WBOB Original Reads

The 2004 Red Sox: Where Are They Now?

10/31/2017

Tyler Salk

I had just turned nine when the Red Sox won their first world championship in 86 years. When the team broke the curse, the “bunch of idiots” took the world by storm. Since 2004, many faces have changed around the Red Sox clubhouse.

With news of Gabe Kapler joining the Philadelphia Phillies as their new manager, another member of the team is still in baseball relevance today. In reality, there are quite a few players who still are worth talking about due to their post-playing careers.

Kevin Millar: A guy who could probably be referred to as the king idiot of the 2004 Idiot Team (he started the name after all), Millar was so much fun to watch. Also the first to say Cowboy Up in 2003, Millar was loved in the clubhouse. His personality was enough to land him a job as an on-air personality on MLB Network’s Intentional Talk. The guy still has it.

Johnny Damon: Remember that hair? The beard? Johnny Damon was a fan favorite. Until he went to the Yankees. When he lost the hair for pinstripes, the city felt betrayed. The centerfielder, who played a large role in getting the Sox to the ‘04 series, was a contestant on the Celebrity Apprentice, before Trump was the most hated man in America. Now, Johnny works with various charities.

Brad Mills: In 2004 Brad Mills served as Terry Francona’s bench coach. In 2007, Brad Mills served as Terry Francona’s bench coach. In 2017, on a different team, Brad Mills served as Terry Francona’s bench coach. We may see him as the manager for another team soon enough, but for now he’s just Terry Francona’s bench coach. Still.

Nomar Garciaparra: Growing up, Nomar was my favorite player. For good reason. When the guy was healthy, he was outstanding. If he sustained his numbers after being traded, he would have been a sure-fire hall of famer (if we take steroids out of account). Even though he was traded, he was still a member of the team for a portion of 2004. He hasn’t left baseball. Number 5 has gone on to be a member of multiple broadcast teams, including ESPN’s cast of the Little League World Series.

Kevin Youkiliis: The Greek God of Walks was gifted defensively. Two World Series titles might not be his biggest accomplishment. The current Chicago Cub employee married into an elite quarterback’s family. Youk’s kids call their famous relative Uncle Tom.

Manny Ramirez: The simple answer for Manny is he is in the hall of shame. His departure from the league, after facing a second suspension for performance enhancing drugs, ruined his reputation. Manny is out of MLB, but not out of baseball. Ramirez is still around, playing with a Japanese Independent team.

Dave Roberts: Dave Roberts stole the base of the century, and he might have also stolen some knowledge from the man we just discussed. Roberts has indulged himself in his own managerial career, winning the National League pennant with the Dodgers this season.

Pedro Martinez: Could anyone beat Pedro? Number 45 was electric both on and off the field. Pedro is a broadcast analyst still today, as yet another ‘04 member still relevant in the baseball world. The Hall of Famer spends his free time training his sons for their own baseball careers, and running events for charities.

Curt Schilling: He opened a business in Rhode Island. It didn’t work out. He made a lot of people really angry. He was an analyst on ESPN. It didn’t work out. He made a lot of people really angry.

Tim Wakefield: As a player, the knuckleballer was one of the most charitable players in the league. That continued into his post-playing career. Wake is still involved with quite a few charities, but was unable to get help. His restaurant owned with former Bruin Shawn Thornton went out of business.

Gabe Kapler: Didn’t you read the beginning of this article? He’s managing the Phillies now.

Mike Timlin: Mike Timlin was a workhorse. At the time, he appeared in over seventy-five games at the age of thirty seven. That’s older than almost everyone with 990WBOB. Timlin is still around. The veteran was in attendance at the concert in Vegas that resulted in the shooting. He’s also been found in the NESN booth at Fenway, but has received mixed reviews for his broadcasting skills.

Terry Francona: The manager of the 2004 team, we all know what Tito is up to. He ended another drought, helping the Indians win the 2016 World Series. I’m sure he’ll always remember his titles in Boston though.

David Ortiz: Big Papi couldn’t really stay away from the game. It took him less than a year to find himself working for Fox Sports as an analyst during the World Series.

Please share your favorite memories of the 2004 Red Sox team

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