The 2004 ALCS: A David vs. Goliath Battle
The 2004 American League Championship Series (ALCS) between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees is widely regarded as one of the most memorable and historic playoff series in Major League Baseball history. It was a matchup that pitted two bitter rivals against each other, with the heavily favored Yankees holding a commanding 3-0 series lead. However, what happened next will forever be etched in baseball lore – the Red Sox staged an unprecedented comeback to win the series and ultimately break the “Curse of the Bambino.”
The Yankees Take Command
Heading into the 2004 ALCS, the Red Sox were coming off an impressive victory over the Anaheim Angels in the Division Series, while the Yankees had swept the Minnesota Twins. The stage was set for another classic chapter in the fierce rivalry between these two storied franchises.
In Game 1, the Red Sox had a chance to steal a win at Yankee Stadium but fell short, losing 10-7. Game 2 followed a similar script, with the Yankees emerging victorious in another high-scoring affair, 3-1. As the series shifted to Fenway Park for Game 3, the Red Sox found themselves in an unenviable position – facing elimination.
Game 3 went into extra innings and ended in rather dramatic fashion. This time, it was the Red Sox who prevailed, with designated hitter David Ortiz hitting a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 12th inning to give Boston a 6-4 win. This victory breathed new life into the Red Sox and provided a glimmer of hope for their fans.
The Turning Point
Game 4 became a turning point in the series. With the Red Sox trailing 4-3 heading into the ninth inning, they were down to their final three outs. It was during this gut-wrenching moment that Dave Roberts stole second base, igniting a stunning comeback. Bill Mueller followed with a single that tied the game, and Ortiz once again played the hero with a walk-off RBI single in the 12th inning. The Red Sox had miraculously evened the series at 2-2.
Game 5 saw another extra-inning affair, but this time it was the Yankees who emerged victorious. The game will forever be remembered for Alex Rodriguez’s controversial slap of the ball out of Bronson Arroyo’s glove, which led to an out but ultimately did not affect the outcome. The Yankees won 5-4, putting the Red Sox on the brink of elimination once again.
The Unthinkable Comeback
Game 6, played at Yankee Stadium, turned out to be one of the most memorable games in baseball history. With the Red Sox facing elimination yet again, Ortiz provided the heroics with a game-tying home run in the eighth inning. The game went into extra innings, and it was once again Ortiz who played a pivotal role. In the top of the 12th inning, he hit a two-run double to give the Red Sox a 6-4 lead. Closer Keith Foulke sealed the victory in the bottom half of the inning, forcing a decisive Game 7.
The momentum had now shifted completely in favor of the Red Sox. In Game 7, they took an early 2-0 lead and never looked back. Johnny Damon’s grand slam in the second inning effectively put the game out of reach, and the Red Sox went on to win 10-3.
The Curse is Reversed
With their historic comeback, the Boston Red Sox became the first team in MLB history to overcome a 3-0 series deficit and win a best-of-seven series. Their victory in the 2004 ALCS not only secured their spot in the World Series but also ended an 86-year championship drought, famously known as the “Curse of the Bambino.”
The Red Sox went on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, capturing their first championship since 1918. The 2004 ALCS will forever be remembered as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Boston Red Sox, a team that refused to give up even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. It is a moment that baseball fans, regardless of allegiances, will cherish for generations to come.