Theo Epstein Had Olympic Legend Call Red Sox Before 2004 ALCS Game 7

The Boston Red Sox were on the precipice of an all-time upset when they forced Game 7 of the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees in 2004.

But before the Red Sox took the field at Yankee Stadium for that decisive contest, then-general manager Theo Epstein wanted the team to hear from someone who had been in its position before.

According to Colin Barnicle, who directed Netflix’s “The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox” and relayed this story on the latest episode of NESN’s “310 To Left,” Epstein got a hold of an Olympic legend who had a hand in pulling off one of the greatest upsets ever in sports.

“I remember Theo told us a story. He was walking around New York before that Game 7 because he couldn’t go to sleep. And he called Sam Kennedy to try to get Mike Eruzione’s number from the 1980 (Olympics men’s hockey) team,” Barnicle said. “And he got it, and he put Mike Eruzione on with some of the Red Sox players before that Game 7. Keith Foulke, huge hockey fan, it was like a big thing for a lot of those guys. Some of those guys were like, ‘Who is this?’ But a lot of those guys were like, ‘This is unbelievable.'”

Eruzione, of course, scored the game-winning goal in Team USA’s “Miracle On Ice” victory over the Soviet Union at Lake Placid, N.Y, to advance to the gold medal game.

Whatever advice the Red Sox got from Eruzione certainly didn’t hurt as Boston coasted by New York, 10-3, in Game 7 to make the World Series.

The 2004 Red Sox team has been in the spotlight this month with it being the 20th anniversary of their historic comeback and championship win. Barnicle’s documentary produced several behind-the-scene stories while oral histories about Boston’s feat were prominent this year as well.

You can listen to all episodes of “310 To Left” on YouTube or Spotify.