Red Sox: Top 5 home run hitters in franchise history
By Sean Penney
A look at five of the greatest power hitters to ever put on a Boston Red Sox uniform.
The MLB All-Star festivities begin Monday night with the Home Run Derby, where some of the game’s greatest mashers will take turns attempting to out-slug one another in a glorified batting practice session.
The event builds excitement on the eve of the Midsummer Classic, proving that nothing catches the attention of baseball fans more than a majestic moonshot sent deep over the outfield walls. It’s not just chicks that dig the long ball, we’re all guilty to some extent of watching in awe as these powerful sluggers send baseballs flying into the seats.
The Boston Red Sox will send six All-Stars to San Diego, none of whom will participate in the Home Run Derby. At least a couple of the selected Red Sox hitters would be capable of putting on quite a show, but declined for one reason or another.
While Boston won’t be represented in this year’s Home Run Derby, the storied history of the franchise has had its fair share of power hitters. In honor of tonight’s event, let’s take a look back at the top power hitters in team history.
One disclaimer is that this list includes the most fearsome power threats to wear a Red Sox uniform, not necessarily those that rank highest on the all-time list. Carl Yastrzemski is third in franchise history with 452 career home runs, in part due to playing 23 seasons in the big leagues. He topped 40 homers three times, but averaged less than 20 per season. Yaz was an all-time great hitter, but wasn’t considered a big time power threat for most of his career.
Another example of the type of player you won’t find on this list is Adrian Beltre, who ranks inside the top 50 all-time and seems poised to make a run at 500 home runs before he calls it a career. Yet he only spent one season in Boston, so he doesn’t make the cut.
Who does make the list? Let’s find out.
Next: Mo Vaughn