Boston Red Sox: Top 5 second baseman in franchise history
Billy Goodman: 1947-1957
Prior to Dustin Pedroia, Billy Goodman was the Sox’ longest tenured second baseman behind Bobby Doerr. Eventually Doerr’s replacement, Goodman carried on in his footsteps earning All-Star honors in two seasons and finishing second in MVP voting in 1950. A career year, he set personal bests in RBI (68), batting average (.354), OBP (.427) and slugging (.455).
Arguably the most versatile player of his era, Goodman played at least 100 games at second, third, first, and the outfield.
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Goodman’s true value came at the plate as he never posted an average below .293 while a member of the Red Sox. The left-hander ranks third all-time among franchise second baseman in runs (688), RBI (464) and average (.306). His contributions in a Red Sox uniform were eventually honored when he was named to their hall of fame in 2004.