3 World Series champions, pioneering executive to enter Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2024
For the first time since 2020, there’s a new Red Sox Hall of Fame class in session.
On May 30, 2024, Trot Nixon, Jonathan Papelbon, and Dustin Pedroia will return to Fenway Park and join the ranks of the franchise’s greatest. Pioneering front office executive Elaine Steward, who broke barriers as a woman and person of color, is the only non-player inductee. Billy Rohr, who had a no-hitter going until the last remaining out of his Major League debut in ’67, will also be recognized.
“It is an honor to be inducted to Red Sox Hall of Fame today with Trot and Dustin, two of the best teammates you could ask for, who played every out with integrity and respect. Blessed and Thankful,” Papelbon posted on social media.
The trio of homegrown stars overlapped for just one season – Pedroia debuted in ’06, Nixon’s last with the club – but their combined impact on the team was significant: three championships in a decade.
Nixon
Boston’s first-round pick (No. 7 overall) in the 1993 draft, Nixon spent almost his entire professional career in the organization. He briefly debuted in September ’96 and appeared in the ’98 ALDS, but didn’t become a roster mainstay until ’99, when he hit .270 with an .830 OPS, 42 extra-base hits, and 52 RBI to finish ninth in American League Rookie of the Year voting and help the Sox reach the ALCS.
Though the club didn’t fare well in his first few postseasons, the right-fielder was a constant contributor. In ’03, he collected 10 hits, including four home runs, and drove in seven runs in 11 postseason games. The following year, his 13 hits, four doubles, home run, and eight RBI – including a two-run double in Game 4 of the World Series – helped Boston finally end their 86-year drought.
