The 2004 Red Sox Comeback: Ending the "Bambino" Curse

The Boston Red Sox made MLB history in 2004 by ending the "Curse of the Bambino" that had haunted them since 1918. After falling behind 0-3 to the New York Yankees in the ALCS, the Red Sox made a remarkable comeback, winning four straight games and advancing to the World Series.

In the final, they swept St. Louis Cardinals 4-0, clinched their first championship in 86 years. This victory not only ended the curse, but also became one of the greatest comeback stories in the history of sports.

Introduction

The Boston Red Sox is one of the most historic teams in Major League Baseball (MLB), but for 86 years, they lived under the shadow of the "Bambino Curse." This curse originated from the Red Sox’s decision to sell Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1919, which many believed was the start of a long series of failures to win the World Series. However, in 2004, the Red Sox rewrote history in a spectacular and dramatic fashion.

The "Bambino Curse" and Yankees' Dominance

Since selling Babe Ruth, the Red Sox suffered multiple postseason heartbreaks, especially at the hands of their eternal rivals, the New York Yankees. While the Yankees grew into the most successful franchise in MLB history, winning over 20 World Series titles, the Red Sox continuously fell short in crucial moments.

Some of the most painful Red Sox losses included:

 - 1946 World Series: Losing to the St. Louis Cardinals after Johnny Pesky hesitated on a key play.

 - 1975 World Series: Losing to the Cincinnati Reds despite Carlton Fisk’s iconic home run in Game 6.

 - 1986 World Series: Bill Buckner’s infamous error in Game 6 against the New York Mets, costing the Red Sox a championship.

 - 2003 ALCS: Aaron Boone’s walk-off home run in Game 7 crushed the Red Sox’s hopes in extra innings against the Yankees.

These moments only strengthened the belief among fans that the "Bambino Curse" was real. However, everything changed in 2004.

2004 ALCS: A Near Defeat

In the 2004 American League Championship Series (ALCS), the Red Sox once again faced the Yankees for a ticket to the World Series. Their hopes seemed shattered after losing the first three games:

 - Game 1: Yankees won 10-7 in a fierce offensive battle.

 - Game 2: Yankees won 3-1, showing their pitching dominance.

 - Game 3: Yankees crushed the Red Sox 19-8 at Fenway Park, the biggest postseason win in Yankees history.

No team in MLB history had ever come back from a 0-3 deficit in a best-of-seven series. Many believed the Red Sox were about to be swept in Game 4 and end another season in disappointment.

Game 4: The Beginning of a Miracle

In Game 4, the Yankees led 4-3 in the 9th inning with Mariano Rivera—the greatest closer of all time—on the mound. However, in a tense moment, Dave Roberts stole second base in a play that would be remembered forever. Moments later, Bill Mueller hit a single, allowing Roberts to score the game-tying run.

The Red Sox eventually won 6-4 in extra innings, thanks to a walk-off home run by David Ortiz, sending Fenway Park into a frenzy.

Game 5: Surviving on the Brink

Game 5 lasted 14 innings in one of the most intense postseason games in MLB history. Ortiz once again played the hero, hitting a walk-off single that gave the Red Sox a 5-4 win, cutting the Yankees’ lead to 3-2.

Game 6: "The Bloody Sock Game"

Game 6 became known as the "Bloody Sock Game", where Curt Schilling, the Red Sox pitcher, played despite suffering a severe ankle tendon injury. Team doctors had to stitch his wound back together before the game. Despite the pain, Schilling pitched seven strong innings, leading the Red Sox to a 4-2 victory and forcing Game 7.

Game 7: The Ultimate Redemption

With full momentum on their side, the Red Sox dominated early in Game 7, highlighted by Johnny Damon’s grand slam in the second inning, crushing the Yankees’ morale. The Yankees never recovered, and the Red Sox won 10-3, becoming the first team in MLB history to overturn a 0-3 deficit into a 4-3 series victory.

This win not only eliminated the Yankees but also reversed history and erased the "cursed" label that had haunted the Red Sox for decades.

2004 World Series: Breaking the Curse

After their epic victory over the Yankees, the Red Sox faced the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. With unstoppable momentum, they swept the Cardinals 4-0.

Game 1-4 Highlights:

 - Game 1: Red Sox won 11-9 in a tight offensive battle.

 - Game 2: Red Sox won 6-2, powered by Curt Schilling’s strong pitching.

 - Game 3: Pedro Martínez dominated with seven shutout innings in a 4-1 win.

 - Game 4: Keith Foulke recorded the final save, securing a 3-0 victory and officially ending the 86-year curse.

The Red Sox were World Champions for the first time since 1918, breaking the "Bambino Curse" and bringing joy to fans worldwide.

Impact and Legacy of the 2004 Victory

The Red Sox’s comeback in 2004 was not only one of the greatest comebacks in MLB history but also reshaped the team’s culture and mentality. Some of the long-term impacts included:

 Breaking the Bambino Curse – No more talk of a cursed franchise.

 Establishing the Red Sox as an MLB Powerhouse – The team went on to win the 2007, 2013, and 2018 World Series.

 Inspiring Other Sports Teams – The Red Sox’s comeback inspired many other teams to never give up.

 Changing the Yankees-Red Sox Rivalry – The Red Sox were no longer considered the Yankees’ "little brother" but a true equal.

 Immortalizing the 2004 Team – Players like David Ortiz, Curt Schilling, Johnny Damon, and Pedro Martínez became Red Sox legends.

Conclusion

The 2004 season was not just about winning, but about how the Red Sox demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and determination. From being on the verge of elimination to World Champions, their journey inspired the sports world, proving that nothing is impossible. The year 2004 will forever be remembered as one of the greatest comeback stories in MLB history and in all of sports.