Dave Roberts slides into second base with “The Steal,” beating Jorge Posada’s throw to Derek Jeter by a fraction of a second. Roberts scored the tying run in Game 4 of the ALCS moments later. (Photo courtesy of the Boston Red Sox)

Alex Rodriguez slaps the arm of Bronson Arroyo, as Doug Mientkiewicz backs off to get out of the way. Though initially ruled safe, A-Rod was called out for interference as the umpires consulted one another to get the call right. (Photo courtesy of the Boston Red Sox / Julie Cordeiro)

Doug Mientkiewicz celebrating the moment of victory after gloving Pokey Reese’s throw to first base that won the ALCS and sent the Red Sox to the World Series. (Photo courtesy of the Boston Red Sox / Julie Cordeiro)

Three-time Cy Young Award–winner Pedro Martinez won one game in each of the three series. He threw seven innings of three-hit shutout ball in Game 3 of the World Series, his last appearance in a Red Sox uniform. (Photo courtesy of the Boston Red Sox / Julie Cordeiro)

The moment every baseball player longs for — winning the World Series. (Photo courtesy of the Boston Red Sox / Julie Cordeiro)

More than 3 million people — about five times the population of Boston — turned out to celebrate the World Series win. This scene from the corner of Tremont and Winter shows how tightly packed the crowds were — an experience neither the fans nor the players will ever forget. (Photo courtesy of the Boston Red Sox / Brita Meng Outzen)

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