R.I.P. Lee Tinsley

Today, it was announced that former Red Sox outfielder Lee Tinsley passed away.  He was just 53 years old, way too young.  I always liked Tinsley during his career with the Red Sox.

Tinsley came up with the Mariners 1993 and was traded to Boston prior to the 1994 season.  He played in 78 games that season and hit .222/.315/.292.  Speed was always his best tool and he did steal 13 bases, second on the team.  Tinsley was the primary center-fielder in 1995 and had a decent year.  He hit .284/.359/.402 with seven home runs, 41 RBIs and 18 stolen bases.  He lost playing time as the year went on, but it was his best season.  He was traded to the Phillies in the Heathcliff Slocumb deal prior to the 1996 season but struggled with his new team and was traded back to Boston.  He played in 92 games for the Red Sox in his second stint and hit .245/.298/.333 and stole six bases.  The next season he was traded back to the Mariners and struggled again.  His career in Boston included a line of .260/.332/.359 with 12 home runs, 69 RBIs and 37 stolen bases.  Tinsley had been a coach for several years and a few organizations.