Another number soon will be displayed on the facade of Fenway Park’s right field deck.
The Boston Red Sox announced Monday that the team will retire Wade Boggs’ jersey No. 26 on May 26, 2016, when it plays the Colorado Rockies at Fenway. Boggs’ number will join Bobby Doerr’s No. 1, Joe Cronin’s No. 4, Johnny Pesky’s No. 6, Carl Yastrzemski’s No. 8, Ted Williams’ No. 9, Jim Rice’s No. 14, Carlton Fisk’s No. 27, Pedro Martinez’s No. 45 and Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 as retired by the Red Sox.
No Red Sox has played more games at third base than Boggs, whose .338 average in Boston is bested only by Williams. Boggs helped the team win the 1986 American League Championship Series, and he batted over .300 in 10 of his 11 seasons in Boston.
“Wade Boggs was the best third baseman in Red Sox history and one of the best hitters of his generation,” Red Sox principal owner John Henry said in a statement released by the team. “Whether it was his legendary hand-eye coordination or the discipline of his highly superstitious routine, his ability to hit line drive after line drive was remarkable. We congratulate our first-ballot Hall of Famer on this recognition.”
Boggs, who went into the Baseball Hall of Fame with a Red Sox cap in 2005, is thrilled about the honor.
“I am so humbled and honored to be among the greatest legends to ever put on a uniform for the amazing city of Boston,” Boggs said in the team-issued statement. “To say that your number will never be worn again is the highest honor an athlete can receive. Thank you.”
Red Sox utility man Brock Holt, who had worn No. 26, will don No. 12 next season, the team said.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@Esquire
