The Boston Red Sox have a rich and storied history, filled with legendary players who have shaped the team’s legacy in Major League Baseball (MLB). Many of these players have been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and their contributions to the Red Sox and the sport are still remembered by fans and historians alike. Sadly, many of these Hall of Fame players have passed away, but their legacies live on in the history of the game. Below is a detailed look at some of the Boston Red Sox’s legendary Hall of Fame players who have passed away.
### 1. **Ted Williams (1918–2002)**
One of the most iconic figures in Red Sox history, Ted Williams is often regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Williams played his entire MLB career for the Red Sox, from 1939 to 1960, except for a brief hiatus due to military service during World War II and the Korean War. He was a two-time American League (AL) MVP, a 19-time All-Star, and a six-time batting champion. Williams is best known for his extraordinary hitting ability, finishing his career with a .344 batting average and 521 home runs. He was the last player in MLB history to hit .400 in a season, a feat he accomplished in 1941, finishing the year with a remarkable .406 average.
Williams’ legacy extends beyond his playing career; he was a passionate advocate for baseball and became a respected figure in the sport even after his retirement. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 83, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the best hitters to ever play the game.
### 2. **Carl Yastrzemski (1939–)**
Carl Yastrzemski, often called “Yaz,” was a Hall of Fame outfielder who played his entire 23-season career with the Boston Red Sox. A 3,000-hit club member, Yastrzemski was a key player for the Red Sox during the 1960s and 1970s, a period marked by intense competition and near-misses for the championship. He won the AL MVP in 1967, when he led the Red Sox to a pennant and played a major role in their success with his bat and glove. Yastrzemski was a 7-time All-Star and a gold glove winner in 1963. In addition to his individual accolades, Yastrzemski was known for his leadership on the field and his consistency throughout his long career.
Yastrzemski was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989, cementing his place among the greatest to ever wear a Red Sox uniform. He has lived on as a beloved figure in Boston sports, still being regularly involved in the team. Although Yastrzemski is still alive as of the most recent update in 2025, he is nearing the end of his long and accomplished life.
### 3. **Bobby Doerr (1918–2017)**
Bobby Doerr was a standout second baseman for the Boston Red Sox from 1937 to 1951, playing in an era that included other legends like Ted Williams and Johnny Pesky. Doerr was an 8-time All-Star and had a career batting average of .288. While he didn’t achieve the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries, Doerr was known for his defensive prowess, consistency, and ability to hit in the clutch. He played a critical role in the Red Sox’s lineup during the 1940s and was known for his strong leadership in the clubhouse.
Doerr was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986, thanks in part to his stellar career and his ability to contribute to a championship-caliber team, even though the Red Sox fell just short of winning the World Series during his tenure. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 99, marking the end of an era for the team.
### 4. **Johnny Pesky (1919–2012)**
Johnny Pesky was a beloved figure in Boston, both as a player and a coach. A shortstop for the Red Sox from 1942 to 1952 (with a brief interruption due to military service in World War II), Pesky was known for his leadership, his gritty style of play, and his high batting average. Although he was never inducted into the Hall of Fame, Pesky’s contributions to the Red Sox and the game of baseball were significant. His nickname “Pesky” derived from his ability to be a pesky hitter, always battling at the plate.
Pesky was a fixture of the Red Sox organization even after his playing days ended, serving as a coach and manager for many years. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 92, and his legacy is forever tied to the Red Sox’s rich history. Fenway Park’s famous “Pesky Pole” in right field is a tribute to him, as the pole was part of his many clutch home runs.
### 5. **Jim Rice (1953–)**
Although Jim Rice is still alive as of 2025, he is another legendary player for the Boston Red Sox. A dominant force in the 1970s and 1980s, Rice was a fearsome hitter known for his power. He was a 3-time All-Star and won the AL MVP award in 1978, leading the Red Sox to the American League East title. Over his career, Rice hit 382 home runs, accumulating over 1,500 RBIs. Rice was known for his intense demeanor and his ability to perform in big moments.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009 and remains a key figure in Red Sox lore. Rice’s contributions to the Red Sox’s success in the 1970s, particularly in 1975, when the team made it to the World Series, are still remembered fondly by fans.
### 6. **Frank Sullivan (1922–2020)**
Frank Sullivan was a key pitcher for the Boston Red Sox from 1949 to 1959. Known for his solid control and ability to eat innings, Sullivan helped anchor the Red Sox’s pitching staff during the 1950s. He won 17 games in 1953 and was a key figure in the team’s success during the decade, even though the team was often overshadowed by other powerhouses in the American League.
Sullivan’s best season came in 1953, when he finished with a 17-8 record and a 3.14 ERA. He retired in 1960 after a career spent mostly in Boston. Sullivan was not inducted into the Hall of Fame, but his solid career and place in Red Sox history were well-respected by fans. He passed away in 2020 at the age of 97.
### 7. **Pee Wee Reese (1918–1999)**
While Pee Wee Reese is more closely associated with the Brooklyn Dodgers, his connections to the Boston Red Sox were significant early in his career. Reese was born in Kentucky and played for the Red Sox for a short time before becoming a Dodgers legend. Though he spent most of his career with the Dodgers, his brief stint with the Red Sox helped him establish himself as a key part of Major League Baseball’s history.
Reese was an excellent shortstop and was an 11-time All-Star. He was known for his leadership and his role in helping Jackie Robinson integrate Major League Baseball. Reese was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984 and passed away in 1999.
### Conclusion
The Boston Red Sox have been home to many legendary players throughout the years, and several of them have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. These players helped shape the legacy of the team and the sport itself. Their contributions have cemented their places in baseball history, and although many of them have passed away, their memories continue to live on in Fenway Park, the hearts of fans, and the records they set. As time marches on, the Red Sox’s connection to these legends remains a central part of their identity, ensuring that their impact will never be forgotten.
