Los Angeles just got swept by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2026 NLCS, putting an end to their bid for a three-peat. This also means another team down 0-3 has gone home, leaving the 2004 Boston Red Sox still standing alone as the only team in baseball history to ever overcome an 0-3 series deficit in a best-of-seven series. It’s a legendary accomplishment, no doubt, but come on, baseball media. Can we finally put a lid on injecting “remember ’04?!” into every single October series where a team is three games down?
The 2004 Red Sox Bit Is Officially Old News
Honestly, it’s starting to get real annoying seeing the media trying to connect every single modern team that goes down three games to none with those 2004 Red Sox. Sure, it gives that ’04 squad some good PR, not that they need it. But doing the “but dude, remember ’04?” thing for every club is just ridiculous now. Most of the time it sparks a quick chuckle, and then you move on, but the bit gets old so fast. Think about it: David Ortiz razzing Derek Jeter during the 2023 ALCS. Or Aaron Boone showing his 2022 Yankees highlights from ESPN’s “Four Days in October” to fire them up. Like, seriously? Showing an all-time low point for a franchise is supposed to do the trick? It never works! When teams or the media point to 2004 to drum up some narrative, a sweep or a gentleman’s sweep feels inevitable, and that’s often exactly what happens.
Credit Where It’s Due: Dave Roberts Gets It
So, big credit has to go to Dave Roberts. He was actually part of igniting that magical October back in 2004. But this guy, during the 2026 NLCS, he didn’t insert any of that Red Sox propaganda where it had zero business being. Smart move, man. His Los Angeles Dodgers got swept by the Brewers, ending their three-peat bid and keeping Boston’s unique legacy completely alive. The funny thing is, only one other team has even forced a Game 7 after falling down 0-3. That was the 2020 Houston Astros in the COVID season. They pulled off three straight wins against the Tampa Bay Rays before the Rays woke up and won Game 7. *That* was actually a fine time to make 2004 connections, because Houston truly came close to joining that exclusive club.
Seriously, what the 2004 Red Sox did was absolutely amazing. But until a team is truly on the doorstep, actually pushing a Game 7, please, for the love of baseball, let that team’s incredible accomplishment live on its own pedestal. Most other teams haven’t even come close. It’s more than enough.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Over the Monster.
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