2004 World Series Championship Victory
The 2004 Red Sox ended an 86-year championship drought with a historic comeback and a World Series sweep.
The 2004 Boston Red Sox season was the 104th season in the franchise's Major League Baseball history. Managed by Terry Francona, the Red Sox finished with a 98–64 record, three games behind the New York Yankees in the American League East. The Red Sox qualified for the postseason as the AL wild card, swept the Anaheim Angels in the ALDS, and faced the Yankees in the ALCS for the second straight year. After losing the first three games and trailing in the ninth inning of the fourth game, the Red Sox became the first team in major league history to come back from a 3–0 postseason deficit, defeating the Yankees in seven games. The Red Sox then swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, capturing their first championship since 1918.
- World Series MVP
- Manny Ramirez
Lore & Background
The Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. The series ended in St. Louis with Game 4 at Busch Memorial Stadium. The World Series MVP was Manny Ramirez.
In Their Own Story
The air inside Fenway Park on October 27th hummed with a tension that had finally broken. As the final out was recorded against the Cardinals, the Green Monster erupted in green and red confetti. Fans spilled from the stands onto the warning track, embracing strangers who suddenly felt like family. In the dugout, Bill Mueller held the trophy aloft while Terry Francona looked out at the sea of cheering faces, knowing that for the first time since his grandfather's generation, the Red Sox were truly kings again.
Reader's Guide
The Red Sox had a strong offense in the regular season, leading the major leagues in runs scored (949), doubles (373), on-base percentage (.360), slugging percentage (.472), on-base plus slugging (.832), total bases (2,702), batting average on balls in play, and plate appearances. They led all postseason teams in batting average and on-base percentage.
Did You Know?
- The Red Sox became the first team in major league history to come back from a 3–0 postseason deficit in the ALCS.
- The Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, capturing their first championship since 1918.
- The Red Sox led the major leagues in runs scored (949) during the regular season.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Boston Red Sox universe
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