What Happened? 2004 New York Yankees' Historic ALCS Breakdown

Baseball history is replete with epic comebacks, but few rival the stunning reversal witnessed in the American League Championship Series. What initially appeared to be a straightforward path to the World Series for a powerhouse squad transformed into an unprecedented collapse. The 2004 New York Yankees, a team with robust championship aspirations, held a commanding lead against their bitter rivals. The momentum shifted dramatically, ignited by crucial plays, including a memorable stolen base by Dave Roberts for the Boston Red Sox. This series defied all conventional wisdom, leaving an indelible mark on the collective memory of fans and analysts alike, serving as a cautionary tale of overconfidence in sports.

Image taken from the YouTube channel John Snyder , from the video titled 2004 ALCS Game 7:Red Sox @ Yankees .

The annals of American sports are replete with legendary rivalries, but few burn with the intensity and historical weight of that between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. More than just a clash of baseball titans, this rivalry embodies a generational struggle, steeped in regional pride, contrasting philosophies, and an almost mythological narrative. At the heart of this enduring antagonism lay the infamous "Curse of the Bambino", a spectral shadow cast over the Red Sox franchise since 1918, when Boston sold its star player, Babe Ruth, to the burgeoning New York Yankees. For 86 agonizing years, this "curse" was invoked with every Red Sox postseason heartbreak, solidifying a narrative of perpetual underdog status against their glamorous Bronx counterparts.

Setting the Stage: The Rivalry and the Curse

The tension between these two storied franchises was never just about wins and losses; it was about destiny, a perceived cosmic imbalance that always seemed to favor the pinstripes. Each season brought renewed hope for Red Sox Nation, often to be crushed in dramatic fashion by the Yankees. This historical context is crucial for understanding the sheer magnitude of the events that unfolded in the 2004 American League Championship Series (ALCS). By then, the Red Sox had not won a World Series since 1918, a drought directly attributed by many to Ruth's departure and the subsequent Yankees dynasty. The Yankees, meanwhile, had accumulated 26 World Series titles by 2004, many at Boston's direct or indirect expense.

The Unprecedented Collapse: An Analytical Look

It was against this deeply emotional and historically charged backdrop that the 2004 ALCS reached its pivotal moments. What transpired was not merely a series loss, but an unprecedented monumental breakdown by the New York Yankees. Holding an seemingly insurmountable 3-0 lead in a best-of-seven series—a deficit no MLB team had ever overcome—the Yankees appeared poised to once again crush Boston's hopes and advance to the World Series. This article will delve into the complex interplay of factors that led to this historic implosion, moving beyond simple narratives to analytically examine the strategic missteps, pivotal moments, and shifts in momentum that culminated in one of baseball's most astonishing reversals. It was a collapse that not only defied statistical probability but also shattered the very fabric of the rivalry's prevailing narrative.

While the "Curse of the Bambino" had long loomed over the Boston Red Sox, perpetuating a narrative of historical misfortune in their clashes with the New York Yankees, the early days of the 2004 ALCS appeared to be just another chapter in that same familiar story. The stage was set, and the Yankees wasted no time asserting a dominance that seemed to confirm the Red Sox's perennial struggles, pushing them to the brink of elimination with a seemingly unassailable lead.

Yankees' Initial Dominance: A Seemingly Insurmountable Lead

The opening acts of the 2004 American League Championship Series saw the New York Yankees execute a near-perfect script, quickly building a formidable 3-0 lead that left little doubt in the minds of most baseball observers about the series' eventual outcome. Their performance in the initial games was not just about winning; it was about convincingly dominating their bitter rivals.

A Command Performance: Games 1, 2, and 3

The series kicked off at Yankee Stadium, a venue where the Yankees consistently thrived. Game 1 on October 12th saw New York deliver an offensive onslaught, winning 10-7. Despite a late rally attempt by the Red Sox, the Yankees' early lead proved insurmountable.

They followed this with a tighter, but equally decisive, 3-1 victory in Game 2 on October 13th. Strong pitching and timely hitting stifled the Red Sox lineup, putting the Yankees up 2-0 as the series headed to Boston.

The real statement, however, came in Game 3 at Fenway Park on October 16th. What many expected to be a tough road game for the Yankees turned into a humiliating rout for the Red Sox. The Yankees exploded for a staggering 19-8 victory, a performance that not only sealed their 3-0 series lead but also significantly damaged the morale of their opponents.

Offensive Firepower and Pitching Prowess

Manager Joe Torre's Yankees showcased a balanced attack that was simply too much for the Red Sox in these pivotal early games. Offensively, stars like Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez were at the forefront. Jeter, the team captain, set the tone with his consistent hitting and leadership, demonstrating why he was the heart of the Yankees' lineup.

Alex Rodriguez, despite the immense pressure on him as a high-profile Yankee, delivered a crushing blow in Game 3 with a grand slam that epitomized the Yankees' offensive explosion. Beyond the marquee names, contributions came from throughout the lineup, with players stepping up in crucial moments.

On the pitching side, the Yankees' starters delivered strong performances when it mattered most. While Game 3 saw a collective effort on the mound in a high-scoring affair, the reliability of pitchers like Mike Mussina and Jon Lieber in the first two games ensured the Yankees could maintain control. Their ability to limit the potent Red Sox offense in the initial contests was critical to establishing their early dominance.

The Inevitability of Victory: A Historical Precedent

By taking a 3-0 lead, the New York Yankees had placed themselves in an almost unprecedented position of strength. In the entire history of Major League Baseball, no team had ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series. This historical statistic fueled a widespread perception that the 2004 ALCS was effectively over.

Media outlets, fans, and even many within the baseball world considered the Red Sox's chances to be virtually nonexistent. The Yankees had not just won three games; they had seemingly broken the spirit of their long-standing rivals, setting the stage for what was widely believed to be an inevitable trip to the World Series. The only remaining question, it seemed, was which pitcher would get the ball for the series-clinching win.

Despite the overwhelming statistical odds favoring the New York Yankees, who had established a formidable 3-0 lead and seemingly cemented their path to the World Series, the narrative of the 2004 ALCS began its improbable shift in Game 4. What had appeared to be an inevitable victory for Joe Torre's squad suddenly faced its first, albeit faint, challenge as the series moved back to Fenway Park, demanding a seismic response from the Boston Red Sox.

Game 4: The Tipping Point and the Shift in Momentum

Game 4 of the 2004 American League Championship Series became the crucial fulcrum upon which the entire series balanced, initiating a historic turnaround that few could have predicted. For the Boston Red Sox, it was a do-or-die situation, a moment of acute pressure where failure meant elimination and the perpetuation of an 86-year championship drought.

Facing Elimination: The "Don't Let Us Win Tonight" Mentality

Entering Game 4, the Red Sox were not just down 0-3; they were facing a baseball truth that no team in MLB history had ever overcome such a deficit in a best-of-seven series. The atmosphere at Fenway Park was thick with apprehension, yet within the Red Sox clubhouse, a defiant resolve began to coalesce. First baseman Kevin Millar famously articulated this sentiment, reportedly telling his teammates, "Don't let us win tonight." This seemingly simple phrase encapsulated a profound psychological shift: a belief that if they could just snatch one victory, the psychological burden on the Yankees might begin to manifest, and a sliver of hope could be ignited. This internal declaration became a rallying cry, a self-fulfilling prophecy that underscored the team's refusal to succumb.

The Crucial 9th Inning: Dave Roberts' Stolen Base

The Red Sox's audacious comeback in Game 4 was inextricably linked to one of baseball's most iconic moments in a critical situation: Dave Roberts' stolen base. With the Yankees holding a narrow 4-3 lead in the bottom of the ninth inning, and facing Mariano Rivera—widely regarded as the greatest closer in baseball history—the Red Sox's chances appeared bleak. Rivera, known for his unhittable cutter and unparalleled composure, took the mound.

The inning began with Kevin Millar drawing a walk, bringing the tying run to first base. Red Sox manager Terry Francona then made a decisive move, pinch-running Dave Roberts for Millar. On Rivera's first pitch to Bill Mueller, Roberts exploded from first base, executing a perfect jump and slide to steal second. This was not merely a stolen base; it was a brazen act of defiance against a pitcher who rarely allowed such incursions. The stolen base placed the tying run in scoring position with no outs, instantly changing the calculus of the at-bat and subtly—but significantly—rattling Rivera. Mueller followed with a single to center field, driving in Roberts and tying the game at 4-4, sending Fenway Park into a frenzy and pushing the game into extra innings.

David Ortiz Delivers: The Walk-Off and a Glimmer of Belief

The momentum, once firmly with the Yankees, had noticeably shifted, creating an electrifying tension that carried into extra innings. After the Yankees failed to score in the top of the 12th, David Ortiz stepped to the plate for the Red Sox with Manny Ramirez on first base. In a dramatic at-bat against Yankees reliever Paul Quantrill, Ortiz launched a 1-0 pitch deep into the night, a walk-off two-run home run that secured a 5-4 victory for the Red Sox.

This home run was more than just a win; it was a potent injection of belief into the Red Sox dugout and, conversely, sowed the first significant seeds of doubt into the minds of the New York Yankees. For the first time in the series, the seemingly invincible Yankees had been pushed to their limit and ultimately defeated in a high-pressure, late-game scenario. The Red Sox had defied elimination, proving to themselves and to the baseball world that their spirit was not broken, and that the "Curse of the Bambino" might, just might, be vulnerable.

Following the epic turnaround in Game 4, which saw the Boston Red Sox snatch victory from the jaws of elimination and infuse new belief into their clubhouse, the psychological landscape of the series had fundamentally shifted. What was once a seemingly insurmountable 3-0 deficit now felt like a fragile lead for the New York Yankees, who suddenly found themselves facing a relentless wave of Red Sox momentum.

Game 5: Ortiz Continues to Haunt the Yankees

The very next night, Game 5 became another testament to Boston's burgeoning resolve and the mounting pressure on the Yankees. It was a contest that once again pushed both teams to their physical and mental limits, culminating in yet another dramatic extra-inning finish that further amplified the Red Sox's improbable surge.

Another Extra-Inning Thriller

Just hours after his Game 4 heroics, David Ortiz once again stepped up to deliver a critical blow to the New York Yankees. The game, held at Fenway Park, unfolded as a tense pitcher's duel and a battle of wills that extended deep into extra innings. Both bullpens were heavily taxed, and the stakes were impossibly high. In the bottom of the 14th inning, with the score tied 4-4, Ortiz, true to his burgeoning "Big Papi" legend, connected for a walk-off single off Yankees pitcher Esteban Loaiza. This hit, driving in Johnny Damon, secured a 5-4 victory for the Red Sox, cutting the Yankees' series lead to a precarious 3-2. While Mariano Rivera had pitched earlier in the game, enduring the high-leverage situations forced by Boston's tenacious offense, it was Loaiza who ultimately yielded the decisive blow, showcasing the strain on the entire Yankees' pitching staff.

Terry Francona's Management

Throughout this tense period, Terry Francona's strategic acumen and calm demeanor were instrumental in keeping the Boston Red Sox alive. He managed his pitching staff with precision, making timely substitutions and showing immense trust in his key relievers, even when they faltered. Francona's consistent message of resilience and belief resonated deeply within the clubhouse, preventing any lingering doubt from Game 4's close call from taking root. His ability to maintain a steady hand and make strategic decisions under immense pressure allowed the team to focus on the immediate task at hand, inning by inning, pitch by pitch, rather than becoming overwhelmed by the daunting series deficit. This steady leadership was a crucial counterpoint to the growing unease permeating the Yankees' dugout.

Yankees' Growing Unease

The cumulative effect of these two consecutive extra-inning losses was devastating for the New York Yankees. What had appeared to be an unassailable 3-0 series lead had now dwindled to a fragile 3-2. The once-confident Yankees, reigning champions known for their composure and ability to close out series, began to show visible signs of growing unease. Their formidable bullpen, traditionally their greatest strength, was being pushed to its limits and, at critical junctures, was unable to deliver the knockout punch. The consistent heroics of David Ortiz, coupled with Boston's unyielding fight, chipped away at their psychological advantage, intensifying the pressure on every pitch. The series was no longer about if the Yankees would win, but rather, how and when the Red Sox might complete the unthinkable.

As the Yankees' once-commanding lead dwindled to a precarious 3-2 after David Ortiz's repeated heroics in Game 5, the stage was set for an even more dramatic and indelible contest. Game 6 would test the very limits of resilience, deliver one of baseball's most iconic visual moments, and feature a controversial play that intensified an already historic rivalry, pushing the series to its absolute limit.

Game 6: The "Bloody Sock" and Controversial Moments

Game 6 of the 2004 ALCS became legendary, a contest immortalized by Curt Schilling's gritty performance and a highly contentious play involving Alex Rodriguez. Against all odds, the Boston Red Sox managed to force a decisive Game 7, underscoring their unwavering determination in the face of elimination.

Curt Schilling's Legendary Performance

Stepping onto the mound at Yankee Stadium for Game 6, Curt Schilling delivered one of the most memorable and visceral pitching performances in postseason history. Battling a torn tendon in his right ankle that had required a surgical procedure just days prior, Schilling's resilience was palpable. Throughout the game, a crimson stain steadily grew on his white sock, a visible testament to the sutures that were holding his ankle together and the blood seeping through. This "bloody sock" quickly became an iconic symbol of the Boston Red Sox's fighting spirit.

Despite the obvious discomfort, Schilling pitched seven innings, allowing only one earned run on four hits while striking out four Yankees. His sheer will power, combined with his effective pitching, galvanized his team and stunned the home crowd. It was a performance that embodied the grit and determination that had become the hallmark of the Red Sox's improbable comeback.

The "A-Rod Slap" Play

Beyond Schilling's heroics, Game 6 was also marred by a highly controversial play involving Alex Rodriguez in the top of the eighth inning. With Derek Jeter on first base and Kevin Millar on second, Rodriguez hit a slow ground ball between the mound and first base. As Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo fielded the ball and attempted to tag Rodriguez, A-Rod appeared to slap Arroyo's glove, dislodging the ball and causing it to roll away. Jeter, initially tagged out by Arroyo, was then ruled safe at first after the ball came loose, and Millar scored from second.

The immediate call on the field was safe for Rodriguez, and the run counted, putting the Yankees up 3-2. However, Red Sox manager Terry Francona quickly appealed the play, arguing that Rodriguez had interfered with Arroyo. After a lengthy discussion among the umpires, the call was overturned. Rodriguez was ruled out for interference, and Millar was sent back to second base, negating the run. This highly unusual and dramatic reversal sparked outrage from the Yankees and further heightened the series' already boiling tension, fueling the narrative of an almost unbelievable turn of events.

Forcing Game 7

Ultimately, the Boston Red Sox secured a 4-2 victory in Game 6. After the controversial A-Rod play, Mark Bellhorn hit a two-run home run off Mariano Rivera in the top of the ninth, extending Boston's lead. Keith Foulke then closed out the game, sealing the win. This victory was monumental, as it meant the Red Sox had successfully pushed the series to a decisive Game 7, completing an improbable comeback from being 3-0 down. No team in MLB history had ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to force a Game 7, let alone win the series. The Red Sox had defied all expectations, transforming what seemed like an inevitable Yankees coronation into a high-stakes, winner-take-all showdown.

The drama of Curt Schilling's bloody sock and the contentious "A-Rod Slap" in Game 6 had done more than just force a decisive Game 7; they had fundamentally shifted the series' momentum. What seemed an impossible task after being down 3-0 now felt tantalizingly within reach for the Boston Red Sox, setting the stage for one of baseball's most unforgettable climaxes.

Game 7: The Unthinkable Becomes Reality

The air inside Yankee Stadium on October 20, 2004, was thick with anticipation and dread. For the New York Yankees, it was a chance to finally close out their bitter rivals and advance to the World Series. For the Boston Red Sox, it was the ultimate test of their newfound resilience, an opportunity to complete a comeback unprecedented in baseball history and, perhaps, finally vanquish the decades-old "Curse of the Bambino." This was the true series decider, a winner-take-all showdown for the American League pennant.

Early Red Sox Dominance

Carrying the emotional and psychological high from their back-to-back victories, the Red Sox wasted no time asserting their authority. The decisive blow came in the second inning when center fielder Johnny Damon launched a grand slam off Yankees starter Kevin Brown, instantly giving Boston a commanding 4-0 lead. Damon wasn't done; he followed up with a two-run homer in the fourth inning, pushing the score to 6-0. These early blasts were crucial, setting a tone that left the Yankees reeling. Further cementing Boston's control, legendary ace Pedro Martinez, who had started Game 2 and struggled, entered in a relief role and delivered a stellar performance. Entering the game in the fifth inning with a significant lead, Martinez pitched three masterful innings, allowing just two hits and no runs, effectively stifling any potential Yankees rally and preserving Boston's advantage.

Yankees' Inability to Respond

Facing a growing deficit and the relentless pressure of a Game 7, the New York Yankees' usually potent offense withered. Their star-studded lineup, featuring the likes of Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Gary Sheffield, struggled to generate meaningful hits against Boston's pitching, particularly against Martinez and later Alan Embree and Keith Foulke. The Yankees managed just one run through the first eight innings, a stark contrast to their earlier offensive explosions in the series. Compounding their struggles, the Yankees' bullpen, which had shown vulnerabilities in the previous games, couldn't contain the Red Sox's persistent offense. The collective offensive struggles and pitching woes sealed their fate, as the once-dominant Yankees found themselves unable to counter Boston's historic surge.

Historic Victory and the End of a Curse

As the final outs approached, the tension in Yankee Stadium was palpable, giving way to a stunned silence from the home crowd and joyous pandemonium from the Red Sox faithful. With the score at 10-3 in the bottom of the ninth, closer Keith Foulke induced a groundout from Rubén Sierra to second baseman Pokey Reese. The final out sparked an explosion of jubilation for the Red Sox, who had not only won Game 7 but had completed the greatest comeback in baseball history, overcoming a 3-0 series deficit against their fiercest rivals. This victory was more than just a pennant; it was the symbolic shattering of the "Curse of the Bambino," a perceived hex dating back to 1918. For Boston, the unthinkable had become reality. The Red Sox were heading to the World Series, having vanquished their demons and their perennial tormentors in dramatic, unforgettable fashion.

While Game 7 undeniably marked the Boston Red Sox's triumph and the culmination of their historic comeback, it also served as the stark realization of a profound and unprecedented collapse for the New York Yankees. What transpired over those four fateful games was not merely a loss, but an unraveling, an analytical breakdown of which reveals a confluence of individual struggles, strategic missteps, and overwhelming psychological pressure.

Analytical Breakdown of the Yankees' Collapse

The Yankees' downfall was a complex tapestry woven from unforeseen errors and a dramatic shift in momentum, turning their once commanding lead into a bitter defeat.

Mariano Rivera's Uncharacteristic Struggles

At the heart of the Yankees' collapse was the unthinkable faltering of Mariano Rivera, arguably the greatest closer in baseball history. Known for his unwavering composure and nearly flawless execution, Rivera's uncharacteristic struggles in Games 4 and 5 were seismic shocks. In Game 4, he entered in the ninth inning with a one-run lead and promptly allowed the tying run, leading to the Red Sox's walk-off victory in extra innings. The very next night, in Game 5, he again blew a save opportunity, allowing the tying run to score in the ninth, setting the stage for David Ortiz's second consecutive walk-off heroics. For a pitcher who rarely made mistakes, these consecutive blown saves against a bitter rival were not just statistically significant, but psychologically devastating, eroding the team's seemingly impregnable bullpen advantage.

Offensive Stagnation

The New York Yankees' formidable lineup, boasting future Hall of Famers and perennial All-Stars like Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Gary Sheffield, and Hideki Matsui, went inexplicably cold at the most crucial junctures. After a dominant offensive display in the first three games, scoring 19 runs, their bats fell silent. Against resilient Boston Red Sox pitching, particularly after Derek Lowe's Game 4 start and Pedro Martinez's gritty relief appearances, the Yankees struggled to string together hits or capitalize on scoring opportunities. Critical innings often ended with runners stranded, leading to a palpable sense of frustration and missed chances that cumulatively sealed their fate.

Managerial Decisions Under Pressure

Manager Joe Torre's strategic choices during the high-stakes games also came under intense scrutiny. While Torre was widely respected for his calm demeanor and previous success, his bullpen management, especially after Rivera's struggles, became a significant point of contention. Questions arose regarding the usage of certain relievers, the timing of pitching changes, and whether the right matchups were being exploited. In a series where every decision was magnified, the perceived missteps in pitching strategy seemed to compound the team's growing anxieties.

Psychological Factors

Perhaps the most potent contributor to the Yankees' collapse was the immense psychological burden they carried. The "Curse of the Bambino" narrative, long a quaint Bostonian lament, morphed into a terrifying self-fulfilling prophecy for New York. As the Red Sox chipped away at their lead, the momentum shift was not just evident on the scoreboard but palpable in the Yankees' body language. The pressure of being on the precipice of history, only to see it slip away game by game, took an undeniable mental toll. The seemingly unstoppable force of the Yankees looked increasingly deflated, overwhelmed by the Red Sox's improbable surge and the weight of their own historic expectations.

Red Sox Resilience

It is crucial to reinforce that the Yankees' collapse was inextricably linked to the Boston Red Sox's extraordinary resilience and individual brilliance. David Ortiz's mythic clutch hitting, particularly his walk-off heroics in Games 4 and 5, delivered gut punches from which the Yankees struggled to recover. Dave Roberts' stolen base in Game 4, setting up the tying run against Rivera, became an iconic moment of defiance. And Curt Schilling's gritty Game 6 performance, famously pitching on an injured ankle with a "bloody sock," served as an inspirational testament to Boston's unwavering resolve. These pivotal individual efforts amplified the Yankees' struggles, transforming their defensive breakdowns and offensive droughts into an insurmountable deficit.

While the preceding analysis dissected the tactical failures and individual struggles that precipitated the Yankees' collapse, the true magnitude of the 2004 ALCS extends far beyond those immediate factors. It fundamentally reshaped legacies and cast a long shadow over one of sport's most storied rivalries.

Legacy and Impact

The 2004 American League Championship Series left an indelible mark on baseball history, fundamentally altering perceptions and defining the trajectory of two iconic franchises. Its outcome reverberated through the sport, creating a legacy that continues to be discussed decades later.

A Historic Shift in Rivalry Dynamics

The 2004 ALCS did more than just decide a pennant; it fundamentally altered the landscape of the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry. For decades, the Yankees had often held a psychological edge, consistently overcoming Boston in crucial moments, notably in 1949, 1978, and the agonizing 2003 ALCS. That history of Yankee dominance, however, was decisively shattered in 2004.

The Red Sox's unprecedented comeback, culminating in a World Series victory, rebalanced the scales. It instilled a newfound belief and confidence in Boston, transforming the rivalry from one often characterized by Yankee superiority into a truly competitive, intense, and often unpredictable contest. The emotional scars of 2004 lingered for the Yankees, while for the Red Sox, it became the ultimate proof that anything was possible.

The Symbolic Breaking of a Curse

Perhaps the most significant long-term impact of the 2004 ALCS was its role in the symbolic breaking of the "Curse of the Bambino." This decades-old narrative, which suggested the Red Sox were perpetually doomed to failure after selling Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1918, had haunted the franchise for 86 years. Generations of Red Sox fans had endured near-misses and heartbreaking defeats, often at the hands of the Yankees.

Boston's comeback from a 3-0 deficit against their arch-rivals, followed swiftly by a dominant sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 World Series, finally laid the "Curse" to rest. This victory was not merely a baseball championship; it was a profound cultural moment for New England, a cathartic release from decades of frustration. The image of the Red Sox celebrating their first World Series title since 1918 became one of the most iconic in sports, solidifying the 2004 season as a historical turning point.

A Defining Moment in Sports History

The 2004 New York Yankees' collapse is remembered not just as a significant event in baseball, but as one of the most shocking and enduring sagas in all of sports history. Never before in Major League Baseball history had a team squandered a 3-0 lead in a best-of-seven series, a statistic that underscores the unprecedented nature of the Yankees' downfall.

This event transcended the sport, becoming a widely cited example of a seemingly insurmountable lead evaporating under immense pressure. It cemented the 2004 ALCS as a benchmark for comebacks and collapses, forever etched in the annals of baseball lore. The series became a touchstone for discussions about momentum, mental fortitude, and the unpredictable nature of elite competition, ensuring its permanent place as a truly unforgettable moment in sports.

Even years later, the saga of the 2004 New York Yankees remains a compelling case study in sports psychology and performance under pressure. It's a story that continues to spark debate and awe, proving that in baseball, truly anything can happen.