Former Boston Red Sox players born on Christmas Day

Two unknown but impressive former Red Sox players

The last two players had just brief appearances with the Red Sox. The first is utility infielder Herb Hunter who appeared in just four games for the 1920 Boston team hitting .083. Hunter was also born in Boston. For his 39 game MLB career spread over four seasons, the left-hand hitter hit just .163. But beyond that, had a fascinating career and impact on baseball.

Hunter’s most significant contribution to the game was as an ambassador, coach, and organizer. He coached at the university level in Japan and organized three excursions to Japan. In 1931, Japan was attempting to organize an eight-team professional league and offered Hunter a three-year contract as an advisor. More details on Hunter’s exploits with Japan can be viewed here.

Lloyd Brown pitched at the MLB level for 12 seasons, including part of the 1933 season with the Red Sox. The lefty went 8-11 and pitched to a 4.02 ERA for a team that finished seventh. Brown could hit, and in Boston hit .281 with two home runs.

Brown had a lengthy career and played until he was 50-years-old, racking up 186 minor league wins. Brown also saw duty as a coach, manager, and scout with the Phillies. Brown – fluent in Spanish – scouted extensively for the Phillies in the Caribbean.

Neither Brown nor Hunter had remarkable MLB careers, but their extensive contributions are notable. I had never heard of either and was impressed by Hunter’s little-known contribution to Japanese baseball.