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

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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Cecil Cooper was another young player who was traded away from Boston and reached new heights elsewhere. In this instance elsewhere was Milwaukee and the Brewers where Cooper played 11 seasons. The player they got in return was George Scott, who was fast reaching the end of his career.

With the Red Six Cooper split duty between DH and first base, a position at which he excelled. His best season as a DH was in 1975 when he slashed .318/.361/.572 with 10 home runs and just 25 RBI in 219 plate appearances. In 1976 his DH average went to .245 and Boston swapped him.

In 1977 Scott performed well with 33 home runs and Cooper hit 20 for the Brewers while hitting .300. The following year Scott sank further and in two more seasons, he was gone while Cooper continued to Thrive winning Gold Gloves and twice leading the league in RBI.

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Cooper had a beautiful left-handed swing that was a picture of line drive gap power. Cooper would also lead the league twice in doubles and finished his career with 415 two-baggers. This is one of the worst trades in my years of following the Red Sox.

Sources: Fangraphs/Baseball-Reference

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