FOX 35 speaks to former Red Sox pitcher who won 2004 World Series
LAKE MARY, Fla. - Getting to the World Series isn’t easy. Winning one is even harder.
"This is the biggest stage that you can be on in professional sport. I just get chills, too. I love it now that fans are back in the stadium," Sanford native and former World Series MVP David Eckstein said.
The pressure to perform is at an all-time high when competing on the big stage. It’s something former Red Sox pitcher and Lake Mary resident Curtis Leskanic knows well.
"When you’re out there playing, it’s so loud. But when you start getting focused, after the first pitch, after the first inning, you start adapting to it’s just a regular baseball game," Leskanic said.
Leskanic won a World Series with Boston in 2004. But it was in the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees where he shined.
It was Game 4, a tied ball game with the bases loaded and two outs.
Leskanic came in on the relief in the 11th inning and threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings. The Red Sox won this game and the series, which sent them to the World Series
"Of course when you’re a kid, that’s all you think about… is that last-second shot. To be in that situation at that time was surreal," Leskanic said.
Leskanic and the Red Sox became heroes.
Years following that 2004 championship, he could hardly go anywhere without someone bringing it up.
"It’s amazing how people will open up their ears when they hear a professional athlete’s come in. Even more so with a professional athlete who has a World Series ring," Leskanic said.
Winning a World Series can boost a player’s profile with fans. It can also solidify legacies.
"There’s guys on both sides who really have Hall of Fame credentials. Sometimes a World Series can push you into that status," Leskanic said.
85-dogs found at home, Lake County Animal Shelter needs help
85-furry friends were found at a home in Lake County. The county animal shelter took all of them in, and are now stretched thin for space and supplies. They are asking for people to foster and adopt these precious pups. Whitney Boylston brought 'Cupcake' to The 407 in hopes of reaching a few kind strangers. Little did she know 'Cupcake' would end up stealing the show. This shy girl came to life once the camera turned on. Make sure to watch!
Painting With Parrots: Art Meets Bird Rescue
Patty's Parrot Palace joins The 407 for a twist on paint-n-sip. This time the birds are doing more than talking, they hangout with you while you paint. Seems fowl? Just wait until you see how our own Jonah Karp ended the segment. Let's just say someone's feathers were a little ruffled.
SpaceX Starship reaches Christmas Island after Indian Ocean landing
SpaceX’s Starship has been towed to Christmas Island more than three weeks after making a soft landing in the Indian Ocean following a test flight.
Orange County closes Sloth World criminal investigation after sloth deaths
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has closed its criminal investigation into Sloth World after finding no evidence that the deaths of more than 50 sloths were caused by intentional harm, abuse or criminal neglect.
National Soft Serve Day with a twist: Trying Matcha Cafe Maiko in Orlando
Matcha Cafe Maiko is putting a vibrant green twist on National Soft Serve Day! Directly imported from Uji, Japan—a region world-famous for producing top-grade green tea—their signature matcha soft serve delivers a perfectly balanced, rich, and earthy flavor. The 407's Lauren Margolis stopped by the local hot spot to cool down with their iconic soft-serve swirls that are as photo-worthy as they are delicious.
How a Georgia murder probe solved a NASCAR legend's home burglary
A Georgia man has been linked to a burglary at the North Carolina home of late NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and it's not his first crime, investigators say.
Inside a Haunted Mansion-inspired Airbnb just minutes from Walt Disney World
Calling all foolish mortals! The 407's Lauren Margolis gets a guided tour from the ghost hosts inside The Ghoulish Sanctuary—a Haunted Mansion-inspired Airbnb located just 20 minutes from Walt Disney World! This spooky retreat accommodates up to six guests across three themed bedrooms, each packed with eerie touches paying homage to the beloved ride. Bookings start at $160 per night, with rates varying by season.
GOP primary nominee Dan Green to face Rep. Darren Soto for Florida's Congressional District 9
Dan Green (R) will compete against Congressman Darren Soto (D) in the 2026 Florida general election in November.
Harvard to pay $53M over body parts sold on black market
Harvard has agreed to a $53 million settlement over a scandal involving donated human remains stolen from its medical school morgue and sold to buyers.
Americans among those killed in Kenya safari tour helicopter crash, State Department says
Americans were among those killed Wednesday when a helicopter carrying tourists on a safari crashed in a remote area of northern Kenya, according to U.S. and Kenyan officials.