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 Michael "Bunny FuFuu" Kurylo was removed from Team Curse's starting roster, and in his announcement post, LiQuiD112 claimed that he had given Bunny FuFuu the option of rebuilding Curse Academy's roster. Curse Academy used various substitute players for the next few events, but the team's full roster eventually stabilized as Cristian "Cris" Rosales, Brandon "Saintvicious" DiMarco, Zachary "mancloud" Allan Hoschar, Joshua "Impactful" Mabrey, and Bunny FuFuu. In June, the new 'rebuilt' Curse Academy competed in the first half of the NACS Summer Season. The team were beaten in the semifinals by Team Coast, before claiming third against Frank Fang Gaming