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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?

Response pages:  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Page 7


I'm a true blue Cub fan, but I realize that in my lifetime (42 years), the Cubs widely been recognized as the league doormat. Even when we are decent (not often), we still manage to underachieve and have our still-beating hearts ripped from our chests. But, we embrace our heroes with a passion (Banks, Santo, Sandberg, Grace, Sosa, etc..). They can fall temporarily out of favor, but what is it with Boston fans that you can chase off some of the greatest players in baseball history and then feel sorry for yourselves? Ted Williams, Roger Clemens, Mo Vaughn, and now Nomar. Epstein did the right thing by trading him and at least getting something for him, unlike when Clemens and Vaughn were allowed to just walk. Here's a thought, how about treating your players with dignity and respect and maybe they'd stick around for a while.

Ted, Champaign, Illinois


We just saw one of the plankmembers of the Pantheon of Shortstops railroaded out of town. The man ran hard, played hard and legitimately cared about not only his teammates but about the fan base. He wanted to stay in Boston as much as we used to want him to. I'm going to miss Number 5 flashing the leather, run across the diamond and throwing missiles to first. The toe tapping and glove adjusting beofre just taking a hack at a pitch he thought looked good and slicing a laser. Yeah, he didn't do well in the post season, but neither did Ortiz or Mueller or pretty much anyone else on the team. Maybe he had a bad year trying to come back from the ankle thing. But he gave us great years, and if a few bad months can spoil that for ya, well that's just sad. We just lost a great shortstop and another great player. Boggs, Fisk, Clemens, Vaughn, they all were forced out and immediately bashed so that the those in charge could feel better about letting them go. So, Nomar, good luck man. And go Cubs.

Eli, Washington, DC


First.. .the curse of Babe. Now... the curse of Nomah. The tale of two cities who haven't won a world series in... Forever. Trade "Mr. Boston" to the Cubs? Bet the house on the Cubbies winning the World Series this year. It's just the kind of luck we Sox fans have!

Kerry, Middletown, CT


With the exception of last years playoffs, I will will remeber nomar for being clutch in every spot he was put into. He played hard on pretty much every play. I think this was a horrible trade and makes the So a much weaker team. Also, his wife is babe.

roberto, manchester, nh


Nomaaaah will be remembered as a great player who was active in the community. I, however, will reserve a SMALL part of my memory for the guy who let his grudge with management spill over to the rest of the team.

Mark, Foxboro


Nomar plays baseball the way it should be played. During his stay in Boston he gave this city everything he had. Have some respect and can it with the negative remarks about him. The Boston fans, media and ownership is much more responsible for his change in attitude towards the Red Sox than he is.

Henry, Allston


Nomar was my favorite Red Sox player. My NY license plate even says "5NOMAH". He was great and I'll still wear my Garciaparra jersey when I make it home for games. My only hope is his sulking at Yankee Stadium on July 1 and the rumors about his sore heel really being fine are forgotten and the great plays and home runs are talked about more.

Ben, Nashua, NH (now Troy, NY ugh!)


I am saddened to see Nomar go but realize his leaving is just a symptom of the bigger problem, which is that baseball has become a business and is no longer a game. There is no loyalty from players or management anymore. I can only imagine if Ted Williams or Yaz were playing today...would the Sox ever consider trading them too? When he was a committed member of the Red Sox (pre-2004), there was no better representative of the team. He epitomized the work ethic and heart of New England and people found joy in his approach to the game and the team. Regardless of who was right or wrong or how miserable he was purported to be, Boston lost a good man, both on and off the field, and one of the handful of players in history who will be remembered as a Red Sox first and foremost--hopefully wearing a B on his hat when he's inducted in the hall of fame. I hope Nomar has found a better work environment in Chicago. How ironic would it be if he led the team to their first World Series since 1908?

Eric, Bethlehem, PA


I put the blame for this situation on management. Nomar will be remembered as a class act that became the fall boy for managements mistakes. I'm not talking about contracts squables or injury problems. I am taking about the blown A Rod deal. When you go as far as to have Manny and Nomar traded you either have to get it done or NEVER let it become public. I hope this is a lesson to them in the future. They traded away the face of the organization to help save their own. As far a Nomar goes, he will be remembered as the greastest Red Sox I have seen play in my lifetime (23). He was a model ball player on and off the field. Came to play hard everyday. Guys like Nomar, Schilling, Pedro, Millar, the guys who show a real passion for the game are what brought me back to the game of baseball. You will be missed Nomar, atleast by me. I wish you all the best in the future. I would love to see you reunite with the Sox but I know that isnt much of a reality. I hope the Sox can win a World Series this year but it just wont be the same without you. BTW: Francona is the biggest weakness on this team, not the defense

Mike, New Jersey


It was the most amazing thing when he would go deep into the hole and grab an easy single with his back hand; spin, jump and fire a bullet to first, all in one single motion. He made it look like it was second nature and for anyone who knows the game, knows it was something you dont see everyday. Never once in my life did i not expect to someday see #5 hanging above the bleachers in right, now that will never happen! Thanks for the memories!

Matt, Phillips


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