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
Team Curse on 19 June. Lae-Young "Keane" Jang had joined the team from Team Curse OCE on 16 June, but did not play in either match. Keane was no more active in August, and did not take part in Curse Academy's matches in the second half of the NACS Summer Season. Despite being beaten by Team Coast in the finals, the team progressed to the NACS Summer Season Playoffs with a bye to the semifinals. Mancloud left Curse Academy on 16 August, while Keane finally stepped up to the starting roster. Later that month, the team beat LoLPro in the semifinals of