"Boston fans have softened up since you guys have won" - Throwback to when New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter got candid about his experience with Red Sox fans
Derek Jeter once said that Boston Red Sox fans warmed up to him only after the franchise won the 2013 World Series. Featuring on "Late Night with Seth Meyers" in 2016, Jeter talked extensively about his bittersweet experience with the Red Sox.
"I can say this now that I'm retired, but the Boston fans have softened up since you guys have won," he said. "It pains me to say it. I'm not happy you won but they treat me a lot better."
Meyers himself was a big Red Sox fan growing up in Bedford, New Hampshire. The Red Sox were crowned champions after beating the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1 in Game 6 in 2013, ending the franchise's 95-year wait for a World Series win at Fenway Park.
Derek Jeter takes a dive in the stands in the 12th inning of a Yankees Red Sox game in 2004 https://t.co/XZAHFt2cFv
This was Boston's eighth World Series title, with the first coming back in 1903 when it went under the name the Boston Americans. This was also the first time Boston had clinched a series at home since 1918.
Derek Jeter recently recalled painful ALCS loss to the Boston Red Sox in 2004
Despite winning five World Series titles, Derek Jeter has not forgotten the infamous collapse against the Boston Red Sox in 2004. The New York Yankees were 3-0 up in the ALCS, but the Red Sox completed a historic turnaround to win 4-3.
"It's misery, you know. Sick to my stomach," Jeter said in August 2022. "Got out of New York, went back home, Boston won the World Series. Manny Ramirez had a sign saying 'Jeter is playing golf right now' during the parade. Someone had sent it to me. Um ... so yeah that made me sick."
The Yankees even had the legendary Mariano Rivera, considered one of the greatest relievers in history, on the mound with a one-run lead against 7-8-9 hitters in Game 4 in 2004. Shockingly, he blew the save, making it one of only five blown saves in 96 career postseason appearances for Rivera.
The loss in Game 4 changed the complexion of the series with the Red Sox, helping them turn the tables on their bitter rivals.
Boston became only the third team in North American sports history to make a comeback from a 3-0 deficit to win the series.
The Red Sox faced the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. They dominated their opponents 4-0 to capture their first championship since 1918.
The Red Sox were also crowned champions in 1912, 1915, 1916, 1918, 2007 and 2018.
