The Legendary Dave Roberts Steal
A Pivotal Moment in Baseball History
The Comeback Kids
The year was 2004, and the American League Championship Series (ALCS) was poised to crown a champion. The New York Yankees, baseball's most storied franchise, held a commanding 3-0 lead over the Boston Red Sox, a team that had endured decades of futility.
However, destiny had a different plan in store. In Game 4, with the Yankees leading 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Red Sox manager Terry Francona sent in a pinch-runner named Dave Roberts. Roberts was a 33-year-old utility player who had played just 45 games that season.
With Mariano Rivera, the Yankees' legendary closer, on the mound, Roberts took off for second base. The throw from catcher Jorge Posada was off-target, and Roberts slid into second safely. His steal sparked a two-out rally that resulted in a dramatic Red Sox victory.
The Red Sox went on to win Game 5 in extra innings and then stunned the Yankees in Games 6 and 7 to complete an improbable comeback. Roberts' steal became a symbol of the team's resilience and its ability to defy the odds.
Conclusion
Dave Roberts' steal from Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS is a moment etched forever in baseball history. It was a pivotal play in one of the most dramatic comebacks in sports, and it helped launch the Red Sox to their first World Series title in 86 years. Roberts' legacy as a legend in Boston is secure, and his story serves as an enduring reminder that anything is possible with determination and unwavering belief.
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