The Nest

Before there was Big Papi and Manny Ramirez the Fenway faithful were treated to the hit parade that was Mo Vaughn. The big guy was the power at the plate guy for the Red Sox in the mid 90’s launching 230 homers in his 8 years with the club.

Affectionately known as the hit dog, Vaughn was a force to be reckoned with at the plate but also a leader in the clubhouse. Players listened to him. Hey he was a big guy with a bat…you’d better listen to him. His play on the field earned him the American League MVP in 1995, the last Red Sox player to garner that title.

Much like David Ortiz, Mo was a favorite on and off the field. The fans loved him for the excitement he brought to the game and his community service.

Says Big Papi:

“I think Mo gave a lot to the community,” – “He’s still doing it. He’s refurbishing those old buildings and rebuilding them in projects [in New York]. That’s great, man. You’ve got to be born with that.”

Had it not been for stalled contract negotiations after the ‘98 season, Mo may have finished his career in Boston. He ended up going to Anaheim where a mis-step into the Angels dugout resulted in an ankle injury that may have been the beginning of the end. Although he played well on the west coast 30+ homers in ‘99 and 2000, he never again would reach the statistics he achieved in Boston.

It’s about time he came home. Mo, welcome back!

The Spaceman

One of the other standouts (at least in my mind) joining Mo in the Hall of Fame was pitcher Bill Lee. Lee has the distinction of being the only lefty Red Sox pitcher to have started 321 games.

Nicknamed The Spaceman, Lee was articulate, outspoken and opinionated. The Boston press was never disappointed when it came to interviewing Bill Lee. His lifestyle and personality made him a natural reporter magnet. Had he played in recent times, he’d be mobbed by paparazzi.

From Wikipedia

His intelligence, articulate conversational style, humorous voice, and outspoken manner meant his views were frequently recorded in the press… He berated an umpire for a controversial call in the 1975 World Series, threatening to bite off his ear and encouraging the American people to write letters demanding the game be replayed. He ate health food and practiced yoga. He claimed his marijuana use made him impervious to bus fumes while jogging to work at Fenway Park…

Lee started his career as a relief pitcher but in 1973 was put into the starting rotation where he won 17 games. Among his notable achievements was the Leephus pitch, Lee’s version of the eephus pitch (a super slow, high arcing pitch designed to throw off batters expecting something faster).

We owe thanks to these players who provided Red Sox Nation with hours of enjoyment and entertainment.

Congrats Hit Dog and Spaceman!

mo vaughn bill lee mlb red sox