Ira Flagstead
The late Ira Flagstead passed away in 1939, only nine years after his playing days ended. He spent 7 of his 13 seasons with the Red Sox, from 1923-1929.
Known primarily for his outstanding outfield defense, Flagstead is fondly remembered for starting three double-plays from center field in a Patriots Day game in 1926. During his time with the Red Sox he led all outfielders with 115 assists, including a major league-best 33 assists in 1923.
Flagstead was no slouch at the plate either, finishing his career as a .290 hitter with a .370 on-base percentage. His bat didn’t come with much pop, as he never had a season with double-digit home runs and finished his career with only 40, but he did hit 30+ doubles four times during his tenure with the Red Sox.
Flagstead hit .295 over 789 games with the Red Sox and earned votes on the MVP ballot in five consecutive years, including a 7th place finish in 1925.
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