The Legacy of the 2004 ALCS: A Rivalry Revived

The 2004 American League Championship Series between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox is a series that still captivates fans nearly 20 years later. It holds a special significance for three prominent figures who were involved in the series and are now part of the “MLB on FOX” studio crew – Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz, and Derek Jeter. Ortiz’s heroic performances in extra innings at Fenway Park in Games 4 and 5 gave the Red Sox a new lease on life after Jeter and Rodriguez had propelled the Yankees to a commanding 3-0 series lead. The Red Sox then accomplished the seemingly impossible by shocking the Yankees in Games 6 and 7 at old Yankee Stadium, becoming the first and only team in MLB history to win a seven-game playoff series after trailing 3-0.

The rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox has always been intense, and this historic comeback in the 2004 ALCS further fueled the fire. Even now, as members of the “MLB on FOX” studio crew, Ortiz, Jeter, and Rodriguez find humor in reminiscing about the series. On a recent episode, Jeter mentioned the possibility of the Houston Astros rallying from their current deficit against the Texas Rangers in the ALCS. This opened the door for Ortiz to playfully mock Jeter’s Yankees, saying, “We lost a series being up 3-0?” with a feigned expression of surprise. The exchange drew laughter from Rodriguez and host Kevin Burkhardt, and quickly gained popularity on social media. Fans expressed their appreciation for the chemistry between Ortiz and his former Yankees rivals.

Naturally, the 2004 ALCS remains fresh in the minds of Ortiz, Jeter, and Rodriguez, especially as the Rangers have a chance to establish an ALCS lead of their own. The significance of this series will be highlighted further after the game, as viewers can tune in to FS1 for the world premiere of “The Game That Changed Everything,” a documentary produced by FOX Sports Films and Religion of Sports. This captivating film includes exclusive interviews with key figures from the 2004 ALCS, such as Jeter, Ortiz, Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera, Johnny Damon, Kevin Millar, Dave Roberts, and Orlando Cabrera. The documentary promises to provide fans with a unique behind-the-scenes look at one of the most memorable series in baseball history.

Overall, the legacy of the 2004 American League Championship Series has left a lasting impact on the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry and the baseball world as a whole. The improbable comeback by the Red Sox and the subsequent World Series victory ended an 86-year championship drought for Boston. It was a series filled with drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments, all of which continue to capture the hearts and minds of baseball fans. The 2004 ALCS serves as a reminder of the resilience and unpredictability of the game, making it an essential chapter in the storied history of America’s pastime.