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The all-time Boston Red Sox starting lineup

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The Boston Red Sox began as the Boston Americans in 1901 and since then have gone on to win eight World Series and 13 league titles. Here’s one look at a team made up of the best players at each position in Red Sox history.

Catcher: Carlton Fisk (1969-80). The Red Sox just didn’t seem the same when he left for the White Sox. Easily their best catcher in history.

First base: Jimmie Foxx (1936-42). Hit .320 and slugged over .600 with the Red Sox. Had 50 homers, 175 RBIs in 1938.

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Second base: Bobby Doerr (1937-51). Doerr was consistently good throughout his career and missed a year for military service.

Third base: Wade Boggs (1982-92). Won five batting titles and hit at least .357 in each of those years.

Shortstop: Johnny Pesky (1942, 46-52). Could have gone with Nomar, but they call it Pesky’s Pole for a reason.

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Left field: Carl Yastrzemski (1961-87). You can’t have an all-time Red Sox team without Carl Yastrzemski.

Center field: Tris Speaker (1907-15). A truly great but almost forgotten hitter.

Right field: Dwight Evans (1972-90). Hit 379 home runs and won eight Gold Gloves. Steady and reliable.

Designated hitter: Ted Williams (1939-60). Not much has been written about this mystery man, but he’s the hands-down winner here.

Rotation

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Cy Young (1901-08): He was so good, they named the award for best pitcher after him.

Roger Clemens (1984-96): Cy Young finished his career 192-112 with the Red Sox. Clemens finished 192-111.

Pedro Martinez (1998-2004): What is Delino DeShields doing these days?

Lefty Grove (1934-41): Spent the last eight seasons of his Hall of Fame career with Boston and led the AL in ERA four times.

Relievers

Dick Radatz (1962-66): The Monster struck out more than a batter an inning back when that was a rare feat.

Jonathan Papelbon (2005-11): Boston’s all-time saves leader. They haven’t had a lot of great long-term closers.

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