Dave McCarty, a former MLB player and member of the 2004 Boston Red Sox team, passed away at the age of 54 due to a cardiac event. His death occurred shortly after he attended a reunion for the 2004 team at Fenway Park. McCarty is survived by his wife Monica and children Reid and Maxine. Former Red Sox players Kevin Youkilis, Lou Merloni, and Lenny DiNardo shared their condolences and memories of McCarty on social media following the news of his passing.
Kevin Youkilis praised McCarty for being a great father, husband, teammate, and friend, and expressed gratitude for the time they spent together during the reunion and on a flight back to the Bay Area. Lou Merloni reflected on McCarty’s work ethic and his appreciation for the opportunity to play in the major leagues. Lenny DiNardo also shared his sadness over the loss of McCarty and encouraged others to cherish their loved ones. NESN, where McCarty worked as an analyst after retiring from baseball, shared a video of a walk-off home run he hit during the 2004 season.
Born in Houston, McCarty was a highly regarded prospect at Stanford University and was drafted third overall by the Minnesota Twins in the 1991 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut two years later and went on to have a successful career as a bench player for eleven seasons. McCarty is best known for his contributions during the 2004 season with the Red Sox, where he hit .258 with four home runs in 168 plate appearances. Despite not seeing playing time during the World Series, he played a pivotal role in the team’s historic championship victory that ended an 86-year curse.
McCarty’s sudden passing came as a shock to his former teammates and colleagues, who remembered him fondly for his humility, work ethic, and positive attitude. The loss of McCarty, along with the recent passing of Tim Wakefield and his wife Stacy, served as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones. The baseball community mourned the loss of a beloved player and friend, and paid tribute to McCarty’s contributions both on and off the field. He leaves behind a lasting legacy as a respected professional and a cherished member of the Red Sox family.
