Jim Rice

James Edward Rice
Born: March 3, 1953 in Anderson, S.C. 
Debut: 1974 | Pos: OF/DH
Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 205 | B: R | T: R

>> Visit the Jim Rice biography on Baseball Almanac for complete statistics.

By the time that Jim Rice retired from baseball in 1989, he had placed himself among the immortals in the Boston Red Sox franchise. Rice trailed only Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski on the team's all-time totals in home runs, runs batted in, hits and total bases.

Rice made a brief appearance with Boston at the end of the 1974 season, but it would be what would happen in 1975 that would set the tone for his 16-year career.

In 1975, the Red Sox featured two rookie outfielders -- Jim Rice and Fred Lynn. A pitch from Vern Ruhle of the Detroit Tigers broke a bone in Rice's hand and cut his first full season in the majors a little short. However, Rice finished with a .309 average, 22 home runs and 102 runs batted in. Rookie teammate Lynn's numbers were slightly better with a .331 average, 21 home runs and 105 runs batted in. Lynn beat out his teammate to win AL MVP honors and Rookie of the Year honors.

Rice's hitting continued in 1977 when he led the American League in home runs (39), slugging percentage (.593) and total bases (382). He also hit three home runs in a game during the season for the first time in his career.

His MVP season came in 1978 when he led the AL in hits (213), HR (46), RBI (139), triples (15), total bases (406), slugging percentage (.600) and runs produced (214). Rice is the last major league player to reach 400 total bases.

Rice and Lynn were back at the top in 1979. This time, the teammates tied for the American League lead with 39 home runs each. Rice also led the AL in total bases (369) and was second in RBI (130).

In 1984, Rice set a dubious record when he hit into 36 double plays. In 1985, he threatened his own record when he hit into 35 double plays.

He had knee surgery prior to the 1988 season, but it didn't do everything to correct his injuries. Rice found himself working in a designated hitter role and hit just 15 home runs and drove in 72 runs. Rice's career was marred by a shoving match with manager Joe Morgan when Morgan brought in Spike Owen to pinch hit for Rice in a game.

Following an injury-marred season, Rice was released by the Red Sox and later retired.

Rice's accomplishments, however, did not result in a spot in the baseball Hall of Fame -- at least, not as of yet. Rice's private demeanor may have also played a role. He rarely talked to members of the media.

"Privacy is important to everyone," Rice once said. " People say that you owe the public this or that. You don't owe the public anything."