Former Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra is and forever will be an icon in the history of Boston sports.
But will No. 5 be immortalized in Cooperstown?
Nomar, along with Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter, completely revamped the sport in the late 1990s, when the trio proved that those who patrolled the infield between second and third base weren’t just defensive-minded players.
After six All-Star Game appearances, seven seasons in MVP voting and two straight batting titles, Garciaparra was one of the game’s most feared right-handed hitters. In his six full seasons as the Red Sox’ starting shortstop (an injury limited him to just 21 games in 2001), Garciaparra was able to post a plus-.300 batting average and at least 20 home runs and 95 RBIs.
Nomar bagged the Rookie of the Year Award in 1997 after he spanked 30 homers, drove in 98 runs and ended with a .306 BA. In the 2000 season, Garcriaparra earned his second straight batting title after notching career-high .372 BA and a 1.033 OPS.
Upon retiring prior to the start of this season as a member of the Red Sox, who drafted him in the first round back in 1994, Nomar walked away from the game with a .313 career batting average, 229 home runs and 936 RBIs.
Does Nomar Garciaparra belong in the Baseball Hall of Fame?
Sox fans think so, with 84 percent voting yes.
Text “SOX1” to 542542 to vote ‘YES’ or text “SOX2” to 542542 to vote ‘NO’.
