The Yankees/Red Sox game of July 1, 2004, can be seen to this day in YES Network commercials and clips and soundbites. It’s remembered for Derek Jeter running so hard for a catch that he dove into the stands in left field and emerged with his face bloody and bruised, an image that would frequently come to define his career and desire to win.
But there was a lot more to it than that — the bizarre defense the Yankees had to deploy in extra innings once Jeter had to be removed, Pedro Martinez angering Gary Sheffield, Manny Ramirez nearly breaking Yankees’ fans hearts, and gut-wrenching missed chances before less-heralded heroes Miguel Cairo and John Flaherty saved the day.