In the 2004 playoffs, the New York Yankees experienced a devastating collapse against the Boston Red Sox, blowing a three-game series lead.
This historic loss still bothers former Yankees captain Derek Jeter, who has been candid about his feelings regarding the defeat.
Hall of Famer David Ortiz played a significant role in orchestrating the comeback for the Red Sox, further fueling Jeter’s resentment.
In a recent postgame show on Fox, Jeter brought up the sensitive subject of the 2004 ALCS collapse,
Following the Houston Astros’ 5-4 defeat against the Texas Rangers, which has kept them at a 2-0 disadvantage in the American League Championship Series.
David Ortiz savagely mocks A-Rod and Derek Jeter for historic 2004 ALCS collapse https://t.co/Jh4Z9WehxW pic.twitter.com/cYnilm7GpA
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 17, 2023
“Look, just because they’re down two games, it’s not over. We lost a series being up 3-0,” Jeter said to pique a rather depressing memory for him and his Fox teammate Alex Rodriguez. But the nightmarish memory for Jeter and A-Rod was a dream reference for David Ortiz.
“You did?” Ortiz asked sarcastically, not so subtly reminding everyone that he was on the winning end of Jeter and A-Rod blowing a 3-0 playoff series lead.
“We did,” Jeter reluctantly admitted, garnering a laugh out of Ortiz and a cringey chuckle from A-Rod. “But my point is, everyone in the Texas Rangers’ clubhouse knows this series is not over.”
Reminding viewers that the Houston Astros, who had just lost to the Texas Rangers, still had a chance to bounce back.
For those unfamiliar with this historic event, the Yankees dominated Game 3 of the 2004 ALCS, defeating the Red Sox 19-8 and taking a commanding 3-0 series lead.
However, the momentum dramatically shifted, and the Red Sox won the next four games, ultimately winning the ALCS and the World Series, putting an end to their 86-year championship deficit.
Although Jeter had his fair share of conflicts with Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod) during their time in New York, and Ortiz was a fierce rival in Boston, the three unexpectedly became colleagues at Fox this season. The MLB on Fox studio team, consisting of Jeter, A-Rod, and Ortiz, has been widely regarded as a success in their first year together.
As the 2021 postseason unfolds, Jeter’s comments about the 2004 ALCS collapse serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball.
No team is ever truly out of the game until the final out is made.
