The Last Shot on the Ballot for a former Red Sox Captain-Jim Rice
There have only been four captains of the Red Sox since 1923: Jimmie Foxx, Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice, and now Jason Varitek. The hall of fame ballots are out yet again, and it is Jim Rice’s final at-bat on this ballot. Just a year ago, Rice came so close to enshrinement, missing only 16 votes! He received 72.2% of votes, and he needed 75%… talk about close! Jim Rice played his entire career with Boston (1974-1989) gave pitchers a sickening feeling when he came to the plate (along with other Red Sox stars like Yaz, Fisk, Lynn, Boggs, Evans, Armas during that era). The left-fielder’s career statistics speak for themselves:
He had 2,452 hits, 382 home runs, 1451 RBI’s, batted .298, and slugged .502. If that’s not enough for you, the other two Red Sox captains, Jimmie Foxx and Carl Yastrzemski, have both been inducted into the hall of fame.
Jimmie Foxx played first base, batted an astounding .325, collected 2646 hits, 534 home runs, and 1751 runs, and 1922 RBI’s.
Yaz played left field, first base, and was a designated hitter (and is notorious for his ability to track down flies), had 1816 runs, 3419 hits, 452 home runs, 1844 RBI’s, and batted .285.
Even though these other captains have better career statistics (over all), remember Rice only played 16 seasons. Foxx played 20 and Yaz played 23, so if Rice had played longer, perhaps his stats would’ve reached this height. According to Bresciansi, a historian for the Red Sox, Rice topped 20 homers 11 times, 100 RBIs eight times, was an All-Star eight times, hit .300 in seven seasons and he finished in the top five in the AL MVP voting six times. Also, Rice hit 39-plus homers four times. During this time, most of Rice’s stats were leading in the AL. He’s been on the top ten list numerous times in numerous categories. Other players like Duke Snider and Billy Williams have similar career statistics and they’re in the hall of fame. In 1978 he played every single game. The list of his accomplishments go on and on.
So, I urge everyone with a hall of fame ballot to put a checkmark, bubble in, or do whatever it is that you do, to help ensure that Jim Rice gets the eternal honor that he deserves in Cooperstown.
-Elizabeth
The Future Blog of the Red Sox 
Elizabeth, wouldn’t it be great to see Rice get in this year! And it’s Mo Vaugh’s first year of eligibility. Maybe they could go in together!
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
Elizabeth, personally, I do not think Jim Rice belongs in the Hall Of Fame. Now, before you assume this is my Yankee fan bias speaking, I am totally neutral toward Red Sox players once they’re retired. I just don’t think he is Hall Of Famer. He was a very good player for many years, but just not a Hall Of Famer. I seriously doubt, as well, that his stats would have reached Yastrzemski’s or Foxx’s level. His production started dropping after 1986, and was dropping sharply by the time he retired. As I said before, a very good player, just not a Hall Of Famer. I don’t make the decisions, though, so I don’t know if the Writers will agree with me.
http://newmexicanyanksfan.mlblogs.com
I totally agree with you. I think Rice is Hall of Fame material, and luckily he will get in! I wish the same could be said for Dale Murphy. He was a great player and teammate. He was also a 2 time MVP and 5 time Gold Glove winner. Him and Lee Smith are very underrated and might not ever make the Hall. I guess that’s the way it happens sometimes. Well, I wish the best for Rice and hopes he makes it in the Hall in his last at-bat of his career.
http://darion.mlblogs.com/
Go Jim! I’ve stated my case for him as well.
Greg
Red Sox Ramblings: http://thevendahhh.mlblogs.com
Elizabeth,
Yeah, I agree, if I had a vote, I would vote for Jim Rice to be enshrined into the “Hall of Fame” … Also, on this year’s list, I would vote for: Rickey Henderson and Don Mattingly … I think, those would be the only players [of the 23 listed] I would vote for … I’m undecided about pitchers: Bert Blyleven and Jack Morris; but, definitely would never vote for Mark McGwire because of his “performance enhancing drug” use during the years he recorded his best stats !!! … Anyway, just my opinion !!! … Jimmy [27NYY]
http://baseballtheyankeesandlife.mlblogs.com/
I usually just put an “x” in the box. 🙂
I love the passion of Hall of Fame voting season.
We have THE Hall…all you have to do is watch Wizard of Oz and see the munchkins’ reference to “Hall of Fame” right at a time when it had been introduced.
It has to STAY “the Hall.” Not watered down…ever.
Mark/MLB.com
http://mlblogs.mlblogs.com