Boston Red Sox Memories: My all decade 1950’s Red Sox team

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BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 7: Hall of Fame player and former Boston Red Sox Frank Malzone throws out the first pitch prior to the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on September 7, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox won the game 11-4.(Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images) /

Third Base

The Red Sox spent money with a string of bonus babies in the 1950s and received little in return, but for $50 they got Frank Malzone. Malzone became a six-time All-Star, a three-time Gold Glove winner, and a .276 hitter in his eleven Boston seasons with 131 home runs. Malzone was a deadly right-handed pull hitter with a lifetime .298 average at Fenway Park.

Malzone had speed in the David Ortiz range but his quickness around third base – especially to his right – was remarkable. And his arm was second to no one. Offensively Malzone was the picture of consistency with yearly double-digit home runs and 80+ RBI.

Malzone is in the Red Sox Hall of Fame (1995) and was a scout for the team for 35 years. Sometimes it is not how much money you spend on a player.

Honorable Mention: My first year following the Red Sox the third baseman was George Kell. How good was Kell? He is in the Baseball Hall of Fame. For the Red Sox Kell hit .305 in 295 games.

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