Theo Epstein appointed Epstein to replace interim general manager (GM) Mike Port. Epstein is credited with initiating the trade of Nomar Garciaparra and making key contract acquisitions including those of Kevin Millar and Curt Schilling during his first tenure as Red Sox GM. The new players were regarded as instrumental in breaking the so-called "Curse of the Bambino" when the Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 World Series. It was the Red Sox' first World Series championship since 1918, ending what remains the third longest championship drought in the history of any Major League team, after the Chicago
Cry of the Afflicted Cry of the Afflicted Cry of the Afflicted was a post-hardcore band from Kelowna, British Columbia. Cry of the Afflicted formed in December 2003. They recorded their first single "Tale of a Soul" in January 2004 and quickly rose in popularity in their city's local scene. Their first EP "From the Shadows" was released on September 24, 2004 and in the following month the band toured across Canada. Before that they had toured as support for bands such as Misery Signals, Means, Bury Your Dead and Stutterfly. Garrett (vocals), James (guitarist), and Nik (bassist) had been members of a band