Sox now down 3-0, fans began to lose hope, and history seemed poised to repeat itself.
The Turning Point: Game 4
Facing elimination, the Red Sox rallied in Game 4, showcasing resilience and determination. The game is often referred to as one of the most iconic moments in baseball history.
Key Moments in Game 4
- David Ortiz‘s late-game heroics: His clutch hitting kept the Red Sox alive.
- Papelbon’s Relief Pitching: A critical factor in stabilizing the bullpen.
Game 5: The Miracle Game
With momentum shifting, the Red Sox secured a victory in Game 5, fueled by Ortiz’s game-winning hit. The series was now 3-2, and whispers of a historic comeback began to circulate.
Decisive Factors in Game 5
- Offensive Explosiveness: The Red Sox offense finally clicked.
- Pitching Changes: Manager Terry Francona made pivotal decisions that paid off.
Game 6: The Comeback Continues
As the series progressed, the Red Sox managed to even the series 3-3, completing what appeared to be a miraculous comeback. Pedro Martinez delivered a masterclass performance, stifling the Yankees’ bats.
High-Impact Players in Game 6
| Player | Impact |
|---|---|
| Pedro Martinez | Dominant pitching performance, striking out key hitters. |
| David Ortiz | Key hits that propelled the Red Sox forward. |
Game 7: History Made
In the final game, the Red Sox faced their fiercest rivals for one last time in the series. The culmination of their hard work and determination was about to pay off.
Game 7 Highlights
- Johnny Damon’s Grand Slam: A pivotal moment that solidified the Red Sox’s lead.
- Strong Bullpen Performance: The relief pitchers held the Yankees at bay.
The Aftermath: Changing the Narrative
The Red Sox’s victory in the 2004 ALCS not only changed the course of that season but also redefined the narrative surrounding the franchise. They went on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, breaking an 86-year championship drought.
Impact on the Franchise
- Cultural Shift: The Red Sox became a symbol of resilience and hope.
- Fan Loyalty: A renewed sense of pride and community among Red Sox fans.
Lessons Learned from the 2004 ALCS
The remarkable journey of the Red Sox in the 2004 ALCS offers several valuable lessons that transcend baseball:
Resilience and Determination
The Red Sox’s ability to bounce back after being down three games is a testament to the power of perseverance. Embracing setbacks can lead to unexpected triumphs.
Teamwork and Collaboration
The collective effort of the players, managers, and support staff demonstrates the importance of working together towards a common goal.
Embracing the Underdog Role
The Red Sox embraced their underdog status, which fueled their motivation and drive to succeed against all odds.
Fan Experience: Witnessing History
For fans who witnessed the 2004 ALCS, the experience was unforgettable. The atmosphere in Fenway Park during these games electrified the crowd and fostered a bond among fans that continues to this day.
Fan Testimonials
“Being at Fenway during those games felt like being part of something truly magical. The energy was palpable!” – John, lifelong Red Sox fan.
“I never believed they could come back. It was like watching a movie unfold right before my eyes!” – Sarah, baseball enthusiast.
Conclusion
The 2004 ALCS remains a defining moment in baseball history. The resilience and tenacity displayed by the Boston Red Sox not only led to their first championship in 86 years but also solidified their legacy in the annals of sports. The magic of 2004 serves as a reminder that anything is possible with determination, teamwork, and a little bit of magic.
