2004 World Series Game 4 vs Cardinals

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), and plate appearances. They led all postseason teams in batting average and on-base percentage.

Reader's Guide

The team played its home games at Fenway Park, before a regular season total attendance of 2,837,304 fans.

The End of the Curse and a Historic Comeback

The 2004 season marked the 104th year in franchise history for the Boston Red Sox, culminating in an achievement that shattered decades of heartbreak. Under the guidance of new manager Terry Francona, the team posted a 98–64 record, securing the American League wild card spot despite finishing three games behind their rivals, the New York Yankees. The postseason journey began with a dominant sweep of the Anaheim Angels, setting the stage for a dramatic rematch against New York in the ALCS.

Facing an insurmountable 3–0 deficit and trailing late in Game 4, the Red Sox achieved the impossible by becoming the first team in major league history to force a seventh game after losing the first three. They ultimately defeated the Yankees in seven games before sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. This victory ended an 86-year championship drought, capturing their first title since 1918 and fundamentally altering the narrative of one of baseball's most storied franchises.

Offensive Dominance and Statistical Supremacy

The Red Sox constructed a lineup that was arguably the most potent in Major League Baseball during the regular season. This statistical dominance translated seamlessly into October, where the Red Sox led all postseason teams in both batting average and on-base percentage. Such consistent offensive production provided the necessary firepower to overcome early-season inconsistencies and defensive struggles, serving as the engine that drove them through a grueling playoff run to finally secure the World Series title.

Strategic Overhauls and Roster Construction

The path to a championship began with significant personnel changes during the off-season following the 2003 disappointment. The front office parted ways with manager Grady Little, hiring Terry Francona instead, while aggressively pursuing key free agents to bolster their pitching staff. Notable acquisitions included ace starter Curt Schilling, obtained via trade from Arizona for multiple players, and closer Keith Foulke, signed to a lucrative three-year deal.

General Manager Theo Epstein further reshaped the roster at the July 31 trading deadline by dealing popular shortstop Nomar Garciaparra to Chicago. In return, Boston acquired Orlando Cabrera and Doug Mientkiewicz, alongside Dave Roberts from Los Angeles. These strategic moves addressed critical needs for depth and versatility, allowing the team to overcome injuries and inconsistency. The infusion of new talent helped the club win 22 of their final 25 games, transforming a struggling mid-season campaign into a playoff berth.

Turning Points in the Regular Season

While the regular season started with promise, the Red Sox faced significant challenges by mid-year, including injuries and defensive lapses that saw them trail New York by over eight games. A pivotal moment occurred on July 24 during a high-stakes game against the Yankees, where Bill Mueller hit a dramatic home run off Mariano Rivera to erase a five-run deficit. This victory was marred by an infamous brawl between Alex Rodriguez and Jason Varitek but served as a psychological turning point for the squad.

Following this surge in momentum, the front office executed crucial trades that revitalized the lineup. The combination of renewed confidence from the July win and the immediate impact of new acquisitions like Roberts and Cabrera propelled the team to a hot finish. They capped off their regular season at Fenway Park with over 2.8 million fans in attendance, setting the stage for an unprecedented postseason run.