Prior to October 2004, those two words side-by-side meant little to nothing to Red Sox fans. Today, these two words mean as much to New England history as "Big Dig," "Tea Party" and "Midnight Ride" combined.
Dave Roberts, arguably the most famous Red Sox player to play fewer than 45 games ever, is the subject for the most memorable moment in Red Sox history. Roberts' steal in Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS against Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada and the New York Yankees changed the landscape of a franchise, helped snap an 86-year curse and jump-started the most historic comeback in sports history all in one. And it lasted less than four seconds.
When Roberts returns to Fenway Park, there should be a piece of permanent hardware to be waiting for him somewhere embedded in the sidewalks of one of the five streets that surround the bandbox. And there's no better time than June 20, 2011, the day in which the new Padres first base coach comes to town for a three-game series with San Diego for interleague action.
Fenway already has a pair of statues at the corner of Ipswich and Van Ness Streets outside of Gate B — one for Ted Williams regarding his work with the Jimmy Fund, as well as one of Williams, Bobby Doerr, Johnny Pesky and Dom DiMaggio called "Teammates." But the time is now to erect a monument dedicated to the most lasting image in the history of the club, and that's The Steal.
Yes it's borderline crazy and there are literally dozens of former (and current) Sox players who deserve a statue over Roberts, but can you think of any other plays in club history more important than this one?
Those who somehow forgot how crucial this play was were reminded on Tuesday when ESPN aired Four Days in October, a documentary as part of its 30 for 30 series, on the Red Sox' ALCS comeback win over the Yankees in the fall of 2004. For those who missed this special (shame on you), they can find a reminder of this play in the Red Sox Hall of Fame, which houses a plaque dedicated to Roberts and his thievery.
There's already the plaque in Fenway dedicated to this play. Let's get one up for fans outside the building.
Do you think The Steal deserves a statue? Share your thoughts below.
