Sox 88 – Mike Greenwell

In the spring of 88, Mike Greenwell wanted to be the Sox' regular left fielder. There were two reasons for this. One was that at age 24, he wished to be more than a DH. The other was his ambition to continue Boston's left field legacy begun when Ted Williams took over the position in 1940. Since then, three Hall of Famers had patrolled in front of The Wall-Williams, Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Rice.

 

Greenwell, nicknamed The Gator, had first come up in September 85. He stuck with the team two years later and in 87 had a breakout year- a .328 average, 19 homers, 31 doubles, and 89 rbi's, appearing in 125 contests. Fourth in Rookie of the Year voting, he shared left field duties with Rice and also served as a designated hitter. But it was obvious to many that Jim was slowing down and Greenwell was the heir-apparent.

 

A Globe piece by Mark Blaudschun states that Greenie had a dream about what he wanted to hear on Opening Day: "The sun is shining, and it is unseasonably warm for early April in Boston. Public address announcer Sherm Feller is introducing the lineup. 'Batting sixth and playing left field, Mike Greenwell. Greenwell.' '

 

There had been stories in camp that Mike might be traded. There was also talk that Rice would be in left at Fenway, Greenie on the road. The Kentucky native indicated he would not be satisfied with this arrangement. "I want to develop as a complete player. And as a DH, I'm not that effective. Last year I hit .360 as a full-time player and .260 as DH. That should tell you something."

 

One of Greenwell's wishes would come true. The aging Rice would play only 12 games in the outfield in 88, while Greenie exploded into a star in left. Appearing in 158 games, he hit .325 with 39 doubles, 8 triples, 22 homers and 119 rbi's. He topped 300 in total bases and was runner up to Jose Canseco in AL MVP voting. Though he never reached those totals again, he continued as a premier outfielder for three more seasons.

 

But The Gator's wish to become fourth in line among Boston left fielders never materialized. Beginning in 92, injuries would severely limit his play. Only once would he top .300 again and his power numbers never approached those of Ted, Yaz and Rice. He briefly tried playing in Japan in the late 90's, but a broken foot ended his chances. At 34, he announced his retirement.

 

Greenwell's 12-year totals with the Sox are impressive: 1400 hits, 275 doubles, 726 rbi's, a .368 on base percentage, and a .303 average. Though he never made Cooperstown, he was voted to the Sox Hall of Fame in 2008. Today he owns a ranch in Florida, runs an amusement park, and for several years drove late-model stock cars. His oldest son Bo currently plays in the Indians organization.

 

Mike holds an AL record that will probably never be broken. In 88, he set the mark for game-winning rbi's. Since that rather meaningless statistic has been discontinued, it will most likely be his forever.