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
1918 Michigan Wolverines football team touchdowns off fumble recoveries and a blocked punt against Chicago, Michigan Agricultural and Ohio State. Center Ernie Vick also won All-Big Ten honors and played so well on defense that Fielding Yost called him "a second [Germany] Schultz." Quarterback Kenneth Knode, "though not a brilliant player individually," was credited with piloting the team with "fine judgment." The following 18 players from Michigan's 1918 football team won varsity letter M's. Names of players who started at least three games are in bold. The following individuals from the 1918 team were not awarded M's but instead received "AMA" or "R" designations. 1918