Expert: Geoff - 8/20/2007

Question
Hello, I was wondering if the red sox have said if they will retire numbers 21, 14, 25 and 26? Since Jim Rice (#14) and Roger Clemens (#21) left the organization their numbers have not been issued. Only Wade Boggs (#26) and Tony C (#25) have had their former numbers used. There has been talk for a long time that the new ownership will retire # 25, but when? Also since Nomar and Pedro have left, #'s 5 and 45 have not been used. Why is this?
Thank You,
Anthony  

Answer
Hi Anthony,

Thanks for writing.

This link will give you information on the Red Sox policy for retiring numbers.  Two requirements are that you played 10 years for the Red Sox and that you have been electing into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

http://www.fenwayfanatics.com/fenway/features/numbers/

Conigliaro only played 7 seasons for Boston and is currently ineligible to have his number retired.  That policy would have to change first, as well as the Hall of Fame policy.  Seems unlikely that will happen.

Garciaparra only played in parts of 9 seasons with Boston so #5 can't be retired unless the policy is changed AND Nomar makes it into the Hall of Fame.  Martinez only played 7 years in Boston.

Should Jim Rice ever get elected to the Hall of Fame (he's come pretty close) the Sox I'm sure will retire his number.  Rice played 16 years in Boston.  Same is true for Clemens, once he gets elected into the Hall of Fame, the Sox will retire his number.  He played 13 years in Boston.

Wade Boggs (11 years in Boston, and in the Baseball Hall of Fame) didn't exactly leave the Red Sox on great terms.  Although his number could be retired some day, there doesn't seem to be any great reason for doing so right away.

Why are certain numbers (5 and 45) that won't be retired not re-issued?  Sometimes it is just to show respect for these players while they are still active.  The clubhouse attendant who issues the player their number may still have a fond memory of Nomar and Pedro and be hesitent to re-issue the number.

Trot Nixon fans were saddened that his #7 was re-issued so quickly - and to his replacement JD Drew!

Best Wishes,

Geoff