Biography for 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.