Red Sox Memories: A defensive studs and duds All-Star team
By Rick McNair
The Red Sox bring back Boomer
George Scott was called “Boomer” for his most obvious attribute besides an expanding girth – his ability to abuse a baseball. Scott also had a remarkable defensive ability for a player whose bulk did not impede his nimbleness. In addition, Scott captured eight Gold Gloves in his 14-year career including three with the Red Sox. In pre-metrics days Scott would consistently rank high in the more traditional fielding statistics of fielding percentage, assist, and putouts.
Scott’s hitting cannot be ignored with 271 career home runs and 1,041 RBI Scott’s best years were after the Red Sox traded him to the Brewers where in 1975 he topped the American League with 36 home runs and 109 RBI. Scott was then dealt back to Boston after the 1976 season and in 1977 hit 33 home runs and 95 RBI while making his second career All-Star team. That was Scott’s last hurrah and by 1979 Scott – who had put on considerable weight – was out of baseball.
The names say in all: “Dr. Strange Glove” and “Stone Fingers” are used to describe Dick Stuart who was known best for massive home runs and a massive ego. Stuart used to sign his autograph with “66” inserted to note the number of home runs he hit one season in the low minors. In two seasons with Boston, the right-handed slugger whacked 75 home runs and notched 53 errors.
In 1963, Stuart was in line for a home run title going neck and neck with Harmon Killebrew. Stuart was certainly not idolized by pitchers for his inept play and carefree defensive attitude and collectively gave up five home runs to Killebrew who won the home run crown.