About Jim Rice
I grew up in South Carolina and was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 1971 and played with the Sox from 1974 – 1989. Since retiring from Baseball I have worked with the Red Sox Organization since 1992 as a batting coach, hitting instructor, and currently as a commentator on NESN.
If you would like to know more click these links:
Paul White article
Red Sox Diehard
Jim Rice NESN Bio
Bio at baseballlibrary.com
Bio at fenwayfanatics.com
March 27th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Hi Jim,
We met at a charity golf event in 1991. It was at Andover C.C., for Mike Menery. You were gracious and friendly, NOT the way you’ve been described by many of those press folks who dis you at Hall voting time.
I’ll enjoy your site. Hope you like mine, esp. the SPORTS sect., where I have often praised you.
Perhaps you will consent to an interview for my site?
I always go easy with my favorite players, and SHOULD BE HALL-OF-FAMERS!
Regards,
Greg Hyatt, Editor & Publisher, http://www.thebulldogedition.com
March 27th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
[…] blog. So I pop in to visit http://www.ask14.com it for the first time, and what do I find on the “About Jim Rice” […]
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Hi Jim,
I doubt that you’ll remember this, but I’ll give it a try anyway. I met you back in the summer of 1997 when you were the Red Sox Batting Coach and I was an assistant manager at the Strawberries off of Route 1 in Saugus. You were on your way to the Park & the team was about to play the Mets for the first time since the 1986 World Series (I think). You came into the store looking for something to listen to during the flight to NY. After helping you for a bit, I went in the backroom and gave you a promotional copy CD of an R&B group. I soon left that store, but the manager told me that you came in looking for me by name once the road trip ended. I’m just glad you liked the CD. I hope we get to meet again someday! Until then, could you add a link to my blog? I have just added yours to mine under “Former MLB Players and Managers”. My blog can be found at http://www.baseballreflections.com
Thank you,
Peter
April 3rd, 2008 at 1:04 am
For more information on Jim Rice, check this guy’s Jim Rice site. I think I may have met him at the LA Coliseum game with the 100,000 people. He was wearing a road Rice jersey and waving a “BOSOX14″ sign.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Hi Jim,
I have been a fan of yours since 1975. I was the kid at 5 years old that always wanted to be Jim Rice whenever we had neighborhood pickup games. No one was more upste than me when you had to miss the ‘75 World Series. I even sent you a get well card. I’m 37 now, but still think I’m you in the batter’s box. I do hope you get to the Hall of Fame soon. Of all the players that were at the top of the game during the 70’s and 80’s I can’t think of a more dangerous hitter than you. Good luck Jim!
-Jimmy
April 9th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Jim,
This is great. A site where your fans can communicate with you. Like everybody who has posted so far I am a huge Jim Rice fan. You are the reason I became a Red Sox fan. I grew up in California and would go to every Red Sox – A’s game when you were in town. I got your autograph several times. I can’t remember a time when you didn’t take the time to sign for us kids. My favorite Rice memory was back in 1983, the last summer before I joined the Air Force. The game was tied 1-1 in the 9th and Evans was on first. The A’s brought in Dave Beard to face you. He came in high and tight and spun you out of the batters box. You wandered around for several moments and I thought you were shook up. Boy, was I wrong. You stepped back into the box and launched one the longest home runs I ever say at Oakland and the Sox won 3-1. It was a great night. Thanks Jim.
April 11th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Hi Jim,
Just wanted you to know that you were my biggest baseball hero as a kid. Although I never got to meet you as a kid I did see you at at the Nomar Bowl a few years back. Unfortunetley I was too nervous even now to approach you even though at the time I was in my early thirties. I was able to meet with several older players through the years however you have been the only one I would be intimitated by. I don’t know if it is because of your reputation of being not so outgoing, but I just didn’t want my hero to hurt my feelings if I did approach him. Anyways - GO JIM RICE FOR THE HALL OF FAME 2009!
April 15th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Hey, Jim:
I just discovered your new site - very nice! I wasn’t witness to your amazing 1978 season but your statisticsc are just unbelieveable. I look forward to making my way to Cooperstown next year and watching you get inducted into the Hall of Fame where you belong. Cheers!
April 16th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Hi Jim,
I just wanted to say thanks for all you have done for the game. Being only thirty but a lifelong Sox fan, its great to see you on TV again. Some of my fondest memories of watching you play came on scratchy broadcast signal on channel 38 so, watching you at the desk in HD is a huge change. You have a great insight for the game and I enjoy hearing your opinion on the issues discussed. Now that I have found this site, I am going to bookmark it to check in on it often. I hope my son and I get meet you in person some day. I’d like to have him meet the greatest Red Sox hitter of my time. I wish you continued success in all that you do.
Jeff S.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Jim,
I am a very big fan and would lke to say thank you for the years of being the “Most Feared Hitter” in the baseball. Your SI cover with Dave Parker back to back is awesome. I have an autographed baseball from you and keep it displayed proudly in my sports room. You will be inducted to Cooperstown and every Red Sox fan will celebrate. You were and continue to be aclass act and I’m glad you were on my team all those years.
April 18th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Hi Jim
We all know baseball players careers are measured by statistics and numbers.While you’ve certainly had some incredible years and statistics,one of the things that stands out to me is that between 1977 and 1979,you only missed 6 games,averaging over 700 plate appearences per year during that span.Thats something you just don’t see anymore!
April 21st, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Hi Jim: I am a retired high school athletic director from Manchester, New Hampshire and I did a study on your stats as well as the stats of Carlton Fisk. The stats were done for a 10 year period which is the time the two of you played for the Red Sox. I would appreciate an address so I can get this information to you. It’s really interesting material. Thank you very much for your help.
George Joseph - Retired
April 29th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Jim I was wondering what are your feelings on what the Redsox should do with the centerfield situation?
May 1st, 2008 at 8:35 am
Jim, I have been a sox fan since the mid sixties and have seen many players that have had hall of fame careers. You were second to none in your playing days and I would guess that your daye with the hall of fame is comming soon. The stats you posted were enough to scare any pitcher.My guess is if you played today, they would walk you at least 200 times a year….. not bad for a 50 year old!!!!!
May 1st, 2008 at 8:38 am
Jim, I have been a sox fan since the mid sixties and have seen many players that have had hall of fame careers. You were second to none in your playing days and I would guess that your date with the hall of fame is comming soon. The stats you posted were enough to scare any pitcher.My guess is if you played today, they would walk you at least 200 times a year….. not bad for a 50 year old!!!!!
May 21st, 2008 at 1:03 pm
I would think that any baseball player who can still be on the baseball hall of fame ballot for 14 years and just missing election each time, by only percentages,deserves immediate election. The hall of fame is influenced like politicians by lobby groups for their choices. The hall of fame is stingy in the number they let in. Induction ceremonies are boring when only one guy gets elected. The baseball fans know the Hall of Fame players even when Cooperstown does not! Jim rice is a first ballot Hall of Fame candidate!
June 5th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
I have been following The Red Sox since 1962. Jim Rice heads my list of favorite players not only because of his success as a player but for the way he has conducted himself as a man from the time he first appeared at Fenway to this day. Several instances illustrate this.
There was the time a young boy was struck in the head by a line foul ball and was bleeding badly. Jim Rice reacted immediately. He jumped into the stands, picked up the boy and took him and his father to the dugout where the boy received immediate medical attention.
There was the occasion when Jerry Remy blew out his knee and was down on the field in great pain. Jim ran in from Left, picked up his teammate and took him to the dugout. I can still see the picture of Remy burying his face in Jim Rices chest that ran in the next days Globe. Jim Rice knew what to do when help was needed and he acted.
I remember times when a fight was about to break out and then Jim Rice approached the scene. He seemed to say nothing and he did little except approach the combatants. However, when he came near, people thought better of getting violent in his presence.
There was the time he was villified in the press for saying that his teammates were “associates and not friends”. I knew exactly what he meant as do all people who work in groups with others. while we like and respect the people we work with, there is a difference between that and real friendship. He didn’t respond to the barbs from writers and former teammates like Don Baylor. He got high marks from me for honesty, insight and frankness.
Jim was not good copy. He kept his opinions to himself and many writers resented that the biggest Red Sox star of the day said little that could be made into interesting stories. Despite their resentment, the press universally acknowledged that he ALWAYS went on the long spring training road-trips that he could have avoided, always worked hard, never complained about teammates or treatment by the press and was a man of his word.
I will always remember the one occasion when I met Jim. It was at the Boston Baseball Writers Awards dinner toward the end of his career. Jim had had a so-so year and was not on the dias. Despite numerous implications from some writers that he was a difficult and unpleasant man, he came anyway and sat at the table next to mine. A woman recognized him and asked for his autograph on a program. He smiled and agreed. After a moment he asked “Do you have a pen?”. Receiving a negative reply, he stood and asked if someone would lend him one. I rose and offerd the fountain pen I always carried. Jim looked at it for a moment and said ” Gee, this is a nice pen. I don’t want to ruin it, but thanks anyway” and asked if someone else had a pen. I then told him that I had always been a fan of his and appreciated the way he played the game. He held out his hand and said ” Thanks, I appreciate that”. I will never forget the handshake. His was the thicked hand I had ever shaken and I could feel the power in it that I had read so much about. His grip was firm, but not so much as to cause me to wince. That handshake affirmed the legendary power I had read about and was consistent with the character of the gentleman that I know Jim Rice is. I am grateful for all the happy baseball memories Jim created and for the excellent example he has set as an upstanding, understated and stand-up guy.
I always look forward to seeing JIm on NESN where he continues to show himself as the kind of man I admire and wish there were more of.
June 7th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Hey Jim,
You are the man. I have to tell you that when I watched the sox when I was younger I often stopped what ever I was doing to concentrate on your at bat. It is unbeleiveable that you are not in the hall of fame. You were the most feared sluggers for over a decade. Not because you just hit homeruns, you could flat out hit. If the sox had your at bat in 75 there is absolutely no question that you guys would have won the series. Jim you are a hall of famer–even if the sportswriter can figure it out. Baseball fans can–
June 18th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Jim
# 14, thats the date of my birthday, thats the nbr of my favorite Red Sox, growing up I called you Jimmy Jim Jim, you had unbelievable power, standing at the plate so straight with the bat close to your chest.. no one does that anymore, I can remember the times you broke your bats from checking a swing, I never got to hear your hits or the loud crack of the bat, Im deaf but my eyes saw everything.
You- Jimmy Jim Jim is the reason I played ball, When Fisk got into the Hall I was pleased, but I do exepct to see you in the Hall… we New Englanders know you belong and in your heart of all hearts YOU know you belong.
I have a golf ball that was given to me from my Dad, whom played with you in a charity Golf tournement, this golf ball displayed your power, the ball was blown open with its insides hanging out, yeah its a funny looking ball but to me… its the ball Jimmy Jim Jim wacked!
Im glad I found your website: I thank you for all the years you played , you are a class- Act.. first a gentleman 2nd a player…
thanks again Jimmmy Jim Jim
Yours Truely
Sean Gill
June 28th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Jim,
We continue to be your most loyal fans from home. I have tried to get in touch with you but Dad nor Lee, Lyn, Karen, Van, or Griff have a number or address. If you have a chance to respond I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with you. My youngest daughter, 11 years old, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, the same kind that Mom died from, and we are planning a trip to Boston. Hope to hear from you soon.
Love to Corinne and kids!
Cindy
June 30th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Jim,
I just wanted to let you know it was a real pleasure to meet you at the Bob Feller Museum back in February. Since I was young enough to cheer for the Red Sox, you have always been my favorite athlete from any sport. It was a great thrill that my daughters could meet you the same time I met you for the first time. We had a great time driving down from Minneapolis to Iowa. We will see you in Cooperstown in the summer of 2009 for your long overdue induction.
The time you went into the stands to get the boy who was struck by the Dave Stapleton line drive and brought him to he clubhouse for treatment has always stayed with me. That display of humanity is rarely seen anymore and is why you will always remain my favorite sports hero. I hope any media member who has a personal vendetta will remember this side of you and remember what statistics and values are most important for Hall of Fame induction.
Take care,
Randy Cyr
July 17th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
You are the man. I had the Fenway Frank poster, the shirt the glove and whatever else #14 I could find. I even have a ball that you signed at a bank opening. Keep on keepin’ on.
July 26th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Dear Mr. Rice,
I was a 13 year old girl in 1975 when you made baseball my game for life. I knew you were special right away (and I could never understand the fuss over Fred Lynn). I had my pin with your picture from the 1978 season until someone stole it from me in Tampa earlier this month. They can steal my pin, but my admiration for your extraordinary work ethic and quiet gentlemanly manner remains mine for life. Thank you for giving me years of pleasure wathching you play, coach, and commentate.
My 2 daughters now have their Jime Rices: Youk and Pedroia, both great players. But, for me, no one will ever live up to you.
With repsect and admiration,
Mary D.H. (Those reallay are my initials!
July 30th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Jim Rice was truly one of the greatest players of all time. Greater than any homer was his presence. When he came to the plate there was a hush that overtook all, for or against. Everyone knew that they might see something they’d never seen before. What a thrill that was as a Jim Rice fan, every at bat. My favorite Jim Rice moment of intimidation was against the Texas Rangers. Things were tense in recent games vs the Rangers with a lot of batters getting drilled. Nolan Ryan brushed Ellis Burks and Burks waved his finger at Ryan. The entire Ranger dugout comes rushing out to the plate and Rice jogs out from the on deck circle.
Rice with the bat he was warming up with tucked under his arm. At this point most of the Red Sox players had stopped about 30 feet away. It was Jim Rice and his bat vs the Texas Rangers. Never had such a force been stopped by the sight of one guy. I was laughing. A couple of guys on the Rangers tried to be official with some “everything cool here” look. Twenty guys ran out to fight, when they got there Jim Rice was standing in front of them. They all promptly turned without words and retreated wondering how tough they really were.
August 14th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Dear Mr. Rice,
You were such a great player. My favorite actually. I just wanted to know if I could Have an Autograph.
September 30th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Jim Ed,
You would come to the plate when I was a child and the whole house would become silent. I can remember many times seeing you hit home runs that went a lot further than the balls hit today. You hit a lot of home runs that went over the green monster that would have been really interesting to witness in other ballparks. You hit 10 homers off Jim Palmer one of the best pitchers of your era. You also hit some pretty long shots off Guidry. One of the many outstanding pitchers you seemed to hit well in your career. I remember the homer you hit off Matt Keough at Yankee Stadium. It went about 20 rows up in left field in the third deck. Dwight Evans hit one almost as far in a game off Charles Hudson a couple of years later. You hit three homers in a game twice, once against Oakland in 1977 and once in toronto in 1983 and both times it was on the same date, August 29.
Your 1978 season was the best season recorded by an American League player since the days of Williams and Dimaggio and he had been the last one before you to record 400 total bases and even in the steroid era no Amercan Leaguer accomplished it. I think the thing that stands out the most isn’t necessarily the 46 homers but the 15 triples because most power hitters are lucky to have 2-3 in a season. In comparison, Manny has only hit 18 in his career. You also had 200 hits 4 times 100 rbi 8 times and if you were playing today you would hit more homers and probably walk more in your career. My favorite home run that you hit was a grand slam you in the early part of 1981 off Ed Farmer of the White sox after Fisk had joined the White sox and had torched sox pitching all 3 games you came up and let the fans know who we could still rely on.
It is great to see you working with NESN, and your analogy and commentary is knowledgable and well respected. The series between the Red Sox and Angels should be a very competitive one and will go 5 games with Boston taking the last one in Anaheim. Anaheim dominated them in the regular season but Buchalz started 2 of those games and wasn’t pitching well at all. He may have a great career ahead of him, just wait and see. You belong in the Hall Of Fame Good Luck in 2009!!!!
Thanks for the memories!!
Keith
October 8th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Jim Rice for HOF!!!
Also, you were one of the best hitters in RBI Baseball for Nintendo.
October 10th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Hi Jim! You will always be a class act representing the Boston Red Sox with pride every time. I recall the Candlepin Bowling commercial you did back in the day and the smile on your face at the end, it was so genuine and heartfelt that it made want to go bowling every day as a kid growing up in the Boston area. I remember going to computer school in Peabody, Mass. during them mid 1980s with your son Chauncy (He was cool back then, I imagine he’s cool to this very day). I also recall the conversations you had with my late friend Joe in the reception area waiting for all of us kids to get done. Joe said you were cool too. Back then as a youngster I was painfully shy to meet you or any celebrity for that matter. Thank goodness through modern technology (coincidentally, a computer) I am talking to you in my mid 30s from NW Indiana most importantly thanking you for being who you are Jim, not just a Hall-of-Fame worthy player, but above all a Hall-of-Fame human being. GO RED SOX!!!
December 24th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Jim,
Over the years I have held off posting on the WEB because I used to get so angry with the jibberish that was often posted. I decided to post this because I realized - it is your time to finally get the call and I wanted to be a part of the celebration. True there are a great number of supporters, that is certainly clear, but the opposing view points were often outlandish i.e. Fenway helped you (actually hurt you) or that you were a poor defender (untrue 0 errors in rookie year should have won at least one GG especially in ‘83 and would have it went by position i.e. a left fielder gets an award versus top three outfielders. The fact of the matter is that it is laughable you are not in the HOF but I really feel that the nonsense is on the verge ending in January 2009. I am 32 however I remember writing a “book” about you in college (late 90’s) and the gist of the peice was basically that while we all understand the ‘75-’86 numbers and all the comparrisons and the fear that you put in to opposition and your legendary strength etc. but all that really was/is secondary to me. You passed the “close your eyes test’ with flying colors i.e. when you think of # 14 what images come to mind? To me - a legendary performer - without question. I knew all about the ‘75 season the ‘77-79 years as well as ‘83-86′ but all that was truly secondary to the fact that you were just an incredible performer and a Red Sox legend that warranted enshrinement in the HOF. I know the statistics by heart and could get cute citing all the particulars that I remember so vividly but I don’t have to. You transcended the game with your offensive prowess and commitment to the game as well as the Red Sox. You played hurt, you never compained, you never ducked an interview. To the naysayers - I just am not going to waist my time because there is an answer for every argument ranging from the Morgan incident to your “down years”. Specifically, A. you don’t replace a legend with Spike Owen or any player of the ilk and B. You were hurt in ‘80 and ‘82 though you still had fine seasons and ‘81 was the strike year and you still were a top 5-10 guy. Averages? consider this - you recorded 280 total bases in 1976 which is what a second tier second baseman will throw up this year - in ‘76 it was second in the league; you were THIRD in HR’s that season with 25. Again, comparrisons do no justice. Your career is much like a good joke or funny situation in that - - -you had to be there. .298(AVG) 382(HR) 1451(RBI) 2452(hits) over essentially a 14 year period less your cup of coffee in ‘74 and obvious injury plagued ‘89 season & in the time in which you did it particularly a a southern man (Anderson SC) of color in Boston during that timeframe; amazing and again you had to have been there to understand. I grew up in New Bedford MA and ironocally live on Summerville SC now and you are loved equally in both places. I sincerely hope and feel that your tremendous career will be rewardded the way it should have been by this point. You will get in the HOF and #14 will be retired at the Fens like it should have in the early 90’s - Kurt Seguer
December 26th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Jim,
I had written a rather lengthy peice; not sure what happened. Perhaps in my infinite wisdom I did not post correctly. In any event, just wanted to drop a quick note; basically the gist of my argument was that you were the real deal and I don’t need sabermetrics, OPS, or Bill James to vailidate what New Englanders saw for 12-14 years. Everything is relaive and relative to your peers, when you played you would have hit cleanup behind Schmidt on the all generation team. You were a great ballplayer and you deserve to get yours. Buset of luck in 1/09.
December 28th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Hi Jim (Ed),
I am happy to see you are still in baseball. Everytime I see your name I am proud to have grown up with you. You lived off Murray Ave. And I live off Franklin Street. We both went to Perry Elementary School and Westside High. Those were some good years. I hope we get a chance to meet again. Maybe in Boston or when we both are in Anderson. By the way, will you send me a baseball with your signature with Westside High, Hanna High and Boston Red Soxs on it.
I am praying for you to make the Hall of Fame during the upcoming selection.
Jim Rice for HOF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 4th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Jim,
You’ve probably heard countless people say they’re your biggest fan. All I know is that I have been a Sox fan as far back as I remember and being 36 years old, you were my favorite player growing up and my favorite of all time. You may actually remember me. My friend and I used to go to Fenway often when you were the hitting coach and we had a sign that said “Rice 4 Hall o’ Fame”. You actually complimented our sign one day when we held it up by the players’ parking lot as you drove away after the game. You were kind enough to autograph the sign at Foxwoods during a reunion of the ‘75 Sox. Being a fan of the game, I have vowed to never visit the Hall until you were voted in. I hope to see you there during your induction ceremony this year!
January 5th, 2009 at 3:07 am
Dear Jim,
I just came across this website and what a joy it is to me. I am a 45 year old diehard Red Sox fan. I was raised in Chicopee, MA., and believe it or not, used to be a Cinncinati Reds fan. That was until I met you in the Fairfield Mall in Chicopee in 1978 at one of your appearances. I became an instant Jim Rice fan that day. There is no way to explain how much joy your baseball career brought to me in those days. I followed your career religiously. I kept stats on every single game you played from 1978-1986. I couldn’t wait to get the newspaper everyday just so I could update my stats for the previous days game. I moved to NJ in 1978 and used to listen to all the Red Sox home games on the radio, even if it was a double header. They didn’t come through very good, but I still listened to every one of them. It was always a treat for me when the Sox played the yankees back then because then I could actually see the games on tv on New York channel 11. You were without a doubt my favorite player, and one of the very best players who have ever played the game. When I think of those days, I truthfully cannot think of 1 player that was more dominant in MLB during that time. I wanted to thank you for all the great memories, and wish you the best of luck in making the Hall Of Fame this year. In my mind, you should have made it the first year you were eligible, but here’s hoping this is your year. There is no question that you belong there. I’ve only had a few true heros in my life. You were/are definitely one of the greatest ones of all. God Bless you and thanks again for the joy you gave me for all those years.
Miles Benson
P.S. I’m still a Red Sox fan thanks to you.
January 11th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
rooting for you to get in to HOF. i think it’s finally time; long overdue.
all the best from a die hard Yankee fan. you were a beautiful player
January 12th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Good luck today. You deserve it.
January 12th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Congratulations, Jim. It’s been a long time coming. I will see you in Cooperstown.
January 12th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Jim,
Congratulations on your election to the Hall of Fame! You were my favorite player as a kid and I’m so happy that you finally got the recognition you deserve!
Kevin Chaisson
Bristol, CT
January 12th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Congratulations on your election to the Hall of Fame!
January 12th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Hi Jim,
I am absolutely thrilled that they finally saw the light! Congratulations on the Hall of
Fame. I honor you not only for the phenomenal player that you were, but for the wonderful
person. Years ago, I worked at an agency in South Natick that handled your travel. You were
kind enough to give me an autographed baseball for my daughter, who had learning disabilities
It was an inspiration to her and both she and I have always treasured the sentiment. I hope
we meet again someday!
Congratulations!
Helene Sotsky
January 12th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
It’s about time the baseball world gave you the keys to the HOF. You are a great man and deserve nothing less. I have three Jim Rice
Stories. The first time I met you was in NYC in 1978. You were walking around in Manhatten with the Zipper, and Mike Torez.
Big as life the three of you. All I could do is stare at you guys. The second was at Fenway in the left field section when a guy
took your hat and you “got your hat back”. Trust me when I say that guy was on his way out with an escourt to happy land.
The third was at the HOF game when Yaz and Jonny Bench were being inducted. You played left field for a short time due to the
Cincinatti Reds did not show up. I spoke to you through the fence from the house on ELM street. I had you sign a baseball for me
which has the 50th playing of the HOF game.
Wishing you the best, see you in cooperstown in July… FAN
January 12th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Congratulations Jim,
You were a customer of mine when I owned Golf World in Danvers MA many years ago. I am thrilled to read that you are finally being recognized for your accomplishments and contribution to the Red Sox organization and baseball in general.
We often chatted about golf and you came in many times in the evening to check your golf swing out on the monitor. My sons, now grown, still have the autographed baseballs you gave them.
January 12th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Congratulations on your well-deserved election to the Hall of Fame! You let your numbers do the talking. I will remember this day among my happiest. I am always your fan.:)
January 12th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Hi Jim, I am a former minor league ballplayer, and a proud african american. I want to congratulate you on your induction into the Hall of Fame. I am sensitive concerning our lack of young kids into baseball and pland to do all I can to help. You had a great career and God bless you. Phil Webber
January 12th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Jim,
Congratulations on your election to the Hall of Fame. It’s been a long time since I watched you play at Muzzy Field in Bristol for the AA Red Sox. I’m a lifelong Yankee fan but there were a few of you Brisox players that I took a liking to. You were my favorite though. You were a class act. I always wanted the Yankees to trade for you. If you had played for the Yankees, I bet you would have been in the HoF alot sooner? Anyway I’m glad you finally got in! You certainly deserve it!!!
January 12th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Wsup Jim,this is a old friend,Mace Brown sign u and i from south carolina,,just wanted 2 congrad. u on been induc. into the hall of fame. when u n south carolina look me up
January 12th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Congratulations from Surviving Grady!!!
January 13th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Hello Mr. Rice,
I just wanted to tell you how happy I am for you that you got elected to the Hall of Fame yesterday. You were my favorite player and the most fearsome player of your time. It should have taken 15 minutes, not 15 years, but it’s good to see you in the company you belong in. God bless
January 13th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Congrats on the Hall call Jim. Long time overdue! You deserve it.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Jim,
I was a batboy for the Winter Haven Red Sox when you were there. My mom Betty Addington worked the front office for the Red Sox in Spring Training for 24 years and also the Summer league in the 70’s. I remember coach John Butler and many of the players of the summer league. It was a great experience for which I am thankful. My closest friend on that team was Steve Barr, and I visited him and Kathy when he played in Winston-Salem and Bristol, CT on his way to the Show.
I’ve always been proud to know you “back when” and followed your career. I’m still a die-hard Sox fan (it’s not like I have a choice!) so I was estatic when I heard you made it to the Hall of Fame. You were always an example of hard work and dedication to the game, a purist in my opinion, and you deserve the recognition that comes with membership in the Hall.
I wish the best to you and your family, Jim.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Congratulations and thanks for the memories. Ive been happy since I heard the great news that you’re in!
We all loved you and loved the way you play the game. Respect yourself, your team, get the job done. And you got it done. Enjoy your trip to the Hall with Rickey. Too bad you couldn’t have batted behind Rickey instead of Wade Boggs — would have saved you 100 double plays!!! All the Best.
January 15th, 2009 at 2:38 am
Dear Mr. Rice,
Two Mondays.
When I was 11 years old in 1977 I was watching Monday Night Baseball. You hit 3 home runs in the ball game against Oakland. After the long standing ovation I knew I had my favorite player and team. I have lived and died with the Bosox ever since. On Monday January 13th, 2009 I lived. Congratulations on the HALL!
Brandon Burt
Salt Lake City, Utah
January 23rd, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Its about time!!! Your long overdue selection is well deserved. We met a couple of times in the 80s, I pumped your gas a couple of times at the old Sunoco station on Boylston street.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
February 5th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Dearest Jim,
We are old friends from the 80’s - We met through our mutual friend Dennis Eckersley..Spring training in Florida….Congratulations on the Hall….you deserve it! I am so happy and also proud of you! How’s your beautiful family? You still live in Mass.? There’s much to catch up on. I always wish you the best!
Diane
March 7th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Mr. Rice
First off all congrats on a long overdue enshrinement into Cooperstown. Rich “Goose” Gossage called you the only hitter he ever faced whom he “almost feared” and last Friday Cal Ripken was on the Jim Rome Show stating that he had no idea why it took as long as it did because you were not only the most feared hitter in the league, but you were the guy who was in the #4 hole of the All Star games…
Question to you… And I know this is a passion of yours…
What is going on with the Golf Game? Word was when you were playing ball… That if you weren’t playing baseball but rather playing Golf… You could probably have made the tour… Is there any professional golf in you future?
April 30th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Jim, Congratulations on your election to the Hall Of Fame. I remember you first as a member of the Bristol Red Sox of the Eastern League and especially when your were injured and I brought you to the hospital. I worked part-time for Joe Buzas and Joe Helvyar during the Sox’s stay in Bristol. Another meeting with you was arranged by my daughter, Jayme Parker, a few years ago when you were the battin coach for the Sox. Again congrats for a deserving award.
May 29th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
congratulations on your haff of fame inductee was wondering what you think why papi is in such a slump
June 10th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
I have been waiting for along time for you to get to the Hall Of Fame. You are one of the finest players to ever put on a Red Sox uniform. I was a Mickey Mantle fan when I was very young. I also liked Hank Aaron.Today I am a Bi-Yankee/Red Sox fan and you are the reason for that. If you never played for the Red Sox I would have been a dedicated Yankee fan.You have been responsible for making me into the anomalie that I am today. I am so confused! You might see me with a Yankee hat and Red Sox jacket or a RedSox hat and a Yankee jacket. Anyway I love the Sox/Yankee rivalry as it is one of the greatest competitions in all of sports. My best to you on your induction now maybe poor Andre Dawson can get in and Jack Morris. You captured my imagination when you played and today I have a similar feeling for Jason Bay.
July 6th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Congratulations on your long deserved induction to Cooperstown!
You have always been my favorite player on my favorite team. Best to you
and your family. Hope you are still playing a little golf.
July 21st, 2009 at 8:27 am
As a rookie reporter in 1974, I called you in the Red Sox clubhouse before a game shortly after you’d been called up. I remember the occasion clearly, and you were most gracious. Talk about your turgid relationship with media during your playing career and how it’s changed.
July 21st, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Jim:
I know that you and your family are probably in Cooperstown getting ready for the big day on Sunday, but I would just like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on a well-deserved (and IMHO long overdue)honor.
Cathy Hofferty
July 22nd, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Congratulations Jim. Enjoy your time at Cooperstown. You deserve it. God Bless you and your family
July 27th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Congratulations on your induction into the hall of fame! Finally! Never understood what the hold-up was. When we moved to Connecticut in 1974 I became a diehard Red Sox fan at the age of ten, and you and Yaz were my favorite players growing up.
I have been going crazy over a memory I have about being at a Red Sox/Yankees game that the Sox were losing 7-3 and then you hit a grand slam to either send it into extra innings or to win, not sure. Can’t believe there isn’t a website anywhere that lists your grand slams and who they were against…
I will be at Fenway tomorrow night when they retire your number! Couldn’t make it to Cooperstown but I wouldn’t miss tomorrow for the world.
Congratulations again!
July 28th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Great story & Nice internet site
August 11th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Jim rice is the reason I am a Red Sox fan. It began for me at 6 yrars old in 1978.
What a season. My son who is 10 is a die hard Sox fan because of Jim Rice. My sons initials are BOS because of Jim Rice.
The onlt thing that hangs on my walls in my house other then pictures of BOS
is a framed autographed road jersey #14 Rice. When my sister moved to Mass. I would go to visit because
I always made my Dad drive by Fenway because I thought I would see Jim Rice taking BP or working on balls offf the Monster.
When it was mt turn for college I chose Curry College in Milton ,MA because I would be near the Red Sox and JimRice.
Thank you, You have been a Hall of Famer to me since 1978. Wish I could remember 1975 but I was only 3.
September 26th, 2009 at 2:56 am
Hi Jim,
I sending this email on behalf of the Owens family from Winter Haven. We want to say to you, Congratulations! My Uncle Charles is especially happy for you and sends his sincerest regards, as do my mother.
We have tried to find, let me restate that, I have tried to find several ways of reaching you, after hearing that you were finally being honored and being inducted, of course I did not find any resources that were credible. Nonetheless, I checked my gmail account and there you were (many hits). I am certain that those seniors will be glad to know that I have made contact.
Any way Jim, we are so happy to see that they have finally acknowledged and honored you, your talent, and your contributions to the history of baseball. Again, congratulations.
We wish you and your family the best. If you are ever in the area again give the Owens clan a call, we would love to see you again. It has been many moons and far too many years.
Stay strong and positive.
Respectfully,
The Owens Family
&
H. Elaine Brown-Andino
Founder and Owner, Mangnified Empowerment Enterprises
Certified Crisis Coordinator and Trauma Specialist
Professional Educator, Mental Health Counselor
Life and Personal Coach, Motivational Speaker