Eight-time Gold Glove first baseman George “Boomer” Scott died Sunday in his hometown of Greenville, Miss., at age 69.
Scott spent the first eight of his 14 major league seasons with the Red Sox, earning an All-Star selection as a rookie in 1966.
After five years in Milwaukee, Scott returned to Boston for the 1977 and 1978 seasons before splitting time in 1979 — his final season — between the Red Sox, Yankees and Royals.
Scott’s most productive year came with the Brewers in 1975, when he tied for the American League lead with 36 home runs and drove in a league-leading 109 runs. He retired with a .268 career batting average, 271 homers and 1,051 RBIs.
“In losing George Scott, we have lost one of the most talented, colorful, and popular players in our history,” Dick Bresciani, the Red Sox’ vice president/emeritus and team historian, said in a team statement. “He had great power and agility, with a large personality and a large physical stature. He could light up a clubhouse with his smile, his laugh, and his humor — and he was the best defensive first baseman I have ever seen. We will miss him, and we send our condolences to his family.”
Scott’s family confirmed that the slugger’s death was due to natural causes.
