Believe it or not, it’s been five years since Boston Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein shocked the baseball world by trading away fan favorite and five-time All-Star Nomar Garciaparra on the July 31 deadline in 2004.
I specifically remember that dreadful day (at the time). I was at work all day with no access to a computer or blackberry and by the time I had gotten home my friend left me a voice message on my cell phone. At the same time I turned on the television, but ended up hearing the horrific news first on my phone then glanced at the TV screen stunned, shocked, and broke out into tears.
Garciaparra was traded as part of a blockbuster four-team deal involving the Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos, and Minnesota Twins.
Boston sent him along with Single A outfield prospect Matt Murton to the Cubs and received Expos shortstop Orlando Cabrera and first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz from the Twins.
My friend thought I already knew about it because I’m always on top of breaking Sox news, but for some reason I wasn’t that day. July 31, 2004 was easily one of the worst days being a Red Sox fan in my young life. Nomar was and still is my favorite Red Sox of all time (keep in mind I’m 23 years-old so I’m too young to have seen Carl Yastrzemski or Ted Williams play).
I did not understand it. I eventually excepted it. And even till this day if it had to be done all over again, I would have agreed with Epstein’s decision. Let’s face it Red Sox Nation, if Epstein didn’t make the trade, the Sox would not have won the World Series in 2004.
Since then, Garciaparra has not come back to face the Red Sox because he’s been on two National League clubs, the Cubs and then the Los Angeles Dodgers. Earlier this season, Boston made the trip up to Oakland, Garciaparra’s new home team.
Tonight Nomar (as Sox fans always tended to use his first name rather than his last) returns to the Fenway Faithful as a member of the Athletics for the first time in five years.
I expect to see countless Garciaparra jerseys in the stands and I also expect him to receive a massive standing ovation, in which he rightfully deserves. Despite being on the Sox for just about nine seasons, he very well goes down on the list as one of the best team players of all-time. And to back up my statement I give you his resume.
Continue reading for Nomar’s resume.
Nomar Garciaparra’s Red Sox Resume
- Five-time All-Star
- 1997 American League Rookie-of-the-Year
- 1997 Silver Slugger Award
- Hit three home runs on his birthday (2002)
- Had two grand slams and a home run on May 10, 1999 vs. Seattle Mariners
- 1999 Batting Title (.357)
- 2000 Batting Title (.372)
Major League Records
- Most RBIs by leadoff hitter: 98 (1997)
- Most home runs by a rookie: 30
- Most doubles in a season by a shortstop: 56
American League Records
- Longest hitting streak by a rookie: 30 games
Red Sox Records
- Most totals bases by a rookie: 365
- Most hits by a rookie: 209
- Most stolen bases by a rookie shortstop: 22
- Most RBIs in one game (tie): 10 May 10, 1999 vs. Seattle Mariners
But ever since his wrist injury in 2001 Garciaparra hasn’t been the same player. He was always injury prone in his wrist and his right archilles tendon and that pretty much killed his “amazingness” at the plate and on the diamond. Despite that he’ll always be remembered as a Red Sox great.
Welcome back Nomar. You’ll always be our number one shortstop in our hearts.
Amanda Bruno is a freelance sportswriter for The Springfield Republican and also writes weekly features for the Plus Papers on Wednesdays. She also writes over at Batter-up with Bruno where she shares her thoughts about the Boston Red Sox and the Boston sports media. You can follow her on Twitter @batterupbruno and can reach Amanda through email at brunosportshawk[at]gmail.com.
