42 replies to this topic

[David Laurila]

I think it's fair to say that this merits a link:

http://www.fangraphs...-the-2004-alcs/

[bosockboy]

Great stuff. Very overshadowed by the bloody sock....but pitching a game of that magnitude on 2 days rest was really unheard of....probably have to go back to Mickey Lolich in 1968.

I ran into DLowe at Disney during a Braves Spring Training game and told him as such.

[fenwaypaul]

Thanks for posting this, David. Excellent questions and insightful answers. Lowe doesn't get nearly enough credit for 2004.

[Bucknahs Bum Ankle]

Great job David. That's a terrific interview. The tidbit about the sneakers at the end is amazing... who knew?

[John Marzano Olympic Hero]

Lowe: My shoes didn’t make it. My game shoes didn’t make it to Game 7. I’m not blaming the people in New York, but they had a tendency to lose stuff at the wrong time. I got to the game and I had zero shoes. Zero.
They went to Sports Authority and all they had were Reeboks with no toe on them. I wear Nike. If you look at the tape, you’ll see that my shoes were completely black, because I wasn’t supposed to wear anything besides Nike. I pitched Game 7 wearing off-the-shelf Sports Authority shoes. And I won.

I found this to be most interesting, especially the bolded part. Someone should send the quote to Paul Lukas, he'll have an orgasm.

[Ted Cox 4 president]

Thanks for this--great reading. Nice tip of the hat to the Captain. Wow . . . what memories!

[24JoshuaPoint]

Hahahaha we need a screen shot of those black sneaks. Great interview.

[Oil Can Dan]

Thanks for sharing. Man do I love me some DLowe. That back-door slider he K'd Terrence Long on to end the '03 ALDS was amazing.

One thing from '04 ALCS that I'm still not entirely clear on. So in Game 3 the Sox are getting blown out and they need an inning eater, right? Lowe is the 11th man in the pen, and Wake is your Game 4 starter. So if Wake is considered the better pitcher at that point in time, why does he take mop up duty over Lowe? I believe Wake went to Tito and offered himself up, but if I'm Francona and am faced with a decision, it's Lowe, who was rested and theoretically just as able to give me long innings as Wake.

I'm not complaining and wouldn't change a single thing, I'm just not following the logic.

(null)

[Snodgrass'Muff]

Thanks for sharing. Man do I love me some DLowe. That back-door slider he K'd Terrence Long on to end the '03 ALDS was amazing.

I thought that was a 2 seam fastball.

Anyway, great read. The shoes bit is hilarious. The last line of the interview is absolutely classic.

[Spacemans Bong]

It was a two-seamer. It was a great pitch, but the two-seamer he struck out Adam Melheuse on was even better. That thing moved several feet in the air, late.

[Corsi]

Hahahaha we need a screen shot of those black sneaks. Great interview.

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

It was a two-seamer. It was a great pitch, but the two-seamer he struck out Adam Melheuse on was even better. That thing moved several feet in the air, late.

I read later that Lowe and Tek set it up to throw those pitches directly at Melheuse and Long with the expectation they would break back over the plate. Unbelievably ballsy (particularly to Long given the bases were loaded) and incredible pitches.

[lexrageorge]

To this day, there are 2 guys on that team who's contributions seem to get lost in the hoopla surrounding the Bloody Sock, the Walk, the Stolen Base, and Papi's walkoffs. One is Keith Foulke's 6 scoreless innings. The other is Derek Lowe in Game 7.

[pedro1918]

Loved the interview and thanks to Derek for my new signature.

[bosockboy]

To this day, there are 2 guys on that team who's contributions seem to get lost in the hoopla surrounding the Bloody Sock, the Walk, the Stolen Base, and Papi's walkoffs. One is Keith Foulke's 6 scoreless innings. The other is Derek Lowe in Game 7.

I'd add Bellhorn in with those two....and as an honorable mention Leskanic for using the final bullets he had in that arm to get us through Game 4.

[SumnerH]

I'd add Bellhorn in with those two....and as an honorable mention Leskanic for using the final bullets he had in that arm to get us through Game 4.

And Tek for pulling himself together and catching Wake's knuckler in game 5. After the 3rd passed ball I was sure we were doomed.

[lexrageorge]

Also add:

Orlando Cabrera, who drove in an important run in the 5th inning of Game 4, scored the run that gave them a temporary 3-2 lead, and for just getting on base all series; Varitek, for driving in a couple of long since forgotten (yet important) runs in Game 5; Wakefield, because while everyone remembers his giving up his start to pitch in Game 3, he also pitched 3 scoreless innings for the win in that same Game 5; Varitek again for driving in the first run in Game 6.

[ToeKneeArmAss]

Also add:

Orlando Cabrera, who drove in an important run in the 5th inning of Game 4, scored the run that gave them a temporary 3-2 lead, and for just getting on base all series

First off, kudos to David for a great article.

And great point Lex about O-Cab. Cabrera is also often overlooked for two key defensive plays in game 4. In the second, with one out he cut Matsui down at the plate on a Posada grounder - ballsy decision to go home on that ball, and saved a run that could have made the ninth inning heroics of Millar-Roberts-Mueller a moot point. And in the 11th, with one out and Cairo at second, he snared a sinking liner off A-Rod's bat destined for left field that also could have driven in the game winner for the bad guys.

Having mentioned Cairo, I'll add that he too deserves great credit for the Red Sox 2004 outcome. In game 4, bottom of the fifth Sox trailing 2-0 with one out and men at first and second, Damon hit a sure-fire double play ball to Jeter that should have ended the inning. But Cairo was out of position (too far toward first) and was slow getting to the bag, allowing Damon to beat the relay by a step. Sox go on to score three that inning. In retrospect that was one of the biggest plays of the series.

[simplyeric]

First off, kudos to David for a great article.

And great point Lex about O-Cab. Cabrera is also often overlooked for two key defensive plays in game 4. In the second, with one out he cut Matsui down at the plate on a Posada grounder - ballsy decision to go home on that ball, and saved a run that could have made the ninth inning heroics of Millar-Roberts-Mueller a moot point. And in the 11th, with one out and Cairo at second, he snared a sinking liner off A-Rod's bat destined for left field that also could have driven in the game winner for the bad guys.

Having mentioned Cairo, I'll add that he too deserves great credit for the Red Sox 2004 outcome. In game 4, bottom of the fifth Sox trailing 2-0 with one out and men at first and second, Damon hit a sure-fire double play ball to Jeter that should have ended the inning. But Cairo was out of position (too far toward first) and was slow getting to the bag, allowing Damon to beat the relay by a step. Sox go on to score three that inning. In retrospect that was one of the biggest plays of the series.

Don't forget "The Slap"..that was a key play that kept Jeter at 2nd, rather than advancing to 3rd. If a-rod just plays it straight and is tagged out, Jeter is at third and (if recollection serves) there was a single shortly after, or a fly ball, or something that would have scored Jeter. But, since he slapped at Arroyo, the umps called Jeter back to 2nd, where I think he advanced to 3rd and stranded there.

Edited by simplyeric, 22 June 2012 - 01:37 PM.

[simplyeric]

To this day, there are 2 guys on that team who's contributions seem to get lost in the hoopla surrounding the Bloody Sock, the Walk, the Stolen Base, and Papi's walkoffs. One is Keith Foulke's 6 scoreless innings. The other is Derek Lowe in Game 7.

Lowe's start was partly overshadowed by the "oh no" phase of Pedro's pitching in that game....but I remember Lowe pitching, and his face after he was done...I almost remember seeing the relief on his face (while simultaneously thinking 'there's no way Tito sends him back out....right?!?')

[biollante]

Loved the shoe comment. Didn't know about that. No matter how fancy an organization may be, there is always the chance something might happen. Lowe was an important part. Thank you for the link and posting this interview.

[Dick Drago]

Varitek switching up, batting RH vs Mussina and drawing a big walk, inning one game 5.

[Manramsclan]

The Tony Clark double that bounced into the stands and kept the runner at third?

This thread could get up to 200 posts with little moments like this which prompts two thoughts:

• Baseball is such a phenomenal game
• There are a lot of things that have to go right to win a championship.

[The Long Tater]

Favorite memory of that game is at the end: Trot Nixon in the outfield interacting with the Red Sox fans who had stayed and taken over the old toilet.

[Dan Murfman]

Don't forget "The Slap"..that was a key play that kept Jeter at 2nd, rather than advancing to 3rd. If a-rod just plays it straight and is tagged out, Jeter is at third and (if recollection serves) there was a single shortly after, or a fly ball, or something that would have scored Jeter. But, since he slapped at Arroyo, the umps called Jeter back to 2nd, where I think he advanced to 3rd and stranded there.

Memory doesn't serve you well. Without the slap ARod is the 2nd out and Jeter is on on 2nd base with Sheffield up next where you can't say he would have still made the 3rd out . With the slap Jeter was sent all the way back to 1st.

[BannedbyNYYFans.com]

Great stuff Dave. Of course I'm biased - I could read an interview with a pigeon who was shitting on the field before Game 7 and I'd enjoy it.

[Rasputin]

The thing that always manages to surprise me is the riot police taking the field.

It was surreal.

[JohntheBaptist]

Kevin Millar worked a walk off Mariano Rivera to lead off the ninth inning of Game 4 down a run and staring elimination in the face at home. Roberts pinch runs.

Kevin Millar worked a walk off Tom Gordon following Papi's leadoff HR in the bottom of the eighth inning of Game 5, again down a run and facing elimination. Again Roberts pinch runs and scores the tying run on Varitek's SF.

Kevin Millar hits a 2B off Jon Lieber in the 4th inning of Game 6, advancing to 3rd on the wild pitch and scoring the game's crucial first run on Varitek's RBI single.

Kevin Millar hits a one-out single in the 2nd inning of Game 7, starting the Grand Slam Rally

Edited by JohntheBaptist, 22 June 2012 - 06:20 PM.

[TheoShmeo]

The strike out of Tony Clark at the end of game 6 was the single most scary/exhilarating moment of the series for me. The possibility that Clark would end the series right there seemed very real.

I made so much uncontrolled noise that the Yankee fans in my immediate vicinity at the Can truly looked like truly wanted to kill me and I'm sure some considered it. My bad, MFYFs.

[bosockboy]

The strike out of Tony Clark at the end of game 6 was the single most scary/exhilarating moment of the series for me ever. The possibility that Clark would end the series right there seemed very real.

I made so much uncontrolled noise that the Yankee fans in my immediate vicinity at the Can truly looked like truly wanted to kill me and I'm sure some considered it. My bad, MFYFs.

Not sure I'll ever feel the rush that went through me after that K. If Game 6 and 7 were reversed I'm not sure my heart could've made it through.

I remember Theo later on saying how ironic it would have been for a guy who sank the 2002 team to pull a Boone on us. But yes, it seemed very real.

[BannedbyNYYFans.com]

For those who don't want to click through:

No offense, but doesn't he deserve to get the hits for the interview? FanGrahs has advertisers too. Shouldn't SOSH visitors click the link?

[veritas]

To this day, there are 2 guys on that team who's contributions seem to get lost in the hoopla surrounding the Bloody Sock, the Walk, the Stolen Base, and Papi's walkoffs. One is Keith Foulke's 6 scoreless innings. The other is Derek Lowe in Game 7.

Couldn't agree more. Especially on Foulke. He sacrificed his career to win a WS that year, and got thanked with boos the following year. The treatment of Foulke in 2005 was one of the most embarrassing moments for Boston sports fans, ever

[curly2]

Varitek with two outs and two strikes in Game 6 takes his hand off the bat to call time, doesn't get it from Joe West, and gets his hand back on the bat and fouls the ball off. The he singles in a run and Bellhorn hits a 3-run homer for all the runs they get. Thank God he got his hand back on the bat.

The strike out of Tony Clark at the end of game 6 was the single most scary/exhilarating moment of the series for me. The possibility that Clark would end the series right there seemed very real.

ABSOLUTELY. Clark was ahead 2-0 and Foulke threw a get-me-over fastball about 88 mph right in the happy zone for left-handed hitters. If there was ever a pitch to hit over the short porch, that was it. Clark took it and McCarver said, "You have to wonder what Tony Clark was looking for."

And I agree 100 percent with Foulke being underrated. Foulke deserves a statue in front of Fenway and NEVER should have gotten booed for ANYTHING. Thankfully, at the 100th anniversary thing, he looked happy and didn't seem to be holding a judge.

[Hendu's Gait]

I've never been more proud of, and happy for, a pitcher, than after the 6th inning Sheffield strike out. You are missed, Derek. I'm lucky to have seen you pitch, and that includes this May 10th. Thank you.

[LogansDad]

Couldn't agree more. Especially on Foulke. He sacrificed his career to win a WS that year, and got thanked with boos the following year. The treatment of Foulke in 2005 was one of the most embarrassing moments for Boston sports fans, ever

I totally agree. I've basically been out of town sine 1999, though I managed to make it back for the parade on October 30th, 2004, and 2005 was before I could afford to get the EI package. I discovered SOSH near the end of 2004, and basically lived 2005 through ESPN Gamecasts and the game threads. The fact that Foulke ever got booed at Fenway is appalling to me, and I have never been able to watch a crowd on TV in the same way since then.

To this day, this is part of the reason I hoped so badly for the bald guy paying more attention to the wave than the game the other night to get decapitated by that foul ball (I'm sure someone knows what I am talking about). It drives me nuts to no end that so many pink hatters get to go to games, and I haven't been able to make one since 2007.

[bsj]

Kudos on that interview. Amazing how you can learn something new 8 years later. His shoes were lost?

Also, love the frankness with which he readily admits the team still was nervous despite the leas when Pedro gave up those runs.

[sfip]

Maybe this will limit people posting that sinkerballers pitch better when they're tired.

Q: Did pitching on two days of rest help your sinker?

Lowe: I don’t believe in that. I would much rather pitch at full strength. You still need your legs under you, and you still need your arm in the right arm slot. If you get too tired, your ball doesn’t move anymore. I promise you. They should do that on the show Myth Busters, because it’s not true.

Edited by sfip, 24 June 2012 - 11:17 AM.

[dwainw]

Maybe this will limit people posting that sinkerballers pitch better when they're tired.

Quote:

Q: Did pitching on two days of rest help your sinker?

Lowe: I don’t believe in that. I would much rather pitch at full strength. You still need your legs under you, and you still need your arm in the right arm slot. If you get too tired, your ball doesn’t move anymore. I promise you. They should do that on the show Myth Busters, because it’s not true.

Yeah, I loved that little nugget as well. Of course he only speaks for himself, but I swear I've been hearing about this since the Bob Stanley era. Maybe even earlier. Great stuff.

[johnmd20]

Also, love the frankness with which he readily admits the team still was nervous despite the leas when Pedro gave up those runs.

I was certainly nervous when those runs were given up. Putting Pedro on the mound at the toilet in that game was the only bad decision Tito made in the 2004 playoffs. It re-energized a crowd that was dead and had no reason to not be dead.

[Saints Rest]

Kevin Millar worked a walk off Mariano Rivera to lead off the ninth inning of Game 4 down a run and staring elimination in the face at home. Roberts pinch runs.

Kevin Millar worked a walk off Tom Gordon following Papi's leadoff HR in the bottom of the eighth inning of Game 5, again down a run and facing elimination. Again Roberts pinch runs and scores the tying run on Varitek's SF.

Kevin Millar hits a 2B off Jon Lieber in the 4th inning of Game 6, advancing to 3rd on the wild pitch and scoring the game's crucial first run on Varitek's RBI single.

Kevin Millar hits a one-out single in the 2nd inning of Game 7, starting the Grand Slam Rally

I remembered the first two but forgot (or never knew) the latter two. But you forgot his famous "Don't let us win tonight " quote during BP of Game 4.

[Ramon AC]

DLowe inspired me to rewatch my 2004 DVDs this weekend, including the clip on the bonus disc of Millar talking to CHB with the "Don't let the Sox win tonight" line. I wonder if that was the first time Millar said that, if the Shank conversation codified that thought in his mind, and he subsequently rattled off those talking points to anyone within earshot.

[trekfan55]

No one in my house can forget my screams when Keith Foulke struck out Tony Clark. It was absolutely the most exhilarating moment of the entire series. Keith Foulke was working on fumes at that point and Tito had absolutely no one left.

If there was someway we could identify the people who actually booed Foulke the very next season they should be placed on a special list: No admittance to Fenway, instant rectal exam anytime they fly.

[Rocco Graziosa]

No one in my house can forget my screams when Keith Foulke struck out Tony Clark. It was absolutely the most exhilarating moment of the entire series. Keith Foulke was working on fumes at that point and Tito had absolutely no one left.

If there was someway we could identify the people who actually booed Foulke the very next season they should be placed on a special list: No admittance to Fenway, instant rectal exam anytime they fly.

I've booed many a player in a Sox uniform and in general have no problem with fans expressing their displeasure in this manor. But booing this guy? Not one year removed after giving his career to the Sox in exchange for a world series title? Unreal. I remember watching and texting my friends "holy shit, tough crowd huh?"

Great interview and fantastic revelation about the cleats. The picture brings the story right to life. Fascinating.