BOSTON, MA – In a significant nod to their storied history, the Boston Red Sox have announced the induction of former players Trot Nixon, Jonathan Papelbon, and Dustin Pedroia into the 2024 Red Sox Hall of Fame. Alongside these baseball icons, longtime front office executive Elaine Steward will be honored as the non-uniformed inductee. The selection panel, a diverse group of 21 including club executives, media members, historians, and fan representatives, made these choices after careful deliberation.
Trot Nixon: A Red Sox Cornerstone
Trot Nixon, renowned for his pivotal role in the Red Sox outfield, has been a fan favorite since being drafted in the first round in 1993. Over 10 seasons, Nixon’s impressive stats include a .278 batting average, 133 home runs, and 523 RBIs. His remarkable consistency and significant postseason contributions, including a memorable walk-off home run in the 2003 American League Division Series, have cemented his legacy in Red Sox history.
Jonathan Papelbon: The Closer Extraordinaire
Jonathan Papelbon, a four-time All-Star and key figure in the 2007 World Series victory, redefined the closer’s role during his tenure with the Red Sox. Holding franchise records for most career saves and an outstanding postseason ERA of 1.00, Papelbon’s induction is a testament to his dominance on the mound.
Dustin Pedroia: The Heart of Red Sox
Dustin Pedroia, a lifetime Red Sox and a three-time World Series champion, exemplifies the spirit of Boston baseball. With accolades like the 2008 Most Valuable Player and multiple Gold Glove Awards, Pedroia’s .299 career batting average and defensive prowess at second base have made him a beloved figure in Red Sox lore.
Elaine Steward: Breaking Barriers in Baseball
Elaine Steward’s induction as a non-uniformed inductee recognizes her groundbreaking contributions to the Red Sox organization. Starting as an intern in 1988, Steward quickly rose through the ranks to become the first woman and the second African American to be named assistant general manager in Major League Baseball. Her influential role in contract negotiations and operations has been instrumental in the team’s successes.
A Memorable Moment: Billy Rohr’s Near-No-Hitter
Billy Rohr’s remarkable one-hitter against the New York Yankees in 1967 has been chosen as this year’s “Memorable Red Sox Moment”. Rohr’s performance, just shy of a no-hitter in his Major League debut, marked a significant moment in the Red Sox’s “Impossible Dream” season and their journey to the World Series.
The Class of 2024 will be officially inducted at the Red Sox Foundation’s Red Sox Hall of Fame & Fenway Honors event on May 29, followed by a special pre-game ceremony at Fenway Park on May 30. As the Red Sox community anticipates this celebration, these inductees stand as a testament to the rich history and enduring legacy of one of baseball’s most cherished franchises.
