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Red Sox: A look back at Boston’s designated hitters legacy

By Rick McNair

Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) salutes the fans after the loss against the Cleveland Indians in game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) salutes the fans after the loss against the Cleveland Indians in game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 17, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels hitting coach Don Baylor against the Arizona Diamondbacks during an interleague game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels hitting coach Don Baylor against the Arizona Diamondbacks during an interleague game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Don Baylor was a former most valuable player and as powerful right-handed bat as one could find. A notorious pull hitter whose first season in Boston resulted in a low average (.238), but provided the power Boston wanted with 31 home runs and 94 RBI. In the World Series Baylor hit a disappointing .182 with no home runs. Baylor’s fWAR was 1.3 for 1986 and for a DH that was certainly acceptable.

In 1987 the 38-year-old Baylor was starting to show his age as his average continued to sour at .239 and power production was slipping. Baylor was sent to the Twins on September first and his Boston stint was over.

Baylor had one unique skill set that certainly deserves attention – the ability to take a pitch to the body. Baylor would often have to be reminded by the home plate umpire to stay in the batter’s box since he would crowd the plate. Baylor led the American League in being hit by a pitch both his seasons in Boston and led the league eight times in his 19-year career.

Baylor managed both the Rockies and the Cubs after his playing days ended.

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