John Kerry arrived at a rally in Toledo, Ohio on 28 October 2004 sporting a Boston Red Sox cap, channeling the team's first World Series championship in 86 years into campaign energy.
Speaking to a crowd at a sports arena, Kerry recalled a radio caller who had once joked that he would reach the White House only when the Red Sox finally won. "We are on our way," he told the audience, linking the team's title to his own electoral chances.
Kerry said in a written statement that he had rooted for Boston since childhood and praised the team for winning against long odds.
The championship also produced an unwelcome moment for Kerry's side. Pitcher Curt Schilling closed an ABC television interview by urging viewers to support President George W. Bush, and the Bush campaign promptly shared the remark with reporters.
Boston clinched the title on 27 October, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 3-0 in game four to complete a four-game sweep. Starting pitcher Derek Lowe held St. Louis to three hits over seven scoreless innings, giving Boston its first championship since 1918.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this AFP wire report, first published in October 2004, in its own words.