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The Idiots: Where Is The 2004 Boston Red Sox Roster Now In 2025?

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The 2004 Boston Red Sox roster is arguably the most legendary in baseball history, not just for winning the World Series, but for the dramatic, culture-shifting way they did it. On this day, December 23, 2025, the story of "The Idiots" remains a benchmark of sports comebacks, having shattered the 86-year-old "Curse of the Bambino" and permanently changing the narrative of the franchise.

This team, a mix of established stars and quirky personalities, achieved the impossible by becoming the first MLB team to ever come back from a 0-3 deficit in a playoff series, defeating the rival New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) before sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. Two decades later, the core members of that championship squad are still making headlines, with several taking on new, prominent roles in the 2025 baseball landscape.

The Complete 2004 Boston Red Sox World Series Roster

The 2004 Red Sox were defined by their depth, their pitching prowess, and their powerful, free-spirited lineup. Manager Terry Francona led this group of players, affectionately dubbed "The Idiots" by Johnny Damon for their relaxed, unconventional approach to the game. This is the complete list of the key players who cemented their legacy in Red Sox history:

  • Catcher: Jason Varitek (Captain), Doug Mirabelli
  • First Base: Kevin Millar, Dave McCarty
  • Second Base: Mark Bellhorn, Pokey Reese
  • Third Base: Bill Mueller
  • Shortstop: Orlando Cabrera (Acquired mid-season), Nomar Garciaparra (Traded mid-season)
  • Outfield: Manny Ramirez (WS MVP), Johnny Damon, Trot Nixon, Gabe Kapler, Dave Roberts (Key pinch-runner)
  • Designated Hitter: David Ortiz (ALCS MVP)

The Elite Starting Pitching Rotation

The success of the 2004 team was built on a phenomenal starting rotation that logged significant innings throughout the season.

  • Pedro Martinez (33 starts)
  • Curt Schilling (32 starts)
  • Derek Lowe (33 starts)
  • Tim Wakefield (30 starts)
  • Bronson Arroyo (29 starts)

Key Bullpen and Relief Pitchers

  • Closer: Keith Foulke
  • Alan Embree
  • Mike Timlin
  • Curtis Leskanic
  • Scott Williamson
  • Jeff Suppan

The Miracle Comeback: Breaking the Curse of the Bambino

The defining moment of the 2004 season, and perhaps 21st-century baseball, was the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees. The Red Sox found themselves in an unprecedented hole, down three games to none, and trailing in the ninth inning of Game 4.

The miraculous turnaround began with a critical moment in Game 4: Dave Roberts’ pinch-run steal of second base, followed by a Bill Mueller single to tie the game against Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. The Red Sox went on to win in extra innings, and the momentum never stopped. They won the next three games, including an iconic Game 6 performance by Curt Schilling, pitching on an ankle tendon that had been sutured, famously leaving a bloody sock.

This "greatest comeback in sports history" culminated in a 4-3 series victory over their fiercest rival. The team then swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, finally ending the 86-year drought that had haunted the franchise since the Babe Ruth trade in 1918. The combination of the comeback and the championship cemented the "Idiots" as eternal legends in Boston lore.

Where Are the 2004 Red Sox Legends Now in 2025?

Two decades later, the core members of the 2004 team remain highly visible in the baseball world, media, and beyond. Several players have taken on new, influential roles, keeping the spirit of "The Idiots" alive in 2025.

David Ortiz ("Big Papi") - The ALCS Hero

David Ortiz, the team's heart and soul, continues to be one of baseball's most respected figures. In 2025, Ortiz is actively involved in philanthropy through the David Ortiz Children's Fund, which was recognized with a Humanitarian Award. He is also frequently featured in Red Sox broadcasts and media, providing expert commentary on the current team’s performance and the need for veteran leadership. His presence in the Boston baseball community remains strong, often traveling back and forth to work with the organization.

Jason Varitek - The Captain’s New Role

The former Red Sox captain and one of the most respected catchers of his generation, Jason Varitek, has an expanded role within the organization for the 2025 season. Varitek’s new title is Game Planning and Run Prevention Coach, a significant uniformed coaching position. This move highlights his continued influence and the team's trust in his baseball acumen to shape their defensive strategy and preparation for the current season.

Pedro Martinez - The Hall of Fame Analyst

Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez remains a prominent voice in baseball media. In 2025, Martinez has a multi-year extension with TNT Sports, where he serves as a studio analyst, offering his unique perspective and expert analysis on MLB games. He also makes appearances on the Red Sox broadcast, discussing the atmosphere at Fenway Park and the Yankees rivalry, demonstrating his continued connection to the team.

Curt Schilling - Media and Political Commentary

Curt Schilling, famous for his "Bloody Sock" performance, has transitioned into a highly visible personality in media and political commentary. In 2025, Schilling continues to be outspoken on his conservative political views, often appearing on various shows to discuss both sports and politics. He has frequently attributed his exclusion from the Baseball Hall of Fame to his political stance, a topic that remains a major point of discussion in the baseball world.

Johnny Damon - The Free-Spirited Outfielder

The long-haired, charismatic center fielder who coined the "Idiots" nickname remains in the public eye. In 2025, Johnny Damon has been featured in news related to his participation in celebrity events, including the NBA Puerto Rico Celebrity Game and Yankees Old-Timers Day. His appearance at the latter event in 2025, where he showcased a "hair transformation," sparked grooming buzz, proving his celebrity status endures well past his playing days.

Manny Ramirez - The World Series MVP

Manny Ramirez, the 2004 World Series MVP, has kept a lower profile than some of his teammates. However, in 2025, news outlets have focused on his son, Manny Ramirez Jr., who is pursuing a professional baseball career and was featured at the MLB Draft Combine. Manny Sr. is reportedly involved in mentoring his son, passing on the wisdom of one of the greatest right-handed hitters in baseball history.

The Undying Legacy of "The Idiots"

The 2004 Red Sox were more than just a championship team; they were a cultural phenomenon that transcended baseball. The "Idiots" nickname, initially a term of endearment for their carefree, unkempt style, became a symbol of their resilience and refusal to conform to the pressures of the "Curse."

The team’s ability to rally together, from the dramatic mid-season trade of Nomar Garciaparra for Orlando Cabrera and Doug Mientkiewicz, to the unforgettable ALCS comeback, created a blueprint for modern sports drama. The 2004 Red Sox roster will forever be remembered as the group that finally delivered the city of Boston its long-awaited championship, proving that sometimes, the best way to win is to simply be "The Idiots."

red sox roster in 2004
red sox roster in 2004

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