If you’re in New England and haven’t just woken up, you’ve probably heard the news: “Nomar to retire as a member of the Red Sox today.”
The “Nomar” in question (if there are even multiple “Nomars” out there?) is former Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, who of course was a member of the historic 2004 World Series team – up until the trade deadline in July.
I was in Boston that weekend, and although I didn’t write about it at the time, I did take this photo:
August 01, 2004. The day after Nomar was traded to the Cubs.
Ironic, eh? 'Keep the Faith.'
Anyway, immediately after I heard the news today I got to thinking about retiring his jersey, number five. Rocco had it last season, but now he’s retired, too. So it’s free.
But the Red Sox official policy on retiring uniform numbers is based on the following criteria:
Election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame
At least 10 years played with the Red Sox
He’s a six-time All-Star and was the 1997 American League Rookie of the Year, so the Hall of Fame shouldn’t be a problem, we’ll have to wait five years but that’s no problem.
The second part – problem.
Nomar was only with the Sox from August of 1996 to the aforementioned July of 2004 – nine years.
Hmm.
Guess we do have five years to change that rule …
Tags: baseball, Boston, Boston Globe, Red Sox