The 'Idiots' Today: Where Are The 2004 Red Sox Roster Now, 20 Years After Breaking The Curse Of The Bambino?

The 2004 Boston Red Sox roster remains one of the most legendary and beloved collections of players in baseball history, forever etched in sports lore as the team that finally shattered the 86-year-old "Curse of the Bambino." This eccentric, bearded, and fiercely competitive group, affectionately nicknamed "The Idiots," didn't just win a World Series; they authored the most improbable comeback in MLB history, rallying from a 3-0 deficit against the rival New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series (ALCS).

As of today, December 11, 2025, the legacy of that championship team is experiencing a fresh wave of nostalgia, with the 20th anniversary of their historic run serving as a powerful reminder of their monumental achievement. Many of the key figures from the Red Sox 2004 roster have transitioned into new roles—from Hall of Famers and broadcasters to coaches and family men—but their bond remains unbreakable, often reuniting for special events and charity galas.

The Complete 2004 Boston Red Sox World Series Roster and Key Biographies

The 2004 team was a dynamic mix of established stars, gritty veterans, and mid-season acquisitions that gelled into an unstoppable force. The mid-season trade of Nomar Garciaparra for Orlando Cabrera and Doug Mientkiewicz was a pivotal moment that solidified the team's chemistry and defense.

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Pitchers (P)

• Curt Schilling (RHP): The ace who famously pitched on a bloody ankle during the ALCS.
• Pedro Martínez (RHP): A generational talent and future Hall of Famer who anchored the staff.
• Derek Lowe (RHP): The Game 4 hero of the ALCS and Game 4 starter of the World Series.
• Bronson Arroyo (RHP): A young starter who became a key part of the rotation.
• Tim Wakefield (RHP): The beloved knuckleballer and long-time Red Sox icon.
• Keith Foulke (RHP): The closer who recorded the final out of the World Series.
• Alan Embree (LHP)
• Mike Myers (LHP)
• Jeff Suppan (RHP)
• Terry Adams (RHP)
• Jamie Brown (RHP)
• Jimmy Anderson (LHP)

Catchers (C)

• Jason Varitek (C): The team captain and heart of the clubhouse.
• Doug Mirabelli (C)

Infielders (INF)

• David Ortiz (DH/1B): "Big Papi," the clutch-hitting legend and ALCS MVP.
• Kevin Millar (1B): The outspoken leader and unofficial "Captain" of "The Idiots."
• Mark Bellhorn (2B): Known for his high strikeout rate and clutch World Series home run.
• Orlando Cabrera (SS): Acquired mid-season, stabilizing the defense at shortstop.
• Bill Mueller (3B): The quiet professional and clutch hitter.
• Doug Mientkiewicz (1B): Acquired with Cabrera, a defensive specialist.
• César Crespo (INF)
• Brian Daubach (1B)

Outfielders (OF)

• Manny Ramírez (LF): The enigmatic slugger and World Series MVP.
• Johnny Damon (CF): The long-haired, bearded leadoff hitter and emotional sparkplug.
• Trot Nixon (RF): The tough, homegrown fan favorite.
• Dave Roberts (OF): The speedster whose stolen base in ALCS Game 4 ignited the comeback.
• Gabe Kapler (OF)
• Ellis Burks (OF)
• Dave McCarty (OF/1B)

Manager and Coaches

• Manager: Terry Francona
• Bench Coach: Brad Mills

The Unbreakable Bond: Where Are the Key Players from 'The Idiots' Now?

Two decades later, the players from the 2004 Red Sox roster have scattered across the baseball landscape and beyond. Their careers post-Boston have been varied, but their status as legends in New England remains unchanged. Many of them continue to work in baseball, often crossing paths for reunions and media appearances, particularly around the 20th anniversary.

David Ortiz ("Big Papi")

Ortiz is arguably the most recognizable member of the team today. After retiring in 2016, his legend only grew. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022 on his first ballot. Today, he is a prominent baseball analyst for FOX Sports and remains heavily involved in philanthropic work through the David Ortiz Children’s Fund. He frequently hosts celebrity golf tournaments that serve as unofficial team reunions.

Manny Ramírez

The eccentric World Series MVP had a winding career after leaving Boston. While his Hall of Fame bid has been complicated by past issues, he has remained involved in baseball, often serving as a hitting consultant or coach for various teams, including the Red Sox organization. His presence at recent reunions highlights his enduring connection to the team's historical moment.

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Curt Schilling

Schilling retired in 2007 and has since become a prominent, and often controversial, media personality and political commentator. While he came close to Hall of Fame induction multiple times, he requested to be removed from the ballot in his final year of eligibility. He remains a vocal figure, often reflecting on the 2004 ALCS and his famous "bloody sock" game.

Jason Varitek

The longtime captain retired in 2011 after spending his entire career with the Red Sox. He quickly transitioned into a front-office role, and as of late 2025, he continues to serve in the Red Sox organization, currently holding the title of Bench Coach, making him one of the few members of the 2004 team still actively coaching in the majors.

Johnny Damon

After leaving Boston for the Yankees, Damon's career continued for several years. Since retirement, he has made numerous media appearances, including reality TV, and remains a fan favorite for his role as the leadoff hitter and emotional leader of "The Idiots." He is a regular attendee at team reunions.

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Pedro Martínez

A three-time Cy Young Award winner, Martínez was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015. He currently works as a baseball analyst for MLB Network and TBS. Like Ortiz, he is actively involved in charity work and frequently hosts events attended by his former 2004 teammates.

Kevin Millar

Known for his infectious energy and phrase "Don't Let Us Win Tonight," Millar has successfully transitioned into a full-time media career. He is a co-host on the popular MLB Network show "Intentional Talk," where he often shares colorful anecdotes from the 2004 World Series run, keeping the spirit of "The Idiots" alive for a new generation of fans.

The ALCS Comeback: The Moment That Defined the Roster

While the 2004 Red Sox roster is celebrated for the World Series victory, it is the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees that provides the team's true legendary status. Trailing 3-0 in the best-of-seven series, a feat no MLB team had ever overcome, the Red Sox appeared doomed to another year of the "Curse of the Bambino."

The turning point came in Game 4. Down by one run in the ninth inning, David Ortiz’s walk-off home run in the 12th inning, following Dave Roberts's pivotal stolen base, flipped the momentum of the entire series. The team's resilience, fueled by the "cowboy up" attitude of players like Kevin Millar and the grit of Curt Schilling, was unprecedented.

The 2004 Red Sox didn't just break a curse; they redefined the limits of sports comebacks. They went on to win four straight games against the Yankees, culminating in a dominant four-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. The collective effort of every player on the Red Sox 2004 roster—from the star power of Pedro and Manny to the late-season contributions of Orlando Cabrera—created a historical moment that continues to resonate with fans today, two decades later.