Red Sox to retire Boggs' number after Hall of Fame career
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}OAKLAND - JULY 1989: Wade Boggs of the Boston Red Sox plays in a Major League Baseball game against the Oakland A's in July 1989 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Wade Boggs
BOSTON -- Wade Boggs' number 26 will be retired by the Boston Red Sox.
Boston said Monday it will retire the number of the Hall of Fame third baseman during a ceremony at Fenway Park on May 26, when the number will be added to the ballpark's right-field facade.
"I am so humbled and honored," Boggs said in a statement released by the Red Sox. "To say that your number will never be worn again is the highest honor an athlete can receive."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Boggs played with Boston from 1982-92 and was an 11-time All-Star, including eight times while with the Red Sox.
Now 57, Boggs had a .328 career average during 18 big league seasons that included stints with the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay.
Boggs' number will be the 10th retired by the Red Sox.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Wade Boggs was the best third baseman in Red Sox history and one of the best hitters of his generation," Boston owner John Henry said in a statement. "Whether it was his legendary hand-eye coordination or the discipline of his highly superstitious routine, his ability to hit line drive after line drive was remarkable."