50 Facts About Wade Boggs

Early Life and Background

Wade Boggs, known for his incredible batting skills and unique superstitions, has a fascinating background that shaped his legendary career.

1. Wade Anthony Boggs was born on June 15, 1958, in Omaha, Nebraska.
2. His father, Winfield Kennedy Boggs Jr., served in World War II and the Korean War.
3. His mother, Sue Nell Graham, piloted mail planes during World War II.
4. The Boggs family moved frequently, living in Puerto Rico and Savannah, Georgia, before settling in Tampa, Florida, when Wade was 11.
5. Boggs attended Plant High School in Tampa, excelling in both baseball and football.
6. He was an All-State football player as a senior but switched from quarterback to avoid injury and protect his baseball career.
7. Boggs received college football scholarship offers as a left-footed kicker but chose to pursue baseball instead.

Professional Debut and Early Career

Boggs' journey to the Major Leagues began with the Boston Red Sox, where he quickly made a name for himself.

8. The Boston Red Sox selected Boggs in the seventh round of the 1976 MLB draft.
9. He signed with the Red Sox for $7,500.
10. Boggs made his professional debut on April 10, 1982, with the Boston Red Sox.
11. Over his 18-year career, Boggs accumulated 3,010 hits, a .328 batting average, and a .415 on-base percentage.
12. He also hit 118 home runs and stole 24 bases.
13. Boggs won five American League batting titles, all while playing for the Boston Red Sox (1983 and 1985-1988).
14. He achieved seven consecutive 200-hit seasons with the Red Sox, a rare feat in baseball history.

Achievements and Records

Wade Boggs' career is filled with impressive achievements and records that highlight his exceptional talent.

15. Boggs led the American League in on-base percentage six times, from 1983 to 1989.
16. He also led the league in OPS in 1987 and 1988.
17. Boggs was an 11-time All-Star, with eight of those selections coming while with the Red Sox.
18. He won two Gold Glove Awards in 1994 and 1995, becoming the oldest first-time winner among non-pitchers.
19. In 2005, Boggs was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame with 91.9% of the vote in his first year eligible.
20. Although he never won a World Series with the Red Sox, Boggs did win one with the New York Yankees in 1996.
21. He celebrated the Yankees' World Series win by riding on a police officer’s horse.

Superstitions and Quirks

Boggs was known for his unique superstitions and routines, which became legendary in their own right.

22. Boggs was known for eating chicken before every game, earning him the nickname "The Chicken Man."
23. He practiced at specific times of day and used his bat to scrawl the Hebrew word "Chai" in the batter's box before each at-bat.
24. The urban legend of Boggs drinking 107 beers on a cross-country flight has become part of his folklore, though the actual number is debated.
25. Boggs appeared in a 1992 World Wrestling Federation (WWF) vignette with wrestler Mr. Perfect (Curt Hennig), and he inducted Hennig into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.

Personal Life and Legacy

Beyond his professional achievements, Boggs' personal life and legacy continue to impact the baseball community.

26. Boggs married Debbie, and they have two children, Brett and Meagann.
27. His mother, Sue, passed away in June 1986 in a car accident in Tampa.
28. After his mother's death, Boggs and his father bought a fish camp on U.S. 301, named Yankee Landing-Finway Fish Camp.
29. The Boston Red Sox honored Boggs on May 26th for his contributions to the team.
30. Initially a switch hitter, Boggs gave up hitting from the right side in 1978.
31. Any team in baseball could have signed Boggs for the waiver price of $25,000 before his rookie season in 1982, but all teams passed on him.
32. Despite being one of the top hitters in the league, Boggs had to spend two years at Double A and two at Pawtucket before making it to the major leagues.

Career Milestones and Honors

Boggs' career milestones and honors solidify his place among baseball's greats.

33. Boggs was the first player to record a home run as his 3,000th career hit, doing so on August 7, 1999.
34. He also hit the Tampa Bay franchise’s first home run in its history on March 31, 1998.
35. At Fenway Park, Boggs had a career batting average of .369, the best in history.
36. Only Brooks Robinson and George Brett have more consecutive All-Star appearances at third base than Boggs’ 12.
37. Boggs accumulated 88.3 fWAR over his career, ranking fourth all-time among third basemen.
38. Despite his impressive performance, Boggs never ranked higher than fourth in Most Valuable Player balloting.
39. Boggs and Tony Gwynn each appeared in 2,440 Major League games, with Boggs besting Gwynn in runs scored and on-base percentage.
40. Boggs appeared on the December 13, 1999 episode of WWF Raw Is War, involved in a brief segment with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Post-Playing Career and Community Involvement

Even after retiring, Boggs has remained a beloved figure in the baseball community through various activities and honors.

41. Boggs is part of the Red Sox Hall of Fame and the Rays Hall of Fame.
42. He was named one of the "Top 10 Most Superstitious Athletes" by Men's Fitness.
43. Boggs’ superstitions did not hinder his performance, leading the AL in significant offensive categories annually from 1985 to 1989.
44. He became the first player to achieve four consecutive seasons with at least 200 hits and 100 walks.
45. Boggs compiled at least 150 singles, 50 extra-base hits, and 100 walks in two separate seasons (1986 and 1988).
46. While primarily known for his hitting, Boggs won two Gold Glove Awards late in his career.
47. Boggs’ impact on the game extends beyond his playing career, with involvement in various charitable activities.
48. As a native of Tampa, Florida, Boggs was the first player from the Tampa Bay area to play for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
49. Boggs’ legacy at Fenway Park includes several records, such as the best career batting average and highest career on-base percentage.
50. Boggs was named one of the "100 Greatest Baseball Players" by Sporting News in 1997, ranking number 95 on the list.

Wade Boggs: A Baseball Legend

Wade Boggs' career is a testament to dedication, skill, and a bit of superstition. From his early days in Tampa to his Hall of Fame induction, Boggs left an indelible mark on baseball. With over 3,000 hits, five batting titles, and a World Series ring, his stats speak volumes. Known for his pregame chicken ritual and meticulous routines, Boggs' quirks only added to his legend. His impact wasn't just on the field; he became a beloved figure in the baseball community, involved in charitable activities and remembered fondly by fans. Whether it was his time with the Red Sox, Yankees, or Devil Rays, Boggs consistently proved his prowess. His legacy at Fenway Park and beyond cements his place among baseball's greats. Wade Boggs isn't just a name in the record books; he's a symbol of excellence in America's pastime.