5 greatest comebacks in recent MLB postseason history

Oct 2, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox former pitcher Pedro Martinez holds a World Series trophy overhead during pregame ceremonies honoring designated hitter David Ortiz (34) before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

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1. 2004 ALCS – Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees

No. 1 is probably the easiest and most memorable comeback in MLB postseason history. It also still has not been repeated.

The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have been arch-rivals since the beginning of time. They are always linked to each other whether it’s in the AL East, free agency, the news, and more. However, the 2004 NLCS may be the most memorable part of their history rivalry.

The Yankees would quickly take a commanding 3-0 on the Red Sox, which seemed like a death sentence. No team in MLB history had overcome that big of a deficit. 3-1 and 3-2 had been done a handful of times before, but never having to win four consecutive games. The Red Sox became the first team ever to do so, though, pulling off the greatest comeback in MLB postseason history.

This started in the 9th inning of Game 4 with a Dave Roberts stolen base and a Bill Mueller single to drive him in. This tied the game and sent it to extra innings. A David Ortiz walk-off home run would preserve the Red Sox’s postseason hopes.

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From then on, the Red Sox clung to life in Game 5 and 6, going to extra innings in the former and sustaining a Yankee comeback in the latter. Game 7, at Yankees Stadium, would be a blowout that sent Boston to the World Series. They then swept the St. Louis Cardinals to win their first World Series since 1918, ending “The Curse of the Bambino”, once known as one of the greatest curses in sports history.

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