2004 World Series Title
First team to rally from 3-0 postseason deficit, then sweep World Series for first title since 1918.
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.
- Year
- 2004
- Opponent
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Result
- Red Sox Won (Sweep)
- Games Played
- 4
- Series MVP
- David Ortiz
- Championships Total
- 9th in franchise history
Lore & Background
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.
In Their Own Story
The confetti rained down like snow over the St. Louis sky as the final out was recorded. David Ortiz stood near home plate, his bat raised high, eyes scanning the crowd for a sign of disbelief. The roar from Boston fans watching on televisions nationwide had finally become real. In Fenway Park, strangers hugged in the streets, weeping openly as the realization settled: the wait was over. The green monster seemed to glow under the lights of victory, no longer a symbol of near-misses but of triumph.
Reader's Guide
The team played its home games at Fenway Park, before a regular season total attendance of 2,837,304 fans.
Did You Know?
- 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 in the ALCS.
- The Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, capturing their first championship since 1918.
- David Ortiz hit a game-winning two-run homer in the 10th inning of Game 3 of the ALDS against the Anaheim Angels.
More in World Series & Records
Elsewhere in the Boston Red Sox universe
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