The 50 Greatest Red Sox Players Of All Time

11 of 19

Apr 11, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox former players Pedro Martínez and Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield take the field before the Red Sox home opener against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

20. and 19. Tim Wakefield/Jason Varitek

It’s hard to imagine Tim Wakefield without Jason Varitek and vice-versa. It was also hard to separate them on this list, so collectively their 20th and 19th all in one. Wakefield won 186 games over 17 years in Boston. Wake pitched 3,006 innings, recording 26 complete games. He was a fan favorite, even if he was never the man with the best statistics. Wakefield did whatever was needed to help the team, starting or out of the bullpen.

Wake’s battery mate Jason Varitek is another case of the man outperforming his stats. Though drafted by the Mariners, Tek spent his entire 15 year MLB career in Boston. He was able to control the game from behind the plate, ensuring his pitchers were prepared. 33 was a fan favorite, and will surely have his number retired in Fenway Park for his contributions to the team. Who can forget his throw down with A-Rod in 2004!?

18. Joe Cronin

Shortstop Joe Cronin helped the Red Sox out from 1935 to 1945. He hit an even .300 with 119 home runs and 1,168 hits. Cronin was a .953 fielder, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1956.

Home/Boston Red Sox