Red Sox Memories: What happened to these 1986 players?

Spike Owen came to the Red Sox in mid-August with Dave Henderson in a swap with the Seattle Mariners. Henderson built his history, but this is about Owen a former first-round draft pick from the University of Texas (Austin) who was physically similar to Dustin Pedroia. The trade was one of shortstops as Rey Quinones was part of the package going west.

Owen was a switch hitter who hung around MLB for 13 seasons hitting .246. If you were to create a scouting profile on Owen’s the words “intense” and “competitive” would be in the mix. Owen would generally find himself tethered to shortstop where he played for 41 starts after arriving in Boston.

A very capable defensive player whose bat went silent with the Red Sox hitting just .183. Quinones also had his difficulties with an anemic .189 for the M’s. Where Owen’s earned his keep for 1986 was in the playoffs hitting the Angels and Mets to the tune of .390 in 41 at-bats.

During the season Owen’s did have one remarkable game scoring six runs to tie an MLB record and in 1987 Owen’s would be the regular at short and when pennant hangover hit the Red Sox, who finished a wretched 78-84,  with Owen’s contributing .259. By 1988 Owen was gone – traded to the Expos where for four seasons became the regular shortstop before moving on to the Yankees and Angels.

Owen was certainly coaching and managerial material and served in that capacity for both the Astros and Rangers in their minor league systems including a stint with the Rangers as an interim coach in 2016.