In this new series, we take a trip back in time to see the greatest players to wear the Red Sox uniform. Today, we start with Nos. 1-5.
No. 1: Bobby Doerr
Until recently, Bobby was the oldest living member of the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame. He played second base for the Red Sox from 1937-1951. He once led the American League with consecutive chances without an error (414) in 1948.
Throughout his career, he hit a .288 average with 233 career home runs, 2,042 hits, and 1,247 career runs batted in. He currently has his number retired at Fenway Park.
No. 2: Jerry Remy
The “Rem-Dawg” played for his hometown Red Sox from 1978-1984. As a member of the Red Sox, he had a .285 average with 802 hits, two home runs, and 211 runs batted in. While his career stats weren’t as eye-popping as they could be, he has been a color commentator for the Boston Red Sox since 1988.
He has been in the homes of millions with NESN and receives so much support with his off and on battle with cancer. Glad to have you back, Jerry!
No. 3: Jimmie Foxx
He dawned No. 3 from 1936-1942. He put together 12 seasons with 30 home runs or more, and 13 consecutive 100 RBI seasons.
As a member of the Red Sox, he hit .320 for average, with 222 home runs, 788 runs batted in and 1051 hits. He was one of the most dominant hitters of his generation.
No. 4: Joe Cronin
The 1956 Hall Of Fame inductee had a great career as the Red Sox shortstop. His .301 career average, 170 homers, and 1,424 runs batted in will not tell the whole story. As early as 1938, it was apparent that Cronin was nearing the end of his playing career.
Red Sox farm director Billy Evans thought he had found Cronin’s successor in Pee Wee Reese, the star shortstop for the Louisville Colonels of the Triple-A American Association. He was so impressed by Reese that he was able to talk Yawkey into buying the Colonels and making them the Red Sox’ top farm club. However, when Yawkey and Evans asked Cronin to scout Reese, Cronin realized he was scouting his replacement.
Believing that he was still had enough left to be a regular player, Cronin deliberately downplayed Reese’s talent and suggested that the Red Sox trade him. Reese was eventually traded to the Brooklyn Dodgers, where he went on to a Hall of Fame career. As it turned out, Evans’ and Yawkey’s initial concerns about Cronin were valid. His last year as a full-time player was 1941; after that year, he never played more than 76 games per season.
No. 5: Nomar Garciaparra
The .313 hitter had 229 career homers, with 936 runs batted in, even more impressive, he has been the gold standard for infielders ever since his departure in 2004. Everyone from Mike Lowell, Xander Bogaerts, and Rafael Devers have had at least one comparison or critique in regards to Nomar. While he does not belong in the hall of fame, he will forever own a piece of Red Sox nation’s heart for a long time.
Next, we will discuss Nos. 6-11.
