Dwight Evans

Date of birth: 3 November 1951
Primary position: Right Fielder

Elected to Red Sox Hall of Fame: 2000

Dwight Evans
Dwight Evans

Dwight Evans may not have been much at the plate when he began his big-league career in 1973 but, with a strong right throwing arm, he made runners think twice about trying to score on baseballs hit to right field in any park. Drafted by the Red Sox in 1969, he gave notice in 1972 that he was ready to join the major league ranks when he won the International League MVP award with Triple-A Louisville, batting .300 with 17 home runs and 95 RBI.

Three times, the man that the Fenway Park crowds affectionately called “Dewey” led the league in outfield assists. He also made perhaps one of the most spectacular defensive plays in franchise history in the sixth game of the 1975 World Series against Cincinnati. With Joe Morgan’s extra-inning fly ball heading towards the right-field grandstand, Evans tracked the ball perfectly and, with a leaping catch in front of the low outfield wall, robbed Morgan of a sure two-run shot. He then turned and threw the ball back to the infield to double up Ken Griffey off first, making for a spectacular double play.

When his career with the Red Sox ended after 18 full seasons in Boston, he owned eight Gold Gloves. Though not considered an offensive threat until late in his career, batting just .272 while with Boston, his offensive numbers improved as his career developed; in fact, his best season at the plate came in 1987 at age 35, getting career highs of .305, 34 home runs, and 123 RBI, earning MVP considerations. Even today, Evans still ranks high among Red Sox club leaders in several offensive categories.

Career Batting Statistics through 2018 Season

SeasonABRHHRRBIBBSBAVG
1972572151670.263
197328246631032405.223
1974463601301070384.281
1975412611131356473.274
1976501611211762576.242
197723039661436284.287
1978497751232463658.247
1979489691342158696.274
1980463721231860643.266
1981412841222271853.296
198260912217832981123.292
1983470741122258703.238
198463012118632104963.295
198561711016229781147.263
1986529861372697973.259
1987541109165341231064.305
19885599616421111765.293
19895208214820100993.285
1990445661111363673.249
TOTAL8726143523733791346133776.272

Awards and Recognition with Boston

Gold Glove Award (OF), 1976
Gold Glove Award (OF), 1978
Gold Glove Award (OF), 1979
Gold Glove Award (OF), 1981
Gold Glove Award (OF), 1982
Gold Glove Award (OF), 1983
Gold Glove Award (OF), 1984
Gold Glove Award (OF), 1985
Home Run Champion (22), 1981
Silver Slugger Award (RF), 1981
Silver Slugger Award (RF-1B), 1987

Memorable Moments for Dwight Evans

  • 16 September 1972 - Dwight Evans makes his major league debut, replacing Reggie Smith in right field at Fenway Park, and goes hitless in his one at-bat as the Red Sox clobber the Indians, 10-0.
  • 5 May 1981 - In a game that takes two days to play due to a curfew rule, Dwight Evans reaches base seven times (four walks, three hits) in an extra-inning win over the Royals in Kansas City, 8-7.
  • 28 June 1984 - Dwight Evans hits for the cycle, capped by a three-run home run in the 11th inning, as Boston walks off with a 9-6 win over Seattle at Fenway Park.
  • 7 April 1986 - Despite hitting the very first pitch of the season for a home run, Dwight Evans and the Red Sox lose 6-5 to the Tigers in Detroit.
  • 1 June 1987 - Dwight Evans hits his 300th career home run but Boston loses on the road 9-5 to Minnesota.