Before Boston Red Sox second baseman Pokey Reese made that pivotal throw to first base after a grounder from New York Yankees pinch hitter Ruben Sierra in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7 during the 2004 American League Championship Series, discussions about curses, misfortunes, and what-ifs had already become deeply embedded in the hearts of Bostonians and fans who passionately followed their team.

The reasons cited for the Red Sox’s failure to secure a World Series title since 1918 were extensive, much like a long grocery receipt, yet fans continued to show their support season after disappointing season.

A new documentary debuting on Netflix this Wednesday narrates how Boston made a stunning comeback from a 3-0 series deficit against the so-called “Evil Empire” and explores the dynamics behind it.

In “The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox,” which consists of three episodes blending documentary style with a psychological angle, viewers will find straightforward storytelling, captivating characters, and an appeal to casual fans—elements that contribute to successful documentaries, or at least ones that keep the viewer’s attention for longer than just a few minutes.

Fortunately, “The Comeback,” directed by Colin Barnicle (notable for works such as Carol & Johnny and This Is A Robbery: The World’s Greatest Art Heist), is enriched with vibrant language, unheard narratives, and unexpected insights, particularly from pitchers Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe, revealing feelings of pain that still resonate two decades later.

However, notable players from that era, Manny Ramirez and Nomar Garciaparra, are absent from the interviews—only shown through snippets of its extensive 100 hours of footage used to enhance slower sections of the documentary. The project kicked off in earnest last winter, with most interviews conducted in the spring.

In crafting a documentary, particularly about a well-known subject like this, Barnicle expressed a desire to yield fundamental insights. His approach bears similarity to ESPN’s 2010 “Four Days in October” episode within the 30 for 30 series but is differentiated by improved execution.

“What transformed the Red Sox organization to the point where they could mount a comeback from being down three games?” Barnicle, who was a clubhouse attendant for the Red Sox during 2006 and 2007, shared with YSL News Sports. He emphasized the need for a cultural shift after eight decades of losing, questioning how such changes began.

Historical context can reveal much, and longtime sports journalist Dan Shaughnessy describing Game 6 of the 1986 World Series as “Boston sports’ Kennedy assassination” underscores the significance of the near misses, including how close Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane came to joining Boston and Alex Rodriguez’s brief connection with the team prior to the 2004 season.

Devoted fans may not discover many shocking revelations but given that Boston has since celebrated three more World Series victories after 2004, revisiting those times in “The Comeback” is likely to provoke a sting for Yankees supporters.

Throughout the documentary, numerous memorable quotes emerge, including Grady Little’s reflections on analytics during the early “Moneyball” era, highlighting the discord between his management style and the new ownership’s vision, making it clear they envisioned him making a critical mistake at some point.

“It’s like when my wife and I go to the beach and see a lady in a bikini. She shows me a lot, but not everything… I guess I just wasn’t what they were looking for,” Little commented.

Fair enough.

Epstein also weighed in on an incident involving a brawl between Jason Varitek and Alex Rodriguez during a July 2004 match, expressing disbelief at Varitek’s intensity during the confrontation.

Barnicle reflects on his historically long-suffering team, revealing that about 70% of the documentary’s content builds towards the actual comeback featured in Part Three, giving it a personal touch that eschews promotional flair.

“It was like driving a car toward a yellow light, wondering if we would make it through or if it would turn red, believing that eventually, it would all come to a halt,” he elaborated. “The season felt destined to end like it always does.”

So, tune in for tales of the Curse of the Bambino, Bucky Dent, Aaron “Bleeping” Boone, Curt Schilling’s Thanksgiving saga, and the mysterious microphone in Boston’s clubhouse, and stay engaged with a narrative that often explores themes beyond baseball.

What unfolds on the diamond is filled with genuine emotion and authenticity.