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The 'Idiots' 20 Years Later: A Complete Look At The 2004 Boston Red Sox Roster And Where They Are Now

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The 2004 Boston Red Sox team remains one of the most legendary and beloved rosters in baseball history. Twenty years after they shattered the 86-year "Curse of the Bambino" by winning the World Series, the memory of their historic journey—especially the unprecedented comeback against the New York Yankees—continues to define an era of Boston sports. As of late 2025, the legacy of the "Idiots" is being celebrated, with many key players maintaining high-profile roles in media, coaching, and philanthropy.

This article provides an in-depth look at the complete 2004 Red Sox roster, detailing the key contributors to their 98-64 regular season and their perfect 4-0 sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, and offers fresh, unique updates on where the most iconic members of the championship squad are today, two decades later.

The Immortal 2004 Boston Red Sox Roster: Key Biographies and Statistics

The 2004 Red Sox were a blend of homegrown talent, savvy acquisitions, and veteran leadership, affectionately nicknamed "The Idiots" for their often-unconventional, free-spirited approach to the game. This list details the core players who anchored the team’s historic run, including their primary position during the 2004 season, their role in the playoffs, and major career highlights.

  • David Ortiz (Designated Hitter/1st Base)
    • 2004 Role: ALCS MVP, spiritual leader, and clutch hitter. Hit a walk-off home run in Game 4 and a walk-off single in Game 5 of the ALCS.
    • Career Highlights: 10-time All-Star, 3-time World Series Champion (2004, 2007, 2013), 7-time Silver Slugger, elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022.
  • Manny Ramirez (Left Field)
    • 2004 Role: World Series MVP, offensive powerhouse. Hit .412 with a home run in the World Series.
    • Career Highlights: 12-time All-Star, 2-time World Series Champion (2004, 2007), 9-time Silver Slugger, one of the greatest right-handed hitters of his generation.
  • Curt Schilling (Starting Pitcher)
    • 2004 Role: Ace of the staff, famously pitched Game 6 of the ALCS and Game 2 of the World Series with an ankle injury, resulting in the iconic "Bloody Sock" game.
    • Career Highlights: 6-time All-Star, 3-time World Series Champion (2001, 2004, 2007), co-winner of the 2001 World Series MVP.
  • Johnny Damon (Center Field)
    • 2004 Role: Leadoff hitter and starting center fielder, known for his long hair and "Caveman" look. Hit a grand slam in the decisive Game 7 of the ALCS.
    • Career Highlights: 2-time All-Star, 2-time World Series Champion (2004 Red Sox, 2009 Yankees), finished career with over 2,700 hits.
  • Jason Varitek (Catcher)
    • 2004 Role: Team Captain, defensive anchor, and key offensive contributor. His brawl with Alex Rodriguez in July 2004 is often cited as a turning point for the team's chemistry.
    • Career Highlights: 3-time All-Star, 3-time World Series Champion, one of the few players to catch four no-hitters.
  • Pedro Martinez (Starting Pitcher)
    • 2004 Role: Veteran rotation leader. Though he struggled in the ALCS, his regular season dominance was crucial.
    • Career Highlights: 8-time All-Star, 3-time Cy Young Award winner, World Series Champion, elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.
  • Keith Foulke (Closer)
    • 2004 Role: Reliable closer, recorded the final out of the World Series.
    • Career Highlights: 1-time All-Star, World Series Champion, 2004 Rolaids Relief Man Award winner.
  • Key Infielders: Kevin Millar (1B), Mark Bellhorn (2B), Bill Mueller (3B), Orlando Cabrera (SS), Pokey Reese (SS/2B).
  • Key Pitchers: Tim Wakefield (Knuckleballer/SP), Derek Lowe (SP/RP), Bronson Arroyo (SP), Alan Embree (RP).

The Impossible Comeback: How the Red Sox Rewrote History

The true heart of the 2004 season was not the World Series sweep, but the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against their bitter rivals, the New York Yankees. The Yankees took a commanding 3-0 series lead, putting the Red Sox on the brink of elimination, a deficit from which no team in MLB history had ever recovered.

The narrative changed completely in Game 4 at Fenway Park. The Yankees held a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the ninth inning against legendary closer Mariano Rivera. The comeback began with a single moment of daring: Dave Roberts, pinch-running for Kevin Millar, stole second base.

Roberts' steal put him in scoring position, and Bill Mueller followed with a clutch single to tie the game. David Ortiz then won the game with a walk-off home run in the 12th inning, igniting an improbable series of victories.

The team won Game 5 on another walk-off hit by Ortiz in the 14th inning. Curt Schilling’s unforgettable "Bloody Sock" performance in Game 6 tied the series at three games apiece. Finally, the Red Sox completed the historic sweep by routing the Yankees 10-3 in Game 7, becoming the first and only MLB team to ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a best-of-seven series.

The 2024 Update: Where are the 'Idiots' Now?

The 2024 season marked the 20th anniversary of the championship, bringing many of the players back to Fenway Park for celebrations and providing a fresh look at their current endeavors.

David Ortiz: Hall of Famer and Philanthropist

Post-retirement, "Big Papi" David Ortiz has become one of baseball's most respected global ambassadors. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2024, Ortiz continues to be committed to his philanthropic work through the David Ortiz Children’s Fund, which provides critical cardiac care to children in the Dominican Republic and the New England area. In a notable moment in May 2024, he was honored by the New York state Senate for his prolific baseball career and charitable work, a testament to his transcending rivalry.

Curt Schilling: Media and Political Commentator

Curt Schilling remains a prominent and often controversial public figure in the media landscape. After his broadcasting career with ESPN, he became a commentator for BlazeTV. In a 2024 update, Schilling joined Clay Travis' OutKick to host a new baseball show, continuing his active role in sports media. He has also been outspoken about his political aspirations, having considered running for Congress in Arizona and even floating the idea of a presidential run.

Manny Ramirez: Seeking a Return to the Dugout

Manny Ramirez, the World Series MVP, has spent his post-playing days exploring coaching opportunities. In a 2024 development, the star slugger made an intriguing offer to all 30 MLB teams, stating he is "available to work as a hitting coach" and confident he can help any team. This highlights his desire to return to the game and pass on his unique hitting expertise, bringing the "Manny Being Manny" spirit back to the professional level.

Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield: Enduring Red Sox Legends

Captain Jason Varitek has remained closely tied to the Red Sox organization, currently serving as a Special Assistant to the General Manager. His leadership continues to influence the team's culture. Tim Wakefield, the beloved knuckleballer, tragically passed away in October 2023 after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, community service, and his iconic career as the longest-tenured player in Red Sox history. His memory was a central part of the 20th-anniversary commemorations in 2024.

Topical Authority: The Legacy of the 'Idiots'

The 2004 Boston Red Sox did more than win a championship; they permanently altered the mythology of baseball. They ended the "Curse of the Bambino," a narrative that had haunted the franchise since 1918. The team’s success ushered in a golden era for the Red Sox, who went on to win three more titles in 2007, 2013, and 2018. The "Idiots" proved that history is not destiny and established a new standard for resilience and team chemistry. The 20th anniversary in 2024 serves as a powerful reminder of how one team's refusal to quit changed the course of an entire franchise and inspired a generation of fans.

The roster's enduring topical relevance is further cemented by the fact that many members, including David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, and Curt Schilling, remain active in the public eye, constantly generating new headlines and keeping the spirit of the 2004 team alive.

2004 boston red sox roster
2004 boston red sox roster

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