Daniel Nava was worth all 100 pennies.
Nava, purchased for $1 from the Chico Outlaws of the Golden Baseball League back in 2008, wasn’t a superstar in five seasons with the Boston Red Sox. But he made an impact, provided some memories and sure as hell was a good return on investment.
The Tampa Bay Rays claimed Nava, who was designated for assignment last week, off waivers Wednesday, ending a rollercoaster tenure with the Red Sox that seemed like something out of a movie.
An undrafted player once cut from his college team and his independent league team before being sold to Boston for a buck managed to crack the majors, carve out a significant role and help the franchise win a World Series. His contributions shouldn’t be overlooked as he departs for Florida.
It didn’t take Nava long to endear himself to the Fenway Faithful. He slugged a grand slam off Joe Blanton, then of the Philadelphia Phillies, on the first pitch he saw in a Red Sox uniform in 2010.
It was the only home run Nava hit that season in 188 plate appearances over 60 games. But man, what an entrance.
Nava’s best season with the Red Sox came in 2013, when Boston went from a last-place finish in 2012 to champions of the baseball world. He hit .303 with 12 homers, 66 RBIs and an .831 OPS in 536 plate appearances over 134 games, forming a solid tandem in left field with the ever-popular Jonny Gomes.
It was a special season for the Red Sox, who helped the city heal in the wake of that April’s Boston Marathon bombing. And Nava provided one of the year’s most special moments when he launched a go-ahead three-run homer in the eighth inning of Boston’s first home game following the tragedy.
Boston is a city built on resilience. We love a good underdog story and appreciate those who overcome their shortcomings to succeed in the face of adversity, even if low points accompany the high points.
Nava, while hardly a superstar, epitomized that spirit. Not bad for a buck.
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
