Ben Affleck’s ‘Believers’ Documentary Revisits the 2004 Red Sox’s Epic Triumph
In the annals of baseball history, few stories resonate like the 2004 Boston Red Sox and their improbable World Series victory. Now, ESPN and Ben Affleck, a lifelong Red Sox devotee, are bringing that saga to life with Believers, a new documentary set to premiere next spring. Directed and produced by Affleck, this star-studded project promises to unearth untold stories from the team that shattered an 86-year championship drought and broke the Curse of the Bambino. With exclusive interviews, never-before-seen footage, and a cast including Matt Damon, David Ortiz, and Pedro Martinez, Believers aims to capture the raw emotion and unrelenting spirit of a season that changed Boston forever.
The 2004 Red Sox remain a touchstone for sports fans. Down 3-0 to the New York Yankees in the ALCS, they staged the greatest comeback in postseason history, winning four straight games to advance and ultimately sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals for the title. Affleck, who grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was not just a witness but a believer in that miracle. “This wasn’t just a season; it was a movement,” Affleck said in a press release. “We want to show the heart, the pain, and the joy of what that team meant to a city that never stopped believing.” The documentary dives deep into the personalities that defined the squad, from Ortiz’s clutch heroics to Johnny Damon’s free-spirited swagger.
What sets Believers apart is its unflinching look at the emotional stakes. The film weaves together archival footage with new interviews, including candid reflections from players like Curt Schilling, who famously pitched through injury, and Kevin Millar, whose “Cowboy Up” mantra galvanized the team. Off-field voices, like Boston Globe columnists and lifelong fans, add context about a city haunted by decades of near-misses. Affleck’s involvement brings a personal touch; his own memories of watching games at Fenway Park infuse the narrative with authenticity. Matt Damon, narrating portions of the film, lends a familiar Boston grit to the storytelling.
The documentary doesn’t shy away from the darker moments. It explores the weight of the Curse, the heartbreak of past failures, and the intense pressure on a team carrying a city’s hopes. Yet it’s the triumph that shines brightest. Scenes of fans flooding Boston streets after the final out in St. Louis are paired with stories of personal redemption, like Ortiz cementing his legend. Early screenings have drawn praise for their emotional depth, with critics noting the film’s ability to resonate with anyone who’s ever rooted for an underdog.
Believers also reflects on the legacy of 2004. That championship reshaped Boston’s identity, turning a city of skeptics into believers and setting the stage for three more titles in the next 14 years. For Affleck, the project is a love letter to his hometown and its team. “This is for every fan who waited their whole life for that moment,” he said. As baseball looks ahead to a new era, Believers reminds us why 2004 remains a singular chapter in sports history. With its blend of nostalgia, drama, and heart, the documentary is poised to captivate not just Red Sox Nation but anyone who loves a story of impossible odds.
