A new Netflix documentary series revisits the Boston Red Sox’s historic 2004 World Series championship, with the late Tim Wakefield taking center stage. “The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox” is a three-part series that features interviews with dozens of players, managers, and front office executives from the Red Sox’s championship-winning season.
But one of the most poignant moments comes when Wakefield’s former teammates reflect on the beloved pitcher’s impact, both on and off the field. Wakefield, who passed away in October 2023 at the age of 57, was a key figure in the Red Sox’s historic postseason run. The knuckleball specialist pitched for Boston for all but two seasons of his 19-year MLB career, and his efforts in 2004 helped the team finally break their long World Series drought.
“Wakey, in every single game, put on his spikes. In the documentary, Doug Mirabelli, 54, who was Wakefield’s former personal catcher, states that he put on his spikes every game. “If somebody called his name, he wanted to make sure he was ready to go out there and pitch.”
Had the Red Sox ultimately prevailed in the 2003 American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees, Mirabelli believes Wakefield would have earned the title of most valuable player. Instead, Aaron Boone’s series-ending home run left Wakefield emotionally devastated.
“I think the thought was he let the whole Red Sox Nation down,” Mirabelli says of Wakefield’s reaction. “Will people remember that last pitch for the rest of your career? It was tough on him.”
But Wakefield bounced back the following year, playing a pivotal role in helping the Red Sox finally defeat the Yankees and go on to win the World Series. The documentary features touching footage of Wakefield embracing teammate and friend Jason Varitek after the Red Sox clinched their spot in the 2004 World Series.
“Wake, for me, was my first major league start. I played in the big leagues, and I caught Wake,” the 52-year-old Varitek, who now works as a coach for the Red Sox, says in the series’ final episode. “He just [exemplified] what it meant to wear this uniform. He was my friend.”
Wakefield’s passing in 2023 was clearly a devastating loss for his former teammates, who struggled to hold back their emotions while reflecting on his legacy. “When you have teammates that are as close as we all have been, it’s tough,” former Red Sox outfielder Trot Nixon, 50, says in the documentary.
Former Red Sox clubhouse attendant Colin Barnicle directed the series, which serves as a poignant tribute to Wakefield and the indelible mark he left on the franchise. “He was my friend,” Varitek adds, his voice thick with emotion.
Wakefield’s impact extended far beyond his feats on the mound. The documentary highlights how the pitcher’s tireless work ethic and unwavering commitment to the team inspired his teammates and endeared him to Red Sox fans. “He just [exemplified] what it meant to wear this uniform,” Varitek says.
The new documentary revisits the Red Sox’s 2004 championship run, bringing Wakefield’s memory to life. His former teammates’ heartfelt recollections serve as a powerful reminder of the profound impact he had, both on the field and in the lives of those he touched.
“The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox” is a must-watch for any Red Sox fan, as it not only celebrates one of the most iconic moments in franchise history but also pays tribute to the beloved player who helped make it possible.