“The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox” dropped Wednesday, and it included a lot more than just a look back at a historic season.
Netflix provided a new look at the 2004 Red Sox team and its journey to breaking an 86-year World Series drought. The docuseries showcased interviews with major figures, including Pedro Martinez. The third and final episode started with the 2004 American League Championship Series, and Martinez made a never-before-heard claim about the New York Yankees.
“I remember before the game just getting up to the ceiling of the clubhouse and pulling a microphone. I guess a little device that was relaying our conversations,” Martinez said.
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The claim was made as clips were shown of Martinez’s loss in Game 2 of the ALCS. Curt Schilling lamented his performance in Game 1 and backed his former teammate’s accusation.
“I know the difference between a microphone and not a microphone, and this was a lapel mic. And it was attached to the same thing you guys (the filmmakers) have, a little red box with a red light on,” Schilling said.
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What essentially can be described as “Spygate” from New York was an explosive accusation that would add even more to the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry. Legendary manager Joe Torre didn’t mince words when asked about the accusation.
“(Expletive). I say it didn’t happen,” Torre said. “And if it did happen, we didn’t get the benefit of a microphone, someone else did.”
Director Colin Barnicle told MassLive on the “Fenway Rundown” podcast that other former Red Sox players made the same accusation Martinez and Schilling did. They noted that the pitching staff moved their meetings from the clubhouse to the team bus whenever they played at Yankee Stadium.
It’s unknown how true the cheating accusations are, but it is something for Boston fans to chew on while they celebrate the anniversary of the 2004 World Series team.
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Featured image via Brian Fluharty/USA TODAY Sports