OK, so not really. But if you found yourself walking around Fenway Park on Friday, you might have thought that was the case. The “2” in Carlton Fisk‘s retired No. 27 was missing on Fenway’s brick wall on Van Ness St., which caught the attention of a few astute Sox fans.
Drew even responded to the mishap, saying, “Aw, heck, I’m honored,” in a team statement, according to The Boston Globe.
But the situation, as well as Drew’s likely departure from Boston, got us thinking. Who has been the best of the best when it comes to rocking good ol’ No. 7?
Drew’s tenure in Boston wasn’t as illustrious as many had hoped, but who could forget his grand slam in Game 6 of the 2007 ALCS? In fact, Drew hit .360 during that seven-game series, showing that he can elevate his game in big situations. He also played a solid right field at Fenway, which is one of the more difficult positions to play at the ballpark.
But before Drew donned No. 7, there were some other memorable Red Sox to have done so.
Trot Nixon was the ultimate dirt dog, wearing his heart on his sleeve for 10 years in Boston. He hit .278 with 133 home runs and 523 RBIs during his time with the Sox, in addition to becoming a fan favorite for his gritty style of play.
Rick Burleson spent seven seasons in Boston from 1974-1980. He was selected to three All-Star games during that time and won a Gold Glove in 1979.
Burleson’s predecessor was also a bona fide major league All-Star. Reggie Smith, who spent eight years in Boston from 1966-197, was selected to two All-Star games while in Boston. He also received a Gold Glove in 1968, a year after he finished second in Rookie of the Year voting.
And even before Smith, the Red Sox had an All-Star in Dom DiMaggio. DiMaggio, who patrolled the Red Sox outfield from 1940-1953, was selected to seven All-Star games. He hit .298 for his career, including a career-high .328 in 1950.
