Boston Red Sox: Nomar Garciaparra’s epic run revisited

An RBI machine

The 1998 season was arguably Nomar Garciaparra’s best. He hit a career high 35 home runs, had a .362 OBP to go along with a slightly lower .323 batting average and a .946 OPS.

But the most impressive part of Nomar’s stat line that year was his 122 runs batted in. The average major leaguer with Garciappara’s plate appearances in an RBI situation had 76. He boasted a 24 game hit streak and a 27 game on-base streak. He also led the team with 25 go-ahead hits. He was second in MVP voting, losing to Juan Gonzalez who clocked 10 more homers for the Texas Rangers.

Other than the home run discrepancy, the two had similar averages, OBPs, and OPS. In my opinion, Nomar should have won the MVP. He had a 7.1 WAR to Gonzalez’ 4.9. But the Rangers finished in first place that season to the Red Sox’ second.

1998 also saw the Boston Red Sox reach the post season for the first time since 1995. It was also Nomar’s first October dance. He hit .333 with 3 homers and 11 RBIs in the ALDS against the Indians.

The Sox lost the series, but Nomar showed he wasn’t afraid of the big stage.