Kevin Youkilis’ Departure Leaves David Ortiz as Lone Member of 2004 World Series Team

by

Jun 25, 2012

Kevin Youkilis' Departure Leaves David Ortiz as Lone Member of 2004 World Series TeamWhen the Red Sox called up Kevin Youkilis from the minors on May 15, 2004, he batted eighth in a lineup that included players of Red Sox lore such as Johnny Damon, Mark Bellhorn, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Kevin Millar, Gabe Kapler and Doug Mirabelli, all of whom would later earn World Series rings.

In the fourth inning of that game, Youkilis launched a home run to left field against 1996 American League Cy Young winner Pat Hentgen. It was the first home run of his career and one of the 133 he hit with the Red Sox.

Youkilis' time with the Red Sox would be full of big moments, as he became an integral part of the club and was part of two World Series-winning teams.

Now, as Youkilis moves to a likely everyday third base role with the Chicago White Sox, he leaves Ortiz as the only member of the team that broke the 86-year-old curse, as today's roster pushes through difficulties of its own to be a playoff contender.

The 2004 World Series banner will forever be the most beloved one in Boston because of how the Sox got there — coming back from a 3-0 series deficit in the American League Championship Series against the Yankees — and because it ended the 86-year drought. Now, the Sox have lost a player who helped them get there.

Boston's 2004 team was special and perhaps unique. The players on the team were more than just teammates — they were like family, and that's what guided them to success. The team had a great clubhouse atmosphere that included players like Pedro Martinez, Millar, Damon and Dave Roberts. Those Sox had chemistry and put their heads together after the Yankees won 19-8 in Game 3 at Fenway Park. They went on to win their next eight games and ended the term "curse" being associated with the team.

And guess what — Youkilis was a part of every moment of it.

Youk will be remembered in Boston for helping break that curse. The city is thankful for his contributions to that team, and the memories are in every stitch of the 2004 World Series banner outside of Fenway Park.

Every player from that team is gone except Ortiz, but Youkilis has left his mark at Fenway Park and in Red Sox history. His contributions will never be forgotten.

Good luck, Youuuuuuk.

Photo via Flickr/Mark Sardella

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