Dave McCarty, a former first baseman and outfielder known for his contribution to the Boston Red Sox’s memorable 2004 World Series win, has passed away at the age of 54.
The Boston Red Sox released a statement confirming McCarty’s death, attributing it to a “cardiac event” that occurred in Oakland, California, on April 20th.
“Our hearts are heavy with the passing of Dave McCarty,” the team said on X, formerly Twitter.
“Playing 3 seasons with the Red Sox, he will forever be a part of the curse-breaking 2004 World Series championship team. We send our love to his wife, Monica, and their children, Reid and Maxine.”
McCarty’s passing comes just a month after he joined former teammates at Fenway Park for a 20-year reunion and tribute ceremony celebrating the 2004 World Series victory, ahead of the 2024 Opening Day game.
Among those present at the April 9th event were Brianna Grace Wakefield and Trevor Wakefield, who were invited to honor their late father, Tim Wakefield, a key player in the championship game.
Tim sadly passed away from brain cancer at the age of 57 in October, followed by their mother, Stacy Wakefield, in February.
Originally from Houston, Texas, McCarty’s MLB career spanned from 1993 to 2005.
Drafted by the Minnesota Twins, he later played for several teams including the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Oakland A’s before joining the Red Sox in 2003.
McCarty retired from professional baseball in 2005 and transitioned to a role as a Red Sox baseball analyst for NESN until 2008.
Notably, McCarty was one of the few MLB players to bat and throw left-handed. Though primarily a position player, he made three pitching appearances for the Red Sox during the 2004 regular season, culminating in a relief appearance in the final game.
While he did not participate in the post-season or the World Series, McCarty was awarded a championship ring for his contributions.
In a November interview, he reflected warmly on his time with the Red Sox.
“I loved the energy in Boston,” McCarty told BallNine, “and going on to win the World Series in 2004 made the whole journeyman experience worth it for me.”
He continued,
“When the Red Sox designated me for assignment, they had a deal in place to trade me to another team, but that was the first year when I went to spring training where my kid said, ‘Dad, we don’t want you to go.’ We had just won the World Series in 2004 and I said to myself, ‘You know, I’d just rather go out on top as a member of the Red Sox.’ So that’s what I did.”
Following his death, several of his past teammates paid tribute to him on social media. “Crushed to hear of the passing of Dave,” fellow 2004 World Series champion Johnny Damon wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the two. “RIP.”