"We Believed"

As Red Sox fans, we have had a lot of miracles occur within just one decade.  2007 was incredible with Beckett, Papi, Youk, Bay, Pedey, Paps and Manny heroics.  This blog isn't about 2007 though.  It's about that magical season of 2004.  Images and memories that will forever be burned into our minds, never to be forgotten.  The end of a curse, then end of a wait and a soothing of our souls.  The type of tears that were shed were not those of sorrow and heart break.  They were the tears that have been dormant for over eight decades.  Tears of joy, excitement, relief and euphoria. 

That final out of the 2004 World Series will never leave my mind.  The events that took place during the ALCS left us all on the edge of our seats.  Standing in the stands of Fenway for hours on end.  14 inning games, blood, sweat and tears.  Big Papi came up for us BIG numerous times.  He will forever be "The Magic Man".  He gave us our first glimpse of hope and a reason to hang on just a little longer.  The way my heart skipped a beat when he blasted that homer in game four, then again in game five.  Then the single to drive in the already legendary Dave Roberts in the same game.  Keeping our hopes alive yet again.  Taking the series back to the Bronx.

The bloody sock, the face full of leather, "the steal", "the out" and countless other memories and visuals.  I thank the 2004 Red Sox for giving us a reason to believe.  A reason to run rampant in the streets of Boston, hug the fans who have had waited 60+ years for that day to come. 

I will never forget my reaction when we took the series from New York.  I knew that the battle was over and that we were well on our way to win the war.  After coming that far, there was no way that we couldn't win.  Keep the Faith.  I couldn't even cry.  I was in shock and felt too much joy.  Those feelings that had remained dormant for so long weren't sure how they wanted to be expressed or if it was just a false alarm.  My emotions definitely found their way out once the final out was made to crown our beloved Sox "World Champions".  Tears and laughter.  An abundance of cheering and screaming "WE DID IT!!".  We did it.  Finally.  The curse was broken.  Big Papi becoming immortal in the eyes of a Nation.  Having an entire team to thank for making our dreams a reality.  Bill Mueller, Dave Roberts, David Ortiz, Jason Varitek, Trot Nixon, Pedro Martinez, Curt Schilling, Kevin Millar, Johnny Damon, Bronson Arroyo, Manny Ramirez, Derek Lowe, Keith Foulke, Pokey Reese, Mark Bellhorn, Mike Timlin and Tim Wakefield.  A band of brothers that would leave a lasting impression on the city of Boston.  Those are the men who made it happen.

The sounds of "Dirty Water" and "Sweet Caroline" and "Tessie" blasting from the speakers.  Songs that, no matter how much we listen to them, never get sick of hearing because it reminds us all of a moment in history.  The greatest comeback in sports history and accomplishing the impossible.  

I haven't been able to stop thinking about 2004 all day.  I even spent the day watching the ALCS on iTunes on my computer while watching the WBC on the tube.  So many great memories and I consider myself lucky to have been able to experience it.  We remained faithful to our team and it's incredible history.  Never forgetting the legends of the Sox who just missed it.  The teams of 1967, 1975, 1986 and 2003.  This is something that will stick with us forever and beyond the grave.  When we are standing at the gates of Heaven getting the chance to shake the hands of the men who barely missed it. 

So as this new season approaches, keep in mind the great feelings of 2004.  Never stop believing in Boston.  There is no man wearing that Red Sox uniform who isn't worthy of being on this great team.  Keep the hope alive and stay on the edge of your seat.  There will be magic this year and we will witness things that will also burn memories in our minds. 

Baseball truly is great.  We believed.