Red Sox 2004 Playoff: A Historic Run

by Jhon Lennon 37 views

The 2004 Boston Red Sox playoff schedule is something that every baseball fan remembers, especially those in New England. It wasn't just a playoff run; it was a saga filled with nail-biting moments, improbable comebacks, and the breaking of an 86-year-old curse. For generations, Red Sox fans had endured heartbreak after heartbreak, watching their team snatch defeat from the jaws of victory time and again. But 2004 was different. This was the year the Red Sox finally conquered their demons and etched their names in baseball history.

The Lead-Up to October

Before diving into the playoff schedule, it's important to set the stage. The 2004 regular season saw the Red Sox battling the New York Yankees for supremacy in the AL East. The rivalry was already legendary, but this season added several new chapters. Key players like David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, and Curt Schilling joined veterans like Jason Varitek to form a formidable team. The team's resilience was tested throughout the season, with multiple injuries and slumps. Yet, they persevered, securing a Wild Card berth with a 98-64 record. This perseverance would be a defining characteristic of their playoff journey.

The atmosphere surrounding the team was electric. Boston fans, hardened by years of disappointment, approached the playoffs with a mix of hope and trepidation. They had seen too many promising seasons end in disaster to get their hopes up completely. However, there was an undeniable buzz in the air. This team felt different. They had a swagger, a never-say-die attitude that resonated with the city. It was as if they were carrying the weight of all those past failures on their shoulders, determined to finally break free.

As the playoffs approached, the media was abuzz with predictions and analysis. Most experts gave the Red Sox a decent chance, but few truly believed they could overcome the Yankees, who had dominated them for so long. The Yankees, with their star-studded roster and seemingly endless resources, were the favorites. The Red Sox were seen as plucky underdogs, a team with heart but perhaps lacking the killer instinct needed to win it all. Little did anyone know, the Red Sox were about to embark on a journey that would defy all expectations and rewrite the history books.

ALDS vs. Anaheim Angels

The Red Sox faced the Anaheim Angels in the American League Division Series (ALDS). The Angels, the defending World Series champions, were a tough opponent.

  • Game 1: Boston hosted Game 1, and it was a tight affair. The Red Sox prevailed 9-3, setting a positive tone for the series. The energy at Fenway Park was palpable, with the crowd roaring with every pitch.
  • Game 2: Anaheim struck back in Game 2, winning 4-1. The series shifted to Anaheim tied at 1-1, and the pressure mounted.
  • Game 3: Back in Anaheim, the Red Sox demonstrated their resilience, taking Game 3 with a score of 8-6.
  • Game 4: They sealed the series victory with a 8-6 win in Game 4, advancing to the ALCS.

This series was a crucial test for the Red Sox. It showed they could handle the pressure of playoff baseball and that they had the grit to win tough games on the road. The Angels were a formidable opponent, but the Red Sox found ways to score runs and shut down their offense when it mattered most. This series win gave the team a huge confidence boost heading into the ALCS.

ALCS vs. New York Yankees

The American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the New York Yankees is the stuff of legends. After losing the first three games, the Red Sox were on the brink of elimination. The Yankees, riding high on their dominance, seemed poised to sweep their rivals and cruise to the World Series. But what happened next is arguably the greatest comeback in baseball history. This is where the true test of the Red Sox came.

  • Game 1: The Yankees dominated Game 1, winning 10-7. The loss was a punch to the gut for Red Sox fans, who had hoped for a strong start to the series.
  • Game 2: Game 2 was even more devastating, with the Yankees winning 3-1 in 12 innings. The Red Sox offense went cold, and the Yankees' pitching staff shut them down.
  • Game 3: In Game 3, the Yankees completed a three-game sweep at Fenway with a crushing 19-8 victory. The atmosphere in Boston was funereal. Fans were resigned to yet another year of disappointment. The Curse of the Bambino seemed as potent as ever.

Then came the turning point. Facing elimination in Game 4 at Fenway Park, the Red Sox rallied in dramatic fashion.

  • Game 4: Down to their final outs in the bottom of the ninth, they were trailing 4-3 when Kevin Millar drew a walk from Mariano Rivera, arguably the greatest closer of all time. Dave Roberts came in to pinch-run and stole second base, setting up Bill Mueller to drive him in with a single, tying the game. David Ortiz then hit a walk-off home run in the 12th inning to win the game 6-4, sparking a wild celebration.

That win changed everything. It breathed new life into the Red Sox and their fans. The momentum had shifted, and the Yankees suddenly looked vulnerable.

  • Game 5: The Red Sox carried that momentum into Game 5, winning 5-4 in 14 innings. Ortiz once again played the hero, hitting another walk-off single.
  • Game 6: The series shifted back to New York, where Curt Schilling pitched a masterful game on an injured ankle, leading the Red Sox to a 4-2 victory. Schilling's bloody sock became an iconic symbol of the team's determination.
  • Game 7: In Game 7, the Red Sox completed the historic comeback with a decisive 10-3 win, stunning the Yankees and the baseball world. They became the first team in MLB history to overcome a 3-0 series deficit.

This series was an emotional rollercoaster for everyone involved. The Red Sox showed incredible resilience, refusing to give up even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. The comeback against the Yankees is now considered one of the greatest moments in sports history, a testament to the power of belief and perseverance. The Red Sox had slayed the dragon, exorcised their demons, and finally broken the curse.

World Series vs. St. Louis Cardinals

After their epic ALCS victory, the Red Sox faced the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. The Cardinals were a strong team, but the Red Sox were riding a wave of momentum. This World Series, in contrast to the ALCS, was surprisingly anticlimactic. The Red Sox, buoyed by their comeback against the Yankees, simply steamrolled the Cardinals.

  • Game 1: The Red Sox swept the Cardinals in four games, starting with a 11-9 win in Game 1.
  • Game 2: Game 2 saw Boston winning 6-2.
  • Game 3: Then winning Game 3 with 4-1.
  • Game 4: Finally, they completed the sweep with a 3-0 victory in Game 4, clinching their first World Series title since 1918.

The Red Sox had finally done it. They had broken the curse and brought the World Series trophy back to Boston after 86 long years. The city erupted in celebration, with fans pouring into the streets to celebrate the historic victory. The 2004 Red Sox team became legends, forever remembered for their incredible comeback and their unwavering belief in themselves.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The 2004 Red Sox playoff run was more than just a series of games; it was a cultural phenomenon. It captured the imagination of fans around the world and inspired countless stories of hope and resilience. The players on that team became heroes, their names forever etched in Red Sox lore. The impact of their victory extended far beyond the baseball field, uniting a city and lifting the spirits of an entire region.

The lessons learned from the 2004 Red Sox continue to resonate today. The importance of perseverance, teamwork, and belief in oneself are timeless values that apply to all aspects of life. The Red Sox showed that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome with courage and determination. Their story serves as a reminder that anything is possible, and that even the longest droughts can eventually come to an end.

The 2004 Red Sox playoff schedule will forever be remembered as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of believing in the impossible. It was a magical time for Red Sox fans, a moment that will be cherished for generations to come. The Curse was broken, and a new era of Red Sox baseball had begun. Every game, every moment, is etched in the memories of fans who witnessed history unfold. The 2004 Red Sox: a team for the ages.