Boston Red Sox: Top 5 second baseman in franchise history
Pete Runnels: 1958-1962
He didn’t have the longest career with the Red Sox, but his on-field performance dictates a spot on this list. In his five seasons with the club, he never hit less than .314 and was a two-time batting champion in 1960 and ’62. Runnels would have had a third batting title in 1958, were it not for his teammate Ted Williams. He hit .322 that year, bested by Williams’ mark of .326.
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Runnels was one of the most productive second baseman to ever wear a Red Sox uniform. His career wRC+ of 126 is second all-time and his .408 OBP ranks first, 20 points higher than the closest mark. Despite playing just five seasons with the team, his impact bat and steady defense produced 19.8 fWAR, an average of 3.9 per year.
The three-time all-star had his best seasons in Boston, later returning as an interim manager in the 1966 season. He was also inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2004.