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The Complete 2004 Boston Red Sox Roster: Where Are 'The Idiots' 20 Years After Breaking The Curse?

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The 2004 Boston Red Sox roster is arguably the most legendary and beloved collection of players in the history of the franchise, forever etched in baseball lore as "The Idiots"—the team that finally shattered the infamous 86-year "Curse of the Bambino." This unique group of players didn't just win a World Series; they accomplished the impossible, becoming the first team in Major League Baseball history to come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a postseason series, famously defeating the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series (ALCS). As of late 2025, the legacy of this team remains vibrant, with many players still involved in baseball or media, and their historic achievement celebrated during their emotional 20th-anniversary reunion in 2024. The 2004 Red Sox season was a dramatic, high-stakes saga of mid-season trades, clubhouse antics, and unprecedented resilience, culminating in a four-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals to claim the World Series title. This article provides a deep dive into the full roster, explores the origins of their famous nickname, and gives a current update on where these curse-breaking heroes are today.

The Complete 2004 Boston Red Sox World Series Roster & Key Statistics

The 2004 team was a blend of homegrown talent, savvy veteran acquisitions, and superstar power. The roster that finished the season was significantly different from the one that started, most notably due to the mid-season trade that sent longtime fan-favorite Nomar Garciaparra to the Chicago Cubs, bringing back Orlando Cabrera and Doug Mientkiewicz, which many credit as the final piece of the championship puzzle.

Pitchers (P)

  • Curt Schilling: Starter, known for the bloody sock game. (16-7, 3.26 ERA)
  • Pedro Martínez: Starter, future Hall of Famer. (17-8, 3.90 ERA)
  • Derek Lowe: Starter/Reliever, won the deciding game in all three postseason series. (14-12, 5.42 ERA)
  • Tim Wakefield: Knuckleballer, emotional leader. (12-10, 4.87 ERA)
  • Bronson Arroyo: Starter, known for his high leg kick. (10-9, 4.03 ERA)
  • Keith Foulke: Closer, recorded the final out of the World Series. (32 Saves)
  • Alan Embree: Relief Pitcher.
  • Mike Timlin: Relief Pitcher, veteran presence.
  • Curt Leskanic: Relief Pitcher.
  • Jeff Suppan: Starter (Acquired mid-season).
  • Scott Williamson: Relief Pitcher.
  • Mike Myers: Relief Pitcher (Lefty specialist).

Catchers (C)

  • Jason Varitek: Captain, emotional leader, and the heart of the team. (.296 AVG, 18 HR)
  • Doug Mirabelli: Backup Catcher, Wakefield's personal catcher.

Infielders (INF)

  • Kevin Millar: 1B, the self-proclaimed "Cowboy," a major clubhouse personality. (.297 AVG, 18 HR)
  • Mark Bellhorn: 2B, struggled early but clutch in the postseason. (.264 AVG, 17 HR)
  • Bill Mueller: 3B, a quiet professional and solid hitter. (.285 AVG, 12 HR)
  • Orlando Cabrera: SS, acquired from the Expos, stabilized the defense. (.294 AVG with Red Sox)
  • Pokey Reese: 2B/SS, defensive specialist.
  • Doug Mientkiewicz: 1B, acquired in the Garciaparra trade, known for the final out ball controversy.
  • Dave Roberts: Pinch Runner/OF, his stolen base in the ALCS is legendary.

Outfielders (OF) & Designated Hitters (DH)

  • David Ortiz ("Big Papi"): DH/1B, the soul of the offense and the ALCS hero. (.301 AVG, 41 HR)
  • Manny Ramírez: LF, MVP-caliber hitter. (.308 AVG, 43 HR, 130 RBI)
  • Johnny Damon: CF, the "Caveman," lead-off hitter, and a key personality of "The Idiots." (.283 AVG, 20 HR)
  • Trot Nixon: RF, homegrown, gritty player. (.270 AVG, 11 HR)

The Origin of 'The Idiots': Team Chemistry and the Curse-Breaking Culture

The 2004 Red Sox were defined by their unique, loose, and often goofy clubhouse culture, which earned them the affectionate nickname, "The Idiots." This moniker was not a term of derision but a badge of honor, symbolizing a team that refused to buckle under the immense pressure of the 86-year World Series drought. The culture was largely driven by a core group of players, including the charismatic trio of Kevin Millar, Johnny Damon, and Manny Ramírez, alongside the towering presence of David Ortiz. Their antics included wearing ridiculous outfits, drinking before games, and maintaining a playful, almost chaotic atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the more buttoned-up, traditional baseball environment. * Manny Ramírez's Antics: Manny was the undisputed king of the "Idiots," often disappearing into the Green Monster during pitching changes or simply forgetting basic baseball fundamentals, all while maintaining an MVP-level performance at the plate. * The Cowboy's Mantra: Kevin Millar famously coined the phrase, "Don't let us win tonight," a rallying cry in the wake of the 3-0 deficit against the Yankees. This mindset—focusing on the moment and ignoring the historical weight of the "curse"—is what truly defined the team's mental toughness. * Shaking Off the Pressure: Instead of being paralyzed by the history of failure, "The Idiots" used their irreverent chemistry to relax and play their best baseball when it mattered most. This psychological edge allowed them to achieve the impossible comeback, a feat that remains unparalleled in sports history.

Where Are the 2004 Red Sox Heroes Now? (2025 Update)

Two decades after their historic championship, many members of the 2004 team remain prominent figures in the baseball world, while others have moved on to new careers. The 20th-anniversary celebration in 2024 brought many of them back to Fenway Park, providing a fresh update on their lives.

The Current Lives of Key Players:

  • David Ortiz: "Big Papi" retired as one of the most clutch hitters of all time and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022. He remains a beloved figure in Boston and works as a studio analyst for FOX Sports.
  • Jason Varitek: The team's former captain is still actively involved with the Red Sox organization. He currently serves as a Special Assistant to the General Manager, playing a key role in player development and organizational strategy.
  • Kevin Millar: Millar transitioned seamlessly into a successful media career. He is a co-host on the popular MLB Network show "Intentional Talk," where his charismatic and humorous personality shines.
  • Johnny Damon: The former center fielder has been featured in various media appearances and continues to participate in celebrity golf tournaments and charity events, often reminiscing about the "Idiots" clubhouse.
  • Curt Schilling: Schilling has become a prominent, though controversial, voice in conservative political commentary and media following his retirement. He was also a co-founder of the video game company 38 Studios.
  • Nomar Garciaparra: The former shortstop, traded mid-season, found a successful second career as a sports analyst. He currently provides commentary for SportsNet LA, covering the Los Angeles Dodgers.
  • Bill Mueller: After his playing career, Mueller went into coaching, serving as a hitting coach for various MLB teams, including the Cubs and Cardinals, before stepping away from the full-time role.

A Difficult 20th Anniversary: Honoring Tim Wakefield

The 20th-anniversary reunion in 2024 was a deeply emotional event, marked by the absence of one of the team's most respected members, knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. Wakefield, who was instrumental in the ALCS comeback, sadly passed away in October 2023 after a battle with cancer. His wife, Stacey, also passed away shortly after the reunion. The entire Red Sox organization and the 2004 team dedicated the anniversary celebration to the Wakefield family, highlighting the profound impact Tim had on the community and the clubhouse. His legacy as a clutch pitcher, a beloved teammate, and a tireless humanitarian through the Red Sox Foundation remains a powerful and current part of the 2004 team's story. The 2004 Boston Red Sox will forever be remembered for their grit, their goofy charm, and their historic victory. They proved that sometimes, the only way to beat a curse is to stop taking yourself so seriously and just play like a bunch of "Idiots."
The Complete 2004 Boston Red Sox Roster: Where Are 'The Idiots' 20 Years After Breaking the Curse?
04 boston red sox roster
04 boston red sox roster

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