BOSTON, Mass — The Red Sox announced plans Monday to retire the uniform number made popular by Hall of Famer Wade Boggs this May.
The ceremony will take place May 26, 2016 at Fenway Park.
Boggs played with the Red Sox from 1982-1992, making the All-Star team eight times. During his Red Sox career, he led all major leaguers in batting average (.338), hits (2,098), doubles (422), on-base percentage (.428), and times reaching base safely (3,124), and also topped the American League in walks (1,004) and OPS (.890). While with Boston, he won five batting titles, led the league in on-base percentage six times, earned six Silver Slugger Awards, and recorded at least 200 hits in a franchise-record seven different seasons.
The number 26 will be the 10th on the right field facade of Fenway Park, joining Bobby Doerr’s #1; Joe Cronin’s #4; Johnny Pesky’s #6; Carl Yastrzemski’s #8; Ted Williams’ #9; Jim Rice’s #14; Carlton Fisk’s #27; Pedro Martinez’s #45, and Jackie Robinson’s #42, which is retired throughout Major League Baseball.
“Wade Boggs was the best third baseman in Red Sox history and one of the best hitters of his generation,” said Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry. “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.”
“Wade Boggs took the art of hitting to an extraordinary level,” said Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner. “From 1982 to 1992, the five-time batting champion was invincible. Boggs worked at his craft relentlessly and for nearly a decade New England fans worshiped him, pitchers feared him, and young children emulated him. It is fitting that his batting average with the Red Sox is second only to the greatest hitter who ever lived. We eagerly await the spring when we can honor the extraordinary legacy of this 12-time All Star.”
“I am part of a generation that grew up watching Wade Boggs play at Fenway Park,” said Red Sox President Sam Kennedy. “For those of us who came early for BP, we could count on Wade religiously signing autographs every single day, as well as launching baseballs off the Monster day in and day out. This is a long overdue acknowledgement of a player who is arguably the best pure hitter in Red Sox history. We look forward to affixing his number 26 in its rightful place alongside the great legends on Fenway Park’s right field facade.”
“I am so humbled and honored to be among the greatest legends to ever put on a uniform for the amazing city of Boston,” said Boggs. “To say that your number will never be worn again is the highest honor an athlete can receive. Thank you.”
Information provided by the Boston Red Sox was used in this report.