The Houston Astros name Jimy Williams as the franchise’s thirteenth manager. Williams, a 35-year veteran who also managed the Blue Jays and Red Sox, replaces Larry Dierker, who despite reaching the postseason four times in five seasons, was unable to advance to the National League Championship Series.

The Houston Astros name Jimy Williams as the franchise’s thirteenth manager. Williams, a 35-year veteran who also managed the Blue Jays and Red Sox, replaces Larry Dierker, who despite reaching the postseason four times in five seasons, was unable to advance to the National League Championship Series.

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2004 – Houston agrees to pick up the contract option on outfielder Craig Biggio, assuring him an 18th season in an Astros uniform. Biggio owns franchise records in several categories and is coming off a season where he hits .281 with 24 home runs. 

2004 – Houston agrees to pick up the contract option on outfielder Craig Biggio, assuring him an 18th season in an Astros uniform. Biggio owns franchise records in several categories and is coming off a season where he hits .281 with 24 home runs. 

The Red Sox exorcised 86 years of agonizing losses by winning their first World Series since 1918
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The Red Sox exorcised 86 years of agonizing losses by winning their first World Series since 1918

Under the moon’s reddish tint caused by a lunar eclipse, the Red Sox exorcised 86 years of agonizing losses by winning their first World Series since 1918. In one of the most dominating Fall Classic performances, Boston, who never trailed during the four games, blanks the Cardinals, 3-0, to complete the sweep.

After a 10-day Overstock.com online auction and 240 bids, Barry Bonds’ 700th home run ball goes for $804,129. Steve Williams, who came up with the milestone ball in SBC’s left field bleachers on September 17, announced he was quitting his day job as a broker’s assistant, but hadn’t decided what to do with the windfall.

After a 10-day Overstock.com online auction and 240 bids, Barry Bonds’ 700th home run ball goes for $804,129. Steve Williams, who came up with the milestone ball in SBC’s left field bleachers on September 17, announced he was quitting his day job as a broker’s assistant, but hadn’t decided what to do with the windfall.

Manny Ramirez hits a two-run home run as the Boston Red Sox defeat the St. Louis Cardinals, 4 – 1, for their third consecutive victory

Manny Ramirez hits a two-run home run as the Boston Red Sox defeat the St. Louis Cardinals, 4 – 1, for their third consecutive victory

In Game 3 of the World Series at Busch Stadium, Manny Ramirez hits a two-run home run as the Boston Red Sox defeat the St. Louis Cardinals, 4 – 1, for their third consecutive victory. Pedro Martinez is the winning pitcher, helped by relievers Mike Timlin and Keith Foulke as Jeff Suppan is the loser.

Prior to Game 3 of the World Series, Edgar Martinez receives the Roberto Clemente Award, an honor given to the player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual’s contribution to his team. A native of Puerto Rico, the Mariners designated hitter, like the award’s namesake, is involved in a number of charitable causes.

Prior to Game 3 of the World Series, Edgar Martinez receives the Roberto Clemente Award, an honor given to the player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual’s contribution to his team. A native of Puerto Rico, the Mariners designated hitter, like the award’s namesake, is involved in a number of charitable causes.

Curt Schilling becomes the first starting pitcher to win a World Series game for three different teams

Curt Schilling becomes the first starting pitcher to win a World Series game for three different teams

2004 – At Fenway Park, Curt Schilling becomes the first starting pitcher to win a World Series game for three different teams. In addition to his Game 2, 6 – 2, victory for the Red Sox over the Cardinals today, his 8-2 lifetime postseason record includes wins for the Phillies (1993) and Diamondbacks (2001).

2004 – Heartbreak again. Houston owns a 2-1 lead with Roger Clemens on the hill in the decisive Game Seven of the N.L.C.S. but Albert Pujols ties it with a double in the sixth then Scott Rolen unties it on the next pitch with a two-run homer. The Cardinals tack on an insurance run and win the series, 5-2, behind Jeff Suppan. Craig Biggio started the night perfectly with a solo homer . While not as close as the 1980 World Series, the Astros were in sniffing distance of this one before falling short. Still, they could look back on an improbable season that featured an amazing streak to make the playoffs and the first postseason series win in their history. 

2004 – Heartbreak again. Houston owns a 2-1 lead with Roger Clemens on the hill in the decisive Game Seven of the N.L.C.S. but Albert Pujols ties it with a double in the sixth then Scott Rolen unties it on the next pitch with a two-run homer. The Cardinals tack on an insurance run and win the series, 5-2, behind Jeff Suppan. Craig Biggio started the night perfectly with a solo homer . While not as close as the 1980 World Series, the Astros were in sniffing distance of this one before falling short. Still, they could look back on an improbable season that featured an amazing streak to make the playoffs and the first postseason series win in their history. 

Jim Edmonds hits a two-run walk-off homer in the 12th inning
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Jim Edmonds hits a two-run walk-off homer in the 12th inning

On October 20, 2004, At Busch Stadium in Game Six of the NLCS. Jeff Bagwell ties the Cardinals, 4-4, with a clutch two-out single in the ninth in Game Six of the N.L.C.S.  but Jim Edmonds gives St. Louis the 6-4 decision with a two-run homer walk off vs Dan Miceli in the 12th to tie…

The Red Sox’s Complete Historic Comeback – From 3-0 Down to ALCS Triumph
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The Red Sox’s Complete Historic Comeback – From 3-0 Down to ALCS Triumph

The Red Sox’s Complete Historic Comeback – From 3-0 Down to ALCS Triumph On October 20, 2004, the Red Sox complete an improbable and historic comeback by defeating New York in Yankee Stadium, 10-3 in Game Seven of the ALCS. The Red Sox win the final four games of the series to become the first…