The Greatest Red Sox By Jersey Number: 21-30
Boston Red Sox fans have had plenty of talent to cheer for over the years, with incredible players wearing every jersey number from 1 to 99. From Ted Williams and his iconic #9 to Bobby Doerr making waves in a #1 jersey, there’s no shortage of beloved legends.
Today we’ll delve into the greatest players who donned jerseys 21-30 —a list with a few numbers with multiple hall-of-fame caliber players who made a lasting impact on the franchise. Keep in mind we will also be accounting for things such as influence, history, and what they have done for the team that cannot be seen on a stat sheet.
#21 – Roger Clemens
Roger Clemens had a remarkable career playing with Boston from 1984 to 1996. During that time, Clemens recorded 192 wins, 5 All-Star game appearances, three Cy Young Awards, and even an MVP in 1986. He amazed opposing hitters with his blazing fastballs, which dubbed him the nickname “The Rocket” for his ability to mow down a lineup on any given night.
#22 – Rick Porcello
Rick Porcello’s tenure with the Boston Red Sox from 2015 to 2019 was highly productive, despite an up-and-down roller coaster ride. In his five seasons with the team, he posted a 73-55 record, which included the Cy Young Award in 2016.
His successes were a huge factor in helping propel the Red Sox to their 2018 World Series championship, which was their 4th since 2004. Furthermore, he willingly took on the challenge of guiding young pitchers that came aboard during his tenure and was known as a leader of the starting staff.
#23 – Luis Tiant
From 1971 to 1978, Luis Tiant brought a lot of pride, enthusiasm, and joy to Red Sox Nation. During that time, he became known as El Tiante, and his popularity within the team and fanbase skyrocketed. He registered an impressive 122 wins in his career with the Red Sox, and fans were eager to see him on the pitcher’s mound with his unique windup.
#24 – Manny Ramirez
From 2001-2008, Manny Ramirez was among the greatest players to don the Red Sox uniform. In eight years with the Sox, he smashed 274 home runs and drove in 868 RBIs while batting an incredible .312 average. He became a controversial figure in Boston due to his antics on and off the field, but man, could he HIT.
Ultimately, This might have been the toughest choice on the entire list, as Dwight Evans played 19 years with the Red Sox while posting eight gold gloves. But ultimately, I chose Manny because of the two championships he brought to the title-starved fans, and you can’t forget he was the MVP of the 2004 World Series.
#25 – Tony Conigliaro
Tony Conigliaro, nicknamed “Tony C,” had a brief but influential career with the Boston Red Sox in the mid-sixties. Signed by the Red Sox in 1962 at just 18 years of age and deemed a “bona fide prospect” by Major League Baseball for his exceptional talent. Conigliaro would quickly become one of Boston’s most beloved players. He was an All-Star at just 22 years old and continued to set high standards throughout his time with Boston.
However, tragedy struck midway through the 1967 season when he was hit in the face by a pitch, leaving him hospitalized and unable to return to full form. Despite this, fans still remember Conigliaro’s spirit and on-field performance in Boston, making him a legend amongst Red Sox devotees.
#26 – Wade Boggs
Wade Boggs had a legendary run in the 1980s, establishing himself as one of the best third basemen of his era. He is widely considered one of the greatest bat-to-ball players in baseball history, batting above .300 for ten consecutive seasons, appearing in the All-Star game 8 times, and winning an incredible five Batting Titles with the Red Sox. He would get his number 26 retired in a ceremony at Fenway park in 2016.
#27 – Carlton Fisk
Carlton Fisk spent an impressive 24 years playing in Major League Baseball, and of those, he spent 11 remarkable seasons with the Boston Red Sox. Since his retirement, Fisk is still remembered for his exceptional defense and all-around offensive skills, which helped him accumulate 2,356 games as a catcher over his entire career.
His game-winning home run against the Cincinnati Reds during Game 6 of the 1975 World Series is considered one of baseball’s most iconic moments. His number 27 was retired by the team in 2000, never to be worn again.
#28 – JD Martinez
After signing a five-year deal in the Spring of 2018, JD Martinez established himself as one of the most consistent hitters in baseball. In his five years with the team, he hit 130 home runs and tallied 423 RBIs while earning himself four All-Star appearances.
Martinez was vital in helping the Red Sox win their fourth World Series title in 2018, where he had the best offensive season of his career. All things considered, he’s up there with the likes of Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz when you discuss the greatest Red Sox free-agent signing of all time.
#29 – Keith Foulke
The Keith Foulke signing in the 2003-2004 offseason was integral to the team’s eventual World Series win. He accumulated 47 saves over three years, most of which came during that 2004 season. Though he was only effective for that one season, he will always be remembered as the closer who got the final out to break the curse.
#30 – Andrew Miller
In his four seasons with the Red Sox, Miller went 13-12 with a solid 3.79 ERA and an impressive 218 strikeouts. His teammates always praised his work ethic and ability to adapt to whatever role they put him in. In 2014 he was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez who would help the Red Sox win a World Series in 2018.
You can check out the lists here for 1-10, 11-20.
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