5 in 50- The Boston Red Sox

Continuing my 5 in 50 series, today’s team is the Boston Red Sox.  This will be a list of the top 5 greatest players for the Red Sox in the last 50 years (since the 1972 season). The criteria are as follows: Player must have been part of team for at least 5 full seasons since 1972 (will not include pre 1972 performance). Both regular season and post season success will be measured (statistical leaders, awards, et). Players on the list can be from any position. Multiple players at the same position can be included. The major accomplishments for each player are noted for only for the team they are selected.

Here is my list of the top 5 greatest Red Sox players in the last 50 years.

5. Jim Rice- 1978 MVP and 5 times finished in finished in top 5 voting. 3-time home run champion.

4. David Ortiz- 2004 ALCS MVP, 2013 World Series MVP, Finished 5 straight seasons in top 5 MVP voting.  3-time World Series Champion (2004, 2007 and 2013)

3.  Pedro Martinez (1998-2004)- 2-time Cy Young award winner and 3 times finished in top 5 Cy Young voting.   

2. Wade Boggs (1982-1992)- 5-time batting champion. Hit .338 average in his 11 seasons with the Red Sox.

1. Roger Clemens (1984-1996)- 3-time Cy Young award winner. 1986 MVP.

Honorable mention to Nomar Garciaparra, Carlton Fisk, Manny Ramirez, Carl Yasztremski

Notes. #5 was a challenge. Yaz had his best seasons prior to 72. All the honorable mentions could have made it. I selected Hall of Famer Rice due to his consistency and durability. He played in at least 140 games in 10 of his 15 full seasons in over 100 games in 14 of them. He hit over 20 home runs in 11 of his 15 full seasons. Ortiz was terrific in the World Series with a .455 average. He is 1 of only 2 players in Red Sox history to win 3 championships (Babe Ruth being the other). Martinez was remarkable in that he was a dominating pitcher during the height of the steroid era. He ended up with 22 home runs and 78 RBI in 99 games).  Boggs was a hitting machine. His lowest batting average during his 5 seasons winning a batting title was .357. I was reluctant to select Clemens #1 on this list considering his rumored steroid involvement. But he is deserving, as he was the best pitcher in the 19880s winning 3 Cy Young awards and an MVP.

Next up in the 5 in 50 series is the Tampa Bay Rays.