The best Boston Red Sox player from every era in franchise history

July 04, 2010; Boston, MA, USA; A general view as a large American flag hangs over the green monster before the start of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
July 04, 2010; Boston, MA, USA; A general view as a large American flag hangs over the green monster before the start of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
1 of 7
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 22: The sunsets during team workout for the Boston Red Sox in the 2013 World Series Media Day at Fenway Park on October 22, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox host the Cardinals in Game 1 on October 23, 2013. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 22: The sunsets during team workout for the Boston Red Sox in the 2013 World Series Media Day at Fenway Park on October 22, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox host the Cardinals in Game 1 on October 23, 2013. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The greatest Boston Red Sox player from every era

The Boston Red Sox have a long and illustrious history dating back to 1901. Since then, the Sox have produced some of the biggest names to ever step foot on the diamond.

Despite an 86-year championship drought that haunted the organization and fans alike, the time of the “curse” produced, arguably, the best Red Sox players in history. Eight of the ten players who have their numbers retired with the Red Sox never won a ring with the team.

Defining an “era” of Red Sox history can be quite difficult as that term is broad. I look at an era as two decades. For example 1901-1920. With the longevity of the organization, there are several eras where there may be multiple players who would top the list of another era, but what is noteworthy is that this list is strictly based on each time frame.

Most of the eras have many highs, but some eras are borderline dreadful to even think about. Looking at the players from the 1921-1940s era, it’s no small task finding one player whose name is even recognizable. Then looking at the 1981-2000s era, it is like you are looking at the entire MLB All-Century team.

Schedule