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Boston Red Sox: 10 greatest hitters in franchise history

By Sean Penney

Boston Red Sox David Ortiz (R) is congratulated his solo homer by teammate Manny Ramirez in the top of the first innings against Japan's Hanshin Tigers in an exhibition game in the Tokyo Dome on March 22, 2008.The Boston Red Sox managed a narrow 6-5 victory against Tigers in an exhibition game here, days ahead of the official season opening games against the Oakland Athletics. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox David Ortiz (R) is congratulated his solo homer by teammate Manny Ramirez in the top of the first innings against Japan's Hanshin Tigers in an exhibition game in the Tokyo Dome on March 22, 2008.The Boston Red Sox managed a narrow 6-5 victory against Tigers in an exhibition game here, days ahead of the official season opening games against the Oakland Athletics. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 27: A general view of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on June 27, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Ranking the all-time greatest Boston Red Sox hitters

Many of the greatest hitters in baseball history have worn the iconic Boston Red Sox uniform for at least a portion of their career. Fans have been fortunate to witness powerful lineups led by the game’s brightest stars throughout the storied history of the franchise. With so many legendary figures to choose from, narrowing the list down to ten was no easy task.

First we must establish our criteria for what makes a great hitter. Some produce lofty batting averages but pack very little punch. Others are massive power threats who strike out at an alarming rate to sink their averages. The best hitters find a balance to get on base at a high rate while driving in runs.

Longevity matters. Some of the best offensive performances in franchise history belong to hitters who didn’t have long careers or made Boston a short pitstop along the way. They aren’t making my list unless they played at least a handful of seasons and approached 800 games with the Red Sox.

Babe Ruth is one of the greatest hitters in MLB history but he was primarily a pitcher during his Red Sox career. He appeared in fewer than 400 games as a hitter and his bat wasn’t fully unleashed until after he was sold to the Yankees.

Some fans will have different criteria for what they consider a great hitter. This is a subjective ranking of who I consider to be the best hitters in Red Sox history.

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