In October 2004, during the NHL lockout, the Boston Red Sox achieved an unprecedented comeback against the New York Yankees, overcoming a 0-3 series deficit in the ALCS. Covering the historic event, journalist Pierre Durocher reflected on the intense rivalry and the significance of the moment that concluded the Red Sox’s 86-year championship drought, ending the “Curse of the Bambino.” The series featured thrilling moments, including Dave Roberts’ crucial stolen base and Johnny Damon’s grand slam.
Back in October 2004, while the National Hockey League faced a lockout, Major League Baseball experienced an unbelievable comeback that still resonates in the world of professional sports.
“Being in the right place at the right time,” is how Pierre Durocher, a former journalist who covered the legendary series between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, describes his experience during this historic moment.
On October 20, 2004, the Red Sox achieved a remarkable feat by overcoming a daunting 0-3 series deficit to triumph over the Yankees in Game 7. This unprecedented victory had not previously been accomplished in Major League Baseball history. Following this momentous win, the Red Sox went on to claim the World Series title against the St. Louis Cardinals, breaking an 86-year championship drought and finally lifting the curse of the Bambino.
“That series had everything: the legendary rivalry between the Red Sox and Yankees and the persistent shadow of the Bambino curse,” Durocher reflects, referencing the long struggle the Red Sox endured since Babe Ruth’s transfer to the Yankees in 1920.
“A Surprising Opportunity”
In the midst of October 2004, Durocher expected to cover hockey stories about players like Saku Koivu and Richard Zednik from the Montreal Canadiens. Instead, he found himself immersed in the world of baseball, following stars like Johnny Damon and David Ortiz.
“It was an unexpected twist for me due to the hockey lockout,” Durocher reminisced. “After covering the Expos in 1981 and Rick Monday’s home run, I never thought I’d experience a baseball championship series again, yet it turned out to be truly remarkable.”
The retired journalist distinctly remembers Game 4 at Fenway Park, where the Red Sox were facing elimination, trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth inning. As Mariano Rivera entered the game, Boston stood just three outs away from the end of their season.
It was during this pivotal moment that substitute runner Dave Roberts seized the opportunity to steal a base when few anticipated it. This unexpected move led to the tying run, followed by Ortiz’s stunning game-winning home run in the 12th inning.
“When I was there, I never imagined it would become such a historical event,” Durocher admitted, recalling that the Yankees had previously crushed the Red Sox 19-8 in Game 3. By the ninth inning of Game 4, his article was nearly complete, with just the final touches left to send it off…
Johnny Damon’s Grand Slam
Following Game 4, celebrations erupted in Boston, but the Yankees were not ready to concede defeat. The series continued to deliver unforgettable moments, including the iconic bloodied sock of Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling in Game 6, and a decisive 10-3 victory for the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium in the final game, which featured a grand slam by Damon in the second inning, contributing to a total of six runs driven in by him.
“Honestly, I was mostly thrilled for Red Sox manager Terry Francona, a former Expos player, and for Pedro Martinez, who always showed respect towards French-speaking journalists in Montreal,” Durocher concluded.