So when Lowell confirmed over the weekend that he would be retiring at the end of the season, it wasn't exactly a moment of celebration throughout Red Sox Nation. It can be, however, a jumping-off point to celebrate his career in Boston.
When he arrived, he was not expected to be much of a contributor, seen largely as a throw-in to the Josh Beckett–Hanley Ramirez trade. Sliding into Bill Mueller's vacated spot at third base, Lowell immediately made an impact, homering in the Red Sox' Opening Day victory over the Rangers. A few days later, he hit three doubles in his Fenway Park debut.
From that point on, Red Sox fans grew to rely on Lowell as a rock at third base, and after he won World Series MVP in 2007, they begged Theo Epstein at the victory parade to re-sign him.
Epstein obliged, signing Lowell to a three-year deal that will come to its end after this season. It's been a long and enjoyable stay for Lowell, and he's created many memorable moments, but what's your favorite?
There are many choices, some more obvious than others.
On the forefront of most people's minds would likely be that World Series performance, when hit .400 with three doubles and a homer. More recently, there was the home run he hit on the first pitch he saw after coming off the disabled list on Aug. 3.
Lowell showed some grit in June of 2007, when he dropped his shoulder and barreled through Robinson Cano on the basepath (though Cano did made the tag and turn an unbelievable double play).
"My take is it's kind of ironic, because that's what they taught us in the minor leagues, and I was with the Yankees in the minor leagues," Lowell told The Boston Globe after that one.
There are too many to list — so many, in fact, that he may have built a resume worthy of one day getting him into the Red Sox Hall of Fame.
So what was your favorite moment? It could have been something as big as a game-winning homer, or as seemingly small as an interaction with a fan or teammate.
Share your thoughts below.
Thursday, Sept. 16: Who has been the biggest dirt dog for the Red Sox this season?
