The numbers have been processed and the scores have been tallied. We have our top 25 Red Sox positional players ready to be presented but, before we cycle through the best in team history, let’s see who just missed the cut. After all, these Boston legends were so close to making the roster…

26. Frank Malzone
3B, 1955-1965, .276 BA, three-time Gold Glove winner, six-time All-Star
From 1957 through 1964, Malzone was Boston’s everyday third baseman, averaging around 15 home runs and just over 80 RBI per season. In 1957, he was the first player honored with a Gold Glove at third base, and he won it the following two years representing the American League. Five times, he started in the All-Star Game representing Boston. In team history, he ranks ninth in total hits with 1454.

27. Larry Gardner
3B, 1908-1917, .282 BA, 87 3B, 134 SB, 182 SF
When speed mattered, Gardner was one of the best in team history. He ranks fifth all-time in triples by a Boston player with 87, hitting 18 in 1912 and setting a personal best with 19 in 1914. He also swiped 134 bases with Boston, which also places him fifth in franchise history, and recorded 182 sacrifice hits, good enough for third all-time. Between 1912 and 1917, as Boston’s regular third baseman, he played part in three world championships; he later earned another ring with Cleveland and former Red Sox outfielder Tris Speaker in 1920.

28. Johnny Damon
CF, 2002-2005 – .295 BA, 461 R, 98 SB, two-time All Star
He may have been a self-proclaimed “idiot” but Damon was an integral part of the 2004 World Series champions, setting highs of 123 runs scored, 20 home runs, and 94 RBI while his long, dark locks chased him around the bases. In four seasons with Boston, he averaged 115 runs, nearly 25 stolen bases, and 75 RBI per season while averaging just under .300.

29. Ellis Burks
CF, 1987-1992, 2004 – .280 BA, 94 HR, 388 RBI, 95 SB, one Gold Glove
As a rookie, Burks was just the third player in team history to hits at least 20 HR and steal 20 bases in one season. When he was healthy, he was phenomenal; in 1988, he hit another 18 home runs, drove in 92, scored 93 times, and stole 25 bases while batting .294. He also displayed great range in center field, earning a Gold Glove in 1990. That same year, he earned his only All-Star selection with the team, hitting 21 home runs and batting .296 while also taking home Silver Slugger honors.

30. Trot Nixon
RF, 1996-2006 – .278 BA, 133 HR, 523 RBI, 547 R
Nixon was the true definition of a “dirt dog” – tough, gritty, and willing to do whatever was necessary for the team; that, in turn, earned him the admiration of not only his teammates but the Boston fans. In seven full seasons – not including the 2004 season in which he missed all but 48 games – he averaged 18 home runs and 71 RBI while showing great range in Fenway Park’s tricky right field.

Tags: Boston Red Sox, Ellis Burks, Frank Malzone, Johnny Damon, Larry Gardner, Trot Nixon