Schilling, Burks, Barrett Inducted Into Red Sox Hall Of Fame
BOSTON (CBS) - The Red Sox Hall of Fame welcomed seven new members on Friday, as the class of 2012 was formally inducted at Fenway Park.
Marty Barrett, Ellis Burks, Joe Dobson, Hubert "Dutch" Leonard, Curt Schilling and non-uniformed selections Joe Mooney and John I. Taylor were enshrined during a luncheon Friday afternoon, and will again be honored during a pre-game ceremony on the field before Boston continues their series against the Minnesota Twins.
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Barrett, named MVP of the ALCS in 1986 when the Red Sox rallied for three straight wins to defeat the California Angels and advance to the World Series, said it was a great honor to take his place in Red Sox tradition.
"It means a lot. I heard the news and got goose bumps; it was really exciting for me," said Barrett, who hit .278 over nine seasons in Boston. "A lot of my friends and family that think it's the greatest thing. It shows that you're appreciated, and I think it's common knowledge that Red Sox fans are the most intelligent of the baseball world. Being a part of that tradition was a big thrill for me."
Barrett On Hall of Fame Enshrinement
Barrett followed up his ALCS MVP by hitting .433 in the 1986 World Series against the New York Mets.
As for Schilling, he will forever be remembered as a Red Sox playoff hero, making his mark upon his arrival in 2004. That year, he led the AL with a 21-6 record and was second in the league with a 3.26 ERA during the regular season. He is famous for winning Game 6 of the 2004 ALCS in New York after undergoing surgery on his ankle (the "bloody sock" game), and then World Series Game 2 against the St. Louis at Fenway Park. In the 2004 playoffs, Schilling went 3-1 in four starts. He continued his postseason dominance again in 2007, going 3-0, and finished his playoff career with Boston 6-1 with a 3.28 ERA in eight starts.
Schilling won two World Series with Boston.
"I'm very proud," Schilling said of his enshrinement. "I think the important thing about something like this is it's recognition of the group of people I was with when I was here. We had a very special group; from the manager to the clubhouse guys. When you play in the big leagues, it's always about a family. That's what we had."
Schilling On Hall of Fame Enshrinement
"I was blessed to be able to experience this city and these fans," said Schilling. "To walk out on that sacred ground and take the ball every fifth day was something I'm very proud of and proud to be associated with."
Burks, who played seven seasons for Boston over two different stints, hit .280 in 733 games with the Red Sox. He was named to the AL All-Star team in 1990, in addition to winning a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger Award. In 1987, he became the first Red Sox rookie -- and fifth in Major League history -- to hit 20 home runs (20) and steal 20 bases (27) in the same season.
"It means a lot," Burks said of his enshrinement. "I had so much fun here, great memories; to be inducted is a wonderful honor to me."
Burks On Hall of Fame Enshrinement
"It was the beginning and the end; I stared here and ended my career here," he said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity they gave me the first time, and of course, in '04."
Dobson, who passed away in 1994, was a key member of the 1940's pitching staff, and finished his career 106-72 with a 3.57 ERA in 259 games despite losing his left thumb and forefinger in an accident as a child. Dobson was 13-7 in 1946, when Boston claimed the pennant, and won Game 5 of the World Series against the Cardinals -- a 6-3 complete-game four-hitter at Fenway Park.
Leonard will be remembered as one of the best left-handed pitchers in Red Sox history, posting a career record of 90-64 with a 2.13 ERA over 211 games, including 96 complete games. Dutch, was 2-0 with a 1.00 ERA in two World Series starts, and in 1914, recorded a 0.96 ERA, the lowest in modern Major League history.
John I. Taylor, who owned the Red Sox and conceived and named Fenway Park, was also enshrined posthumously. Taylor owned the team from 1904-11.
Joe Mooney, one of Fenway's most colorful characters in a career that has spanned more than 50 years, will also be inducted for his care of the grounds. Mooney, a Fenway fixture since 1970, was Superintendent of Grounds, Park, and Maintenance (1970-2000) and is now Director of Grounds, Emeritus.
The Red Sox' 5-3 win over Minnesota on the final day of the 1967 season that brought about the "Impossible Dream" pennant was also recognized as a Red Sox 'Memorable Moment'.
