The 2004 American League Championship Series, which pitted the New York Yankees against the Boston Red Sox, remains an iconic moment in baseball history, especially for three prominent figures from that series, who are now part of the “MLB on FOX” broadcast team—Alex Rodríguez, David Ortiz, and Derek Jeter.
David Ortiz’s game-winning play in extra innings in Fenway During Games 4 and 5, Park breathed new life into the Red Sox, reigniting their playoff hopes. This came after Derek Jeter and Alex Rodríguez gave the Yankees an impressive 3-0 lead in the series. What happened next was a historic turn of events: the Red Sox pulled off a stunning upset by winning Games 6 and 7 at the venerable Yankee Stadium. This incredible feat cemented their place in baseball history as the first and only team to win a seven-game playoff series after facing a daunting 3-0 deficit.
What happened?
Affectionately known as “Big Papi,” Ortiz, the former Red Sox star, delights in a timely joke at the expense of his FOX Sports colleagues about that unforgettable series. One Monday night, it was Derek Jeter himself who brought up the 2004 ALCS while discussing whether the Houston Astros could stage a comeback against the Texas Rangers in the ALCS. It was the perfect setting for Ortiz, who seized the opportunity without hesitation.
“We lost a series after leading 3-0,” Jeter said after the Rangers’ victory in Game 2. “I don’t want to bring it up again, but we’ve lost a series after coming back from a 3-0 deficit.”
In response, Ortiz, feigning surprise, exclaimed, “Really?” The 2004 ALCS MVP then flashed his trademark ear-to-ear smile.
This exchange had Alex Rodriguez and the show’s host, Kevin Burkhardt, in stitches and instantly went viral. Social media was flooded with fans expressing their delight at the camaraderie between Ortiz and his former Yankees rivals.
The 2004 ALCS is a topic of great importance to this trio, not only because of their shared history, but also because the Rangers have the opportunity to take the lead in the ALCS with a win in Game 3.
After the game, fans can tune in to FS1 to watch the world premiere of “The Game That Changed Everything,” a documentary focusing on the 2004 ALCS. This documentary, produced by FOX Sports Films and Religion of Sports, features exclusive interviews with key figures from that series, including Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, Alex Rodriguez, Hall of Fame Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, and members of the 2004 Red Sox team, including Johnny Damon, Kevin Millar, Dave Roberts, and Orlando Cabrera.
Despite their historic roles in that unforgettable series, these former rivals and baseball legends have come together to share their unique perspectives and memories in what promises to be a captivating documentary.
Derek Jeter’s Hotel Strategy
The Astros’ struggles at home, especially at Minute Maid Park, took center stage during FS1’s pregame show. It’s worth noting that this venue, which is usually favorable to the Astros, has been less kind to them throughout the 2023 season, with the first game of the ALCS serving as a clear example of their home-field disadvantage.
Houston suffered a 2-0 loss to the Texas Rangers, marking its 44th loss in 84 home games this season. To put that in context, the Astros had a 61-27 home record when they won their second World Series title last year.
This puzzling drop in performance at Minute Maid Park became a topic of discussion among MLB greats Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, and Alex Rodríguez. Jeter, in particular, seemed baffled by the Astros’ slump at home this year.
“I don’t have an answer; it’s inexplicable,” Jeter reflected. “People are talking about 40-44 this season; just a year ago, they were 61-27 at home. It’s not like they’ve been struggling for a week or a month. It’s been a whole year. … You can’t say they aren’t seeing the ball. If you look at the run differential, everyone sees the ball here, so I don’t know how to explain it. But they have to turn this around, and they have to do it fast, or they’ll be in trouble.”
At this point, Ortiz posed an intriguing question to Jeter, a five-time World Series champion with the New York Yankees. He asked what advice Jeter would give the Astros if he were their captain. Jeter’s solution was refreshingly simple: “I’d take them all to a hotel and pretend we’re on a road trip,” he joked. This clever suggestion drew laughter and approval from Ortiz and Rodríguez.
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