MLB tragedy: Former Red Sox World Series winner dies

Former Boston Red Sox first-baseman and outfielder Dave McCarty has passed away, aged 54.

Per a press release by the Boston Red Sox, McCarty died due to a “cardiac event” in Oakland.

McCarty was part of the 2004 Red Sox team that broke the infamous “Curse of the Bambino” in 2004. The curse suggested the Red Sox would never win another World Series following the sale of Babe Ruth to their bitter rivals, the New York Yankees, in 1919.

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McCarty’s death comes just one month after he and his fellow 2004 teammates gathered at Fenway Park to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their World Series win, per E Online.

McCarty was the number 3 overall draft pick in 1991 coming out of Standord, per USA Today, spending just two years in the Twins’ farm system before debuting in the MLB in 1993.

McCarty spent over 20 years in the MLB, playing for seven teams, including the Twins, Giants, Mariners, Royals, Devil Rays, Athletics, and most famously, the Red Sox, where he ended his career following the 2005 season, per MLB media.

Kevin Youkilis, a member of the 2004 Red Sox, posted a tribute on social media saying, “Grateful to share an amazing 04 Reunion and a flight back home to the Bay Area with Dave McCarty. A great father, husband, teammate, and friend. Thank you Big Mac for teaching me how to be a Big Leaguer!”

Another member of the 2004 Red Sox team, Lenny DiNardo, also posted a tribute on social media, writing, “I was happy to be able to spend time with him at our reunion. Such a great guy. He’ll be missed. Hug your loved ones.”

The 2004 team gathering at Fenway Park in March was an anniversary of their World Series win and a remembrance of Tim and Stacy Wakefield. Tim passed away in October 2023, with his wife Stacy passing just five months later. It is a horrible time for the Red Sox organization and all families involved.

According to the Red Sox's statement, McCarty is survived by his wife, Monica, and kids Reid and Maxine.

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