He was not well-loved by the Red Sox fans I knew. Yaz was the legend, Fred Lynn was the golden boy, and there was the occasional Jim Rice Fan. Others liked Butch Hobsen and Jerry Remy, Dennis Eckersley and even Luis Tiant, but the Boomer never got to feel the love.
That's not my recollection.It's true that he was never the most popular member of the team but he *was* popular and respected by the fans.A local Boston talk host,just today,told a story I wasn't aware of...a story of a well known Bostonian (who he refused to name) who had box seats on the first base line who'd routinely shout racist slurs at him during games.Tater eventually complained to the management (understandably) and they switched the guy's seat to the third base side.
I suspect that you hang out with an atypical group of Sox fans.
I remember the trade that send Lonborg and the Boomer to the Milwaukee Brewers in 1972. As a result, I got to meet both of them up close. Tremendous fellows both. RIP to one of the Sox’ gracious heroes, a great ballplayer and a greater man.
George Scott was my Dad’s favorite ballplayer on that 1967 Impossible Dream team. He sure could hit those taters. His glove work was so good around first base that I wanted him to suit up for the Bruins and try his luck in goal during the winter. There are many New Englanders with very positive memories of the Boomer.