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Top Nomar moments and his place in Sox lore

After one of the most historic trades in modern Red Sox history, Nomar Garciaparra is now a member of the Chicago Cubs after an 11-year tenure with the Sox organization. Tell us your favorite memories of Nomar and how you think he'll be remembered in this town?

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This should not be a happy week for Red Sox fans. We have just let an icon go and one of our best prospects for 2 defensive players. I understand its a business and that Nomar has not been himself this year. That has been troubling to watch. Just as troubling is seeing this machine...this monster payroll/team/thing we call the Sox try and claw their way into the post-season and justify all of the craziness that has escalated in this franchise during the past 3-4 seasons. I hope in the end this works b/c there is certainly a lot at stake. People around here seem to have very short memories until our heroes are gone. Nomar carried this team in 2002....when half of the Sox mailed it in mid-summer. He had 28 homers last year and over 100 runs and rbi?And you'd think he last had a good season 5 years ago. He got injured thats all....and we let things get out of control again and allowed all of the rumors and semantics unconsciously play a large role in our perception of reality. I wonder how we will all feel when Nomar is starting at SS in the All star game next season. After all if we are going to be cursed....and Pedro and Schilling are gone in two years....wouldn't it have been nice to see Nomar finish where he started. I feel like I've been kicked in the stomach.

Greg, Dorchester


Personally, I would feel a lot better about this season if Nomar had just stayed in a Red Sox uniform. I was not impressed with Orlando's performance yesterday afternoon (namely booting the ball) but I guess there is not really much that anyone can do about it now. Losing Nomar is a huge blow to the entire Red Sox Nation and he will be greatly missed... I know I already do, but who knows what will happen in Sept/Oct... Perhaps even the long awaited Red Sox/ Cubs World Series match? I've got my fingers crossed.

Josh , Newburyport, MA


My feeling is that Nomar has gone down the path of Fred Lynn and Mo Vaughn - 2 guys that were having hall of fame careers but left the friendly confines of Fenway for greener grass. Once they left their careers sharply declined and they turned into average ball players not worthy of Cooperstown. Nomar was offered $60M for 4 years, but that was not good enough. When the Red Sox decided to protect themselves and look elsewhere (A-Rod) Nomar became so enraged and digruntled that he decided to throw this season away by missing almost 60 games due to a minor injury and threatening to go on the DL once again. He threw away almost 1 full season in his prime over his petty dispute with Management. Do you think Jim Rice would have liked one more season in his prime - that is the difference between him and Cooperstown. When it is all said and done - based on his attitude and selfishness, I don't think Nomar will be that close.

Mike, Norwood


My 7 year old wept too. My favorite Nomar moment of recent memory would have to be the grand slam he hit for his first home run of the 2004 season. They walked Manny to get to him, and he just tore the cover off the ball. He will be missed.

Hank, Dedham


What a player. Nomar just seemed to belong here. Seemed to belong to the fans of Boston. I know Chicago will treat him well (while he's there) and if he can't be here in Fenway, Wrigley ain't so bad, I guess. I just hope he doesn't end up playing second for the Yanks. I have Nomar to thank for countless wins, many of which I found myself actually at. And I have Nomar to thank for showing my girlfriend just how magical baseball can be. She grew up in the Boston area, but had never been to Fenway. We went last year to a game, and she had a good time, but still wasn't "in". We watched games at home on TV and she started to catch on, know the players, and genuinely hope for them to win. But then we went to see his second game back this year. The previous night I was also lucky enough to be at Fenway, and I will never forget seeing the home plate umpire take a moment to welcome Nomar back as he stepped to the plate. Or the opposing catcher get up out of his stance and shake Nomars hand. I had been talking about this, so my girlfriend was very excited to see Nomar when we went to see his second game back. Ortiz hit a homer just a few seats to our right in the first inning. But, when I turned to my left to see if she was cheering, I found her sitting in her seat! However, later that game, Nomar hit his grand slam. My girlfriend wasn't cheering this time either, but she was standing, and looking at where the ball landed with a dreamy look on her face. All she said was, "Wow." I’ll never forget the sound of her voice. I knew she was finally “in”. She turned to watch him run around the bases with that twinkle in her eye that we all had when we first became fans of the game. Thanks for everything, Nomar. Good luck in Chicago.

Tim, Medford


I'll never forget when he came out after losing in the playoffs in 1998 and applauded the crowd for their support. That was unbeleivable and it should the type of person he is. He is not this whiny, selfish malconent the media is conveniently portraying him as. This is a bad trade for the Sox on many levels and it is a disgrace that it even had to happen. Its stinks and Henry and Lucchino should be booed for this one. Theo could have gotten better value, but he was just following orders from Luchino the dictator. Good luck Nomar, you're a class act. Go Cubs!

PJ, Wakefield


Nomar is a selfish baby who fooled people around here for a number of years but when it came right down to it - he feigned an injury and its severity. He says he gave his heart and soul to the team and the fans but those are only words to try to convince himself that he was all about winning when he was really all about himself. Most of the time he left it all out on the field but this year he "stuck" it to ownership and his teammates. Good for Theo for realizing it and sending him packing.

Joe, Hingham


Nomar was the heart and soul of boston ever since Mo Vaughn left. He was a leader a captain and a favorite player all over New England. It seems like people are forgetting that he was the go to guy and the big man because he wasn't having a big year. I think Nomar will be remembered like Carlton Fisk , who played half of his career in Boston and the second half for the other Sox. He will be remembered always as a great player and person in Red Sox history. I will always remember when we got to the ALCS last year i saw Nomar throwing his arms up in the air and yelling , cause thats the spark he brought to the Red Sox. When I saw Nomar throwing his arms up in that game I almost cried in happiness, now when i heard he got traded I feel like I was punched hard in the gut and tried my best not to break down and cry. I am now not a fan of Theo Epstein at all . I love you Nomar and I hope you can have a great time in Chicago just like you had during your stay in Boston. Sincerely, Griffin age:13

Griffin, Somersworth , N H


A man who will not be forgotten by the fans.

Larry, Canton


Past 5 years he has been in the top 3 best shortstops in the league, far better the Jeter...

Mike, Boston


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