Red Sox Awards History: MVP Pt. 5 (The 1940's)

 THE WINNERS

TED WILLIAMS

1946

1st, 224 points

.342/.497/.667, 142 runs scored, 38 home runs, 123 RBIs

The MVP Award eluded Williams more often than he actually won it, but in 1946 he was the best player on a juggernaut Red Sox team that steamrolled every AL team on the way to the World Series.  It would have been impossible to deny Williams the award.  He led the league in OBP, slugging percentage, runs scored and walks (156).  By bWAR (10.6), it was the greatest season of his career.  It is no wonder he finally won it.

1949

1st, 272 points

.343/.490/.650, 150 runs scored, 43 home runs, 159 RBIs

Just a few years later, Williams won his second, and last, MVP Award.  The Red Sox were in a dogfight for the pennant into the last game of the season and Williams was once again the best player on the team.  He led the league in runs scored, home runs, RBIs, OBP, slugging percentage and walks (150).  Again, this was an easy victory for Williams.    

RECEIVING VOTES

JOE CRONIN

1941

11th, 26 points

.311/.406/.508, 16 home runs, 95 RBIs

Cronin was still the Red Sox player/manager in 1941, guiding the team to a second place finish at 84-70.  The shortstop was in his final season as a regular player, but still had a fair amount left in the tank.  It was also his last All Star season.  He was eighth in OBP and slugging percentage and was sixth in the league in doubles (38).  

1943

27th, 3 points

.312/.398/.558, five home runs, 29 RBIs

I do not really understand this one.  His slash line was pretty decent, but Cronin only played in 59 games.  He was still the team's player/manager but was much more focused on the managerial side of things by this point in his career.  Also, the team finished seventh in the league, so he does not really get credit for being a manager.  This just really does not make much sense.

DOM DIMAGGIO

1941

27th, 1 point

.283/.385/.408, 117 runs, 165 hits, eight home runs, 58 RBIs, 13 stolen bases

The Little Professor was in his sophomore season in 1941 and was a catalyst for the Red Sox offense.  He was also a fantastic defensive center fielder, like his brother.  DiMaggio was named to his first All Star team in 1941 and was third in runs scored, tenth in hits and seventh in doubles (37).

1946

9th, 56 points

.316/.393/.427, 85 runs scored, 169 hits, seven home runs, 73 RBIs, ten stolen bases

As with several other players, DiMaggio returned from service in World War II in 1946.  He had a big season that year, finishing fifth in the league in batting average, OBP, tenth in OPS (.820), ninth in runs and sixth in hits while making the All Star team.  This was DiMaggio's highest position in MVP voting in his career.

1948

29th, 3 points

.285/.383/.401, 127 runs scored, 185 hits, nine home runs, 87 RBIs, ten stolen bases

It was another very good year for the younger DiMaggio.  He led the league in games played (155) and at-bats (648) as a result of the team playing a one-game playoff against the Indians.  He was second in runs scored, sixth in hits, fourth in doubles (40) and walks (101).  He also led the league in several defensive categories for center fielders.  

1949

16th, 7 points

.307/.404/.420, 126 runs scored, 186 hits, eight home runs, 60 RBIs, nine stolen bases

DiMaggio was a catalyst again for the Red Sox.  He finished seventh in the AL in batting average, tenth in OBP, third in runs scored, hits and doubles (34) and ninth in walks (96).  He was also once again first in several defensive categories.  He was an All Star for the fourth time in his career. 

JOE DOBSON

1947

29th, 3 points

18-8, 2.95 ERA, 228.2 innings pitched, 110 strikeouts, 73 walks

Dobson was always kind of a good pitcher, but in 1947 he stepped it up a notch.  It was the best season of his career as he reached career bests in most major pitching categories.  He was fourth in the league in wins, sixth in ERA and ninth in strikeouts.  Dobson was the team's best starting pitcher in 1947.

1948

24th, 5 points

16-10, 3.56 ERA, 245.1 innings pitched, 116 strikeouts, 92 walks

It was another quality season for Dobson, who hit his career high in strikeouts.  He was no longer the team's best starting pitcher, but he was very good in his own right.  1948 was the only All Star season of Dobson's career.  He was seventh in strikeouts, eighth in wins and tenth in ERA.  

BOBBY DOERR

1942

11th, 24 points

.290/.369/.455, 15 home runs, 102 RBIs

Ted Williams once called Doerr "the silent captain of the Red Sox".  He was an offensively-gifted second baseman at a time when most middle infielders were not known for offense.  He finished seventh in the league in slugging, ninth in OPS (.824), fifth in doubles (35), eighth in home runs and fifth in RBIs.  Not bad for a second-baseman.

1943

14th, 21 points

.270/.339/.412, 16 home runs, 75 RBIs

1943 was a bit of a down season for Doerr as most of his offensive numbers declined a bit.  He did hit more home runs, but that was about it.  Nevertheless, he was still a very important member of the offense.  He did finish ninth in the league in slugging percentage, seventh in doubles (32) and home runs and became one of the better defensive second-basemen in the game.

1944

7th, 75 points

.325/.399/.528, 15 home runs, 81 RBIs

1944 was a season that saw a lot of players serving in the military.  Doerr was still around though and was the team's top player.  He led the league in slugging percentage while also finishing second in batting average, third in OBP and second in OPS (.927).  He was also eighth in home runs and ninth in RBIs.  He was also the league's top defensive second-baseman.

1946

3rd, 158 points

.271/.346/.453, 18 home runs, 116 RBIs

The Red Sox were a juggernaut in 1946 and had five players in the top ten in MVP voting.  Doerr was third as he finished fifth in the league in doubles (34), eighth in home runs, fourth in RBIs.  He was also once more one of the top defensive second-basemen in the league.  1946 was Doerr's highest placement in the MVP vote.

1947

24th, 6 points

.258/.329/.426, 17 home runs, 95 RBIs

Though his slash line categories took a bit of a tumble, Doerr remained a very valuable member of the Red Sox offense in 1947.  He still managed to finish tenth in slugging percentage, ninth in home runs and fifth in RBIs.  

1948

19th, 10 points

.285/.386/.505, 27 home runs, 111 RBIs

Doerr hit his career high in home runs in 1948 and was fifth in the league.  He was seventh in the league in slugging percentage and RBIs.  He was named to his sixth All Star Game and was the top defensive second-baseman in the game.

1949

16th, 7 points

.309/.393/.497, 18 home runs, 109 RBIs

And it was another big season for the Red Sox second-baseman.  He finished fifth in the league in batting average, fourth in slugging percentage, fifth in OPS (.890) and fourth in RBIs while playing his standard excellent defense.

BOO FERRISS

1945

4th, 148 points

21-10, 2.96 ERA, 264.2 innings pitched, 94 strikeouts, 85 walks

1945 was the season that was most effected by the ongoing war and Boston was probably the most effected team as most of the team's stars were serving their country.  It was the year of Ferriss as he exploded onto the scene in his rookie season.  He was second in the league in innings pitched, ninth in ERA and second in wins.  

1946

7th, 94 points

25-6, 3.25 ERA, 274 innings pitched, 106 strikeouts, 71 walks

Ferriss was one of Boston's top starting pitchers the year the team cruised to the World Series.  He was third in the league in wins and fifth in innings pitched.  He was an All Star for the only time in his career.  Unfortunately, this was the end of the road for Ferriss as an effective pitcher.  

  

LOU FINNEY

1940

29th, 1 point

.320/.360/.463, five home runs, 73 RBIs

Finney had his best offensive season in his first full year in Boston after spending the first several years of his career with the A's.  He was an All Star for the only time in his career and split the year between right field and first base.  His career high in batting average placed him ninth in the league.  He is one of the more random players to receive an MVP vote in this post.

PETE FOX

1943

33rd, 1 point

.288/.337/.366, two home runs, 44 RBIs, 22 stolen bases

Boston's right fielder during much of the war years, Fox is another kind of random player to receive an MVP vote in this post.  He finished ninth in the league in batting average and sixth in stolen bases.  He was one of the few players for the team during this time period who had great speed.  His 22 steals were the top mark of the decade for the team.

1944

15th, 12 points

.315/.354/.419, one home run, 64 RBIs, ten stolen bases

Fox had his last big season at the plate as his .315 batting average was sixth in the league.  He also finished fourth in doubles (37) and tenth in stolen bases, though his total dropped considerably from the previous season.  Fox was also an All Star for the only time in his career.

JIMMIE FOXX

1940

6th, 110 points

.297/.412/.581, 106 runs scored, 36 home runs, 119 RBIs

Foxx was nearing the end of his magnificent career in 1940.  It was his final season with more than 30 home runs as his 36 was second in the league.  Foxx also had top five finishes in slugging percentage, OPS (.993), walks (101) and RBIs.  He was also an All Star.  Foxx's career would decline from here until his retirement in the 1945 season.

BILLY GOODMAN

1948

27th, 4 points

.310/.414/.387, one home run, 66 RBIs

Goodman was fourth in the league in the Rookie of the Year vote and also received some low MVP votes.  He primarily played first base in 1948 and finished fourth in OBP.  His power numbers were not good, but he was an excelled contact hitter with a strong eye at the plate.  His best years were yet to come.

TEX HUGHSON

1942

6th, 92 points

22-6, 2.59 ERA, 281 innings pitched, 113 strikeouts, 75 walks

Hughson had his best season in just his first full season in the Majors, appearing in the All Star Game for the first time.  He led the league in innings pitched, wins, strikeouts and complete games (22).  He was sixth in the league in ERA.  Had there been a Cy Young Award at the time, it is likely he would have won.  

1944

12th, 22 points

18-5, 2.26 ERA, 203.1 innings pitched, 112 strikeouts, 41 walks

After failing to get MVP consideration in 1943, despite a very similar year, he was back in 1944.  This was Hughson's last appearance in an All Star Game and he led the league in winning percentage (.783) and WHIP (1.048).  He was third in the league in ERA, fourth in wins and seventh in strikeouts.  He was also third in complete games (19) and shutouts (four).

1946

13th, 19 points

20-11, 2.75 ERA, 278 innings pitched, 172 strikeouts, 51 walks

Hughson and Boo Ferriss gave the Red Sox a formidable one-two punch at the top of their rotation in 1946, the year they made it back to the World Series for the first time since 1918.  It was Hughson's last great season due to arm trouble.  He was fourth in wins, eighth in ERA and third in strikeouts.  It was his career high in strikeouts by a pretty fair margin.

BOB JOHNSON

1944

10th, 51 points

.324/.431/.528, 106 runs scored, 40 doubles, 17 home runs, 106 RBIs

Johnson was 38 years old and in his first Red Sox season, but he had a lot left in the tank as he was one of the best hitters on the team.  Johnson led the league in OBP and OPS (.959).  He was also second in slugging, sixth in hits, second in runs scored, third in doubles, sixth in home runs and second in RBIs.  He primarily played left field in the absence of Ted Williams.  It was his last All Star season.

1945

23rd, 6 points

.280/.358/.425, 71 runs scored, 27 doubles, 12 home runs, 74 RBIs

1945 was Johnson's final Major League season.  It was a reasonably productive season for a final year, though it was against lesser competition as this was the season most effected by World War II.  He was sixth in slugging percentage, ninth in home runs and seventh in RBIs.

ELLIS KINDER

1949

5th, 122 points

23-6, 3.36 ERA, 252 innings pitched, 138 strikeouts, 99 walks

"Old Folks" had his greatest season as a starting pitcher in 1949, though he would have some great years as a reliever later.  He received his nickname as a result of making his Major League debut in 1946 at 31 years of age.  Kinder was one of Boston's most reliable pitchers in 1949 and finished second in the league in wins, ninth in ERA and third in strikeouts.  

EDDIE LAKE

1945

31st, 2 points

.279/.412/.410, 81 runs scored, 11 home runs, 51 RBIs, 106 walks

The Red Sox shortstop had the best season of his career, and the only one in which he received any MVP consideration.  His league-leading on-base percentage was boosted by his incredible number of walks.  He finished second in the league in that category.  He was also fourth in runs scored and ten in home runs.  Lake had a chance in Boston due to Johnny Pesky serving in the military.  He was traded after 1945 to the Tigers in the deal that brought Rudy York to Boston.

TONY LUPIEN

1942

25th, 4 points

.281/.351/.384, 25 doubles, three home runs, 70 RBIs, ten stolen bases

Lupien was a rookie in 1942.  He had decent numbers, but for a first-baseman, the numbers are not real impressive.  The only statistic he was in the top ten in the league in was sacrifice hits.  He was sixth in the league with 12 sacrifice hits.  He is another very random player to appear in this post.

DICK NEWSOME

1941

9th, 32 points

19-10, 4.13 ERA, 213.2 innings pitched, 58 strikeouts, 78 walks

Newsome, like Lupien, was a rookie when he received his MVP consideration.  His 19 wins are the primary reason he is here as most of the rest of his numbers were not that impressive.  He was third in the league in wins.  Otherwise, he is primarily known for allowing Joe DiMaggio's hit in the last game of 56 game hitting streak.  1941 was Newsome's only decent season and he was out of the Majors after 1943.  

SKEETER NEWSOME

1943

27th, 3 points

.265/.301/.327, 21 doubles, one home run, 22 RBIs

This Newsome is not the same person as Dick Newsome, nor is he any relation.  This one was a shortstop, who also played a little third base.  I assume he was considered a good defensive shortstop because I really cannot explain this at all.  He did finish first in range factor, for whatever that is worth when applying advanced defensive metrics to a player who played long before these things were measured.

1945

32nd, 1 points

.290/.322/.370, 30 doubles, one home run, 48 RBIs

This one makes a bit more sense.  Newsome did not have great numbers, but they were a bit better than in 1943.  He split time between second (82 games), shortstop (33 games) and third (eleven games).  His .290 batting average was tenth in the league.  

MEL PARNELL

1949

4th, 151 points

25-7, 2.77 ERA, 295.1 innings pitched, 122 strikeouts, 134 walks

Parnell was probably the best pitcher in the league in 1949 and made the first All Star team of his career.  He led the league in wins, ERA, innings pitched and complete games (27).  He was seventh in strikeouts and fourth in shutouts (four).  He and Kinder were Boston's top starting pitchers and pitched a lot down the stretch.

JOHNNY PESKY 

1942

3rd, 143 points

.331/.375/.416, 105 runs scored, 205 hits, two home runs, 51 RBIs, 12 stolen bases

Pesky had one of the greatest seasons by a rookie shortstop in history.  He led the league in hits and sacrifice hits (22) while finishing second in the league in batting average, sixth in runs and tenth in triples (nine).  Pesky would go on to become one of the most beloved Red Sox players of all time and have the right field foul pole named after him.

1946

4th, 141 points

.335/.401/.427, 115 runs scored, 208 hits, two home runs, 55 RBIs, nine stolen bases

Despite having a number of really good to great seasons, 1946 was the only season that Pesky was an All Star.  He came back from three seasons of military service to lead the league in hits for the second year in a row.  He was third in the league in batting average, fourth in OBP, ninth in OPS (.827), second in runs scored, third in doubles (43) and ninth in stolen bases.

1947

18th, 11 points

.324/.393/.392, 106 runs scored, 207 hits, zero home runs, 39 RBIs, 12 stolen bases

For the third season in a row that Pesky was active, he led the league in hits.  His tumble in the MVP vote can most likely be attributed to the team being worse, because his season was every bit as good as his previous two.  He finished third in batting average, seventh in OBP, third in runs scored and third in stolen bases.  Pesky would likely be a borderline Hall of Famer had he not missed three seasons early in his career to military service.

VERN STEPHENS

1948

4th, 121 points

.269/.350/.471, 114 runs scored, 29 home runs, 137 RBIs

The acquisition of Stephens moved Johnny Pesky to third base.  Stephens was one of the first true power-hitting shortstops.  He ranked sixth in the league in runs scored, fourth in home runs and second in RBIs.  The right-handed slugger found Fenway to his liking.

1949

7th, 100 points

.290/.391/.539, 113 runs scored, 39 home runs, 159 RBIs

That RBI total is huge and tied Stephens for the league lead with teammate Ted Williams.  Stephens was second in the league in slugging percentage, third in OPS (.930), fourth in runs scored, seventh in hits (177), fifth in doubles (31) and second in home runs.  It was one of the most productive offensive seasons for a shortstop to that point.  He probably should have finished a lot higher than seventh.

JIM TABOR

1943

33rd, 1 point

.242/.299/.374, 13 home runs, 85 RBIs

Rawhide had several better seasons than 1943 that he did not receive any MVP consideration, so it is kind of odd that this was the year he received a vote.  He did finish seventh in the league in RBIs, but that was about the best that could be said about his season.  He was a gritty, hard-nosed player, and that likely made him a bit of a fan favorite.

BIRDIE TEBBETTS

1948

11th, 23 points

.280/.371/.381, five home runs, 68 RBIs

Tebbetts was a good contact hitter for a catcher and was an All Star for the third time in his career in 1948 (and the first time with the Red Sox).  He did not rank in the top ten in any offensive categories, but was a strong defensive catcher and a reliable leader on the field.

1949

18th, 6 points

.270/.369/.342, five home runs, 48 RBIs

Though it was an even weaker offensive season for Tebbetts, he once again garnered MVP consideration based on his defense and leadership qualities.  He did finish tenth in intentional walks (six), most likely because he typically batted ahead of the pitcher's spot in the lineup.  That would also explain his 62 walks versus 32 strikeouts.

HAL WAGNER

1946

26th, 1 point

.230/.354/.322, six home runs, 52 RBIs

As with Birdie Tebbetts above, Wagner's vote likely came as a result of him being a reliable presence behind the plate.  He may have been given credit for helping Boston's pitching staff to such a massive season.  He did finish tenth in walks (69) and was an All Star, but his hitting certainly did not gain him the MVP consideration.

TED WILLIAMS

1940

14th, 16 points

.344/.442/.594, 134 runs scored, 23 home runs, 113 RBIs

The sophomore season for Williams was not quite as good as his rookie season, but he was still an extremely impressive hitter.  He led the league in runs scored and OBP and was third in batting average and fifth in RBIs.  It was not one of his greatest seasons, but it was a very good year nonetheless.

1941

2nd, 254 points

.406/.553/.735, 135 runs scored, 37 home runs, 120 RBIs

Look, I know Joe DiMaggio had the 56-game hitting streak in 1941 and that the Yankees won the pennant, but Williams's numbers eclipse DiMaggio's nearly across the board.  Williams led the league in all three slash categories, home runs, runs scored, and walks (147).  He was fourth in RBIs, the only major hitting category of which DiMaggio had the advantage.  This is still the last time any hitter has ever hit .400 in a full season.  

1942

2nd, 249 points

.356/.499/.648, 141 runs scored, 36 home runs, 137 RBIs

This one is worse than 1941.  Williams lost out to Joe Gordon of the Yankees on the strength of the fact that the Yankees won the pennant.  Williams won the Triple Crown, and also led the league in runs scored and walks (145).  Gordon had more stolen bases, that's it.  This is one of the biggest travesties in MVP voting history.  Williams had a bad relationship with baseball writers and that cost him.

1947

2nd, 201 points

.343/.499/.634, 125 runs scored, 32 home runs, 114 RBIs

As in 1942, Williams won the Triple Crown in 1947, and, as in 1942, somehow he came in second in the MVP vote.  This time he lost out to Joe DiMaggio, as he did in 1941.  The only statistic DiMaggio had the lead in was stolen bases (three to zero).  This was the closest MVP vote in history that did not end in a tie as DiMaggio won by just one vote.  One sportswriter left Williams off his ballot entirely out of spite, otherwise he would have won.

1948

3rd, 171 points

.369/.497/.615, 124 runs scored, 25 home runs, 127 RBIs

The 1948 season saw Boston finish tied for first with Cleveland, necessitating a Game 163, which Cleveland won.  Cleveland's Lou Boudreau won the MVP.  Williams led the league in all three slash categories, doubles (44) and walks (126).  His power numbers had declined a little and he missed a little bit of time.    

RUDY YORK

1946

11th, 28 points

.276/.371/.437, 17 home runs, 119 RBIs

York was acquired by the Red Sox prior to the 1946 season to add a right-handed thumper to the middle of the lineup.  York definitely fit the part.  He made the All Star team and finished tenth in OBP, ninth in hits (160), ninth in home runs and third in RBIs.  

Red Sox Awards History: MVP Pt. 4 (The Unofficial Years)

I probably should have posted this prior to yesterday's post, but I was already deep into the post when I came across the information that the 1929-1930 MVP Awards were "unofficial".  Apparently there was a vote cast, but it was not a true award.  So, I moved the little bit of information over to a new post.  There were no Red Sox winners either year anyway since they were pretty much terrible at this point in time.  The "winners" in the American League were Lew Fonseca of the Indians and future Red Sox Joe Cronin of the Senators.

MILT GASTON

1929

T-30th, 2 points

12-19, 3.73 ERA, 83 strikeouts and 81 walks in 243.2 innings pitched

It's tough to be a pitcher on a team that goes 58-96-1, but Gaston was Boston's best player in 1929 by a pretty wide margin.  His numbers are not much to look at, especially his record, but his ERA+ was 114, so he was doing something right.  Gaston led the team in bWAR with a 4.6 mark, so he was a legitimately good player, just on a bad team.

1930

T-17th, 5 points

13-20, 3.92 ERA, 99 strikeouts and 98 walks in 273 innings.

A mostly similar season in 1930 except a bump in innings pitched which led to slightly higher counting stats.  His ERA was higher, but his ERA+ was 117, so he was still clearly better than the average pitcher that season.  He again led the team in bWAR, this time with a 5.3 mark.

DANNY MACFAYDEN

1930

12th, 12 points

11-14, 4.21 ERA, 76 strikeouts and 93 walks in 269.1 innings pitched

The Red Sox actually had some legitimately good pitchers in the end of the 1920's, best among them being Red Ruffing.  MacFayden had a reasonable record on a team that went 52-102 and his 4.21 ERA was an ERA+ of 109, meaning he was a better-than-average pitcher.  

TOM OLIVER

1930

13th, 9 points

.293/.339/.351, 0 home runs, 46 RBIs, 86 runs, 189 hits, 34 doubles

In Oliver's rookie season he led the league in games played and at-bats.  He was a very good defensive center fielder as well.  He had no power and didn't walk a lot, but his batting average was reasonable and he came close to 200 hits, primarily due to how often he played.  

JACK ROTHROCK

1929

T-13th, 8 points

.300/.361/.408, 6 home runs, 59 RBIs, 70 runs, 142 hits, 19 doubles, 7 triples, 24 stolen bases

This is how bad the Red Sox were in 1929: Rothrock was their best position player with a 100 OPS+.  That is exactly average.  He had a decent batting average and could run a little, but he had very little power.  Typically a utility player, Rothrock spent almost the entire 1929 season playing center field.    

RUSS SCARRITT

1929

T-20th, 5 points

.294/.337/.411, 1 home run, 71 RBIs, 69 runs, 159 hits, 26 doubles, 17 triples, 13 stolen bases

Scarritt was a rookie in 1929 playing left field primarily.  He had a nice season as a rookie, finishing tenth in games played and second in the league in triples.  He was also in the top five in most defensive categories, including first in double plays, so he was a good defensive left fielder.  

PHIL TODT

1929

T-22nd, 4 points

.262/.305/.393, 4 home runs, 64 RBIs, 49 runs, 140 hits, 38 doubles, 10 triples

I have no idea why that card lists Todt as an outfielder.  He played in 908 games in his career, 904 at first base and just four in the outfield.  1929 was not one of Todt's better seasons, but he still received some MVP consideration somehow.  He did not appear among the league leaders in any category.  He did lead the team in doubles, so that's something I guess.

EARL WEBB

1930

21st, 1 point

.323/.385/.523, 16 home runs, 66 RBIs, 61 runs, 145 hits, 30 doubles

Webb was a very good hitter but his defensive inadequacies cost him a lengthy Major League career.  He did play at a time of high offense, but he ranked among the league leaders in home runs (tenth) and put up an OPS+ of 133, which is pretty damn good.

Red Sox Awards History: MVP Pt. 3 (The 1930's)

I was reminded earlier that the major awards will be announced this week.  And I remembered that I started something I never finished.  I only got through the 1920's on my MVP award voting discussions.  So, here we are in the 1930's.  The official MVP as it currently exists started in 1931.

THE WINNER 

JIMMIE FOXX

1938

1st, 305 points

.349/.462/.704, 50 home runs, 175 RBIs, 139 runs, 197 hits

Foxx had a monster season in 1938, leading the league in batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, RBIs and walks (119).  He hit 50 home runs, a team record that stood until 2005, though he finished second in home runs to Hank Greenberg.  He also led the league in WAR (7.4) and total bases (398).  The Red Sox finished second in the league and Foxx was the primary reason why.  It was the single biggest offensive season by a Red Sox player since Babe Ruth.  

RECEIVING VOTES

DALE ALEXANDER

1932

11th, 10 points

.367/.454/.513, 8 home runs, 60 RBIs, 144 hits

The Red Sox were terrible in 1932, as evidenced by the long series of posts I have been working on.  But Alexander was the biggest bright spot on the team.  He split the season between the Tigers and Red Sox due to a mid-June trade, but he ended up winning the batting title.  That is the primary reason for his placement in the voting.  He was third in the league in on-base percentage and seventh in slugging.  

DOC CRAMER

1938

T-30th, 1 point

.301/.354/.380, 0 home runs, 71 RBIs, 116 runs, 198 hits, 36 doubles, 8 triples

Cramer had next to no power, but was excellent at getting on base.  The center fielder struck out just 19 times, while drawing 51 walks.  He led the league in at-bats (658) and was an All Star in 1938.  He ranked among the league leaders in runs scored (ninth), hits (second) and doubles (sixth).  He was also among the league leaders in several defensive categories for center fielders.  

JOE CRONIN

1937

7th, 19 points

.307/.402/.486, 18 home runs, 110 RBIs, 102 runs, 175 hits, 40 doubles

The Red Sox shortstop/manager was a previous MVP winner in 1930.  He had a big season in 1937, but was only among the league leaders in RBIs (tenth) and some defensive categories.  Even though he was not among the league leaders in many categories, very few shortstops hit like he did, and he got extra credit for also being the manager.  The team had a winning record, even though they finished fifth in the league.  Cronin was an All Star.

1938

7th, 92 points

.325/.428/.536, 17 home runs, 94 RBIs, 98 runs, 172 hits, 51 doubles

Cronin had an even better season in 1938, and this time did rank among the league leaders in several hitting categories, as well as leading the team to a second-place finish in the league.  He was an All Star again and led the league in doubles while finishing in the top ten in average (tenth), on-base percentage (fifth), slugging (tenth) and extra base hits (fourth).  This was Cronin's best season in Boston.  

1939

16th, 15 points

.308/.407/.492, 19 home runs, 107 RBIs, 97 runs, 160 hits

Another great season for the shortstop/manager saw the team finish in second place again and had him in the All Star game for the sixth time.  He was among the league leaders in on-base percentage (tenth), doubles (33, sixth), RBIs (seventh) and walks (87, eighth).  

RICK FERRELL

1933

T-12th, 9 points

.290/.381/.373, 4 home runs, 77 RBIs, 58 runs, 143 hits

Ferrell started the 1933 season with the St. Louis Browns, but after 22 games, he was traded to the Red Sox for someone named Merv Shea and cash, which was probably the biggest reason for the trade.  This was actually not one of Ferrell's strongest seasons, though it is the only year he was in Boston that he received MVP votes.  He led the league in runners caught stealing and appeared in the first ever All Star game.  

WES FERRELL

1934

8th, 16 points

14-5, 3.63 ERA, 67 strikeouts and 49 walks in 181 innings pitched

Rick's brother Wes was a star in his own right, and probably should be in the Hall of Fame.  He did not have a huge season in 1934, which is why it is kind of strange that he received MVP votes.  He was eighth in the league in ERA and fourth in winning percentage (.737).  He led the league in walks per nine innings (2.436).  He was a great hitter for a pitcher and hit .282/.341/.487 with four homers and 17 RBIs.

1935

2nd, 62 points

25-14, 3.52 ERA, 110 strikeouts in 322.1 innings pitched

Ferrell had one of the greatest two-way seasons in history in 1935.  He led the league in wins, starts (38), complete games (31) and innings pitched.  He was seventh in the league in ERA.  As a hitter, he had a line of .347/.427/.533 with seven home runs and 32 RBIs.  Somehow, he was not an All Star.  He led the league in WAR (10.6) as a result of his impressive season on both sides of the ball.

JIMMIE FOXX

1936

11th, 16 points

.338/.440/.631, 41 home runs, 143 RBIs, 130 runs, 198 hits, 13 stolen bases

Foxx had other big seasons for the Red Sox in the 1930's.  His first year in Boston saw him have the most home runs by a Red Sox player ever.  He would only build on that.  Foxx was an All Star and led the league in walks (119) while also finishing third in on-base percentage, third in slugging, tenth in hits, third in home runs and third in RBIs.

1939

2nd, 170 points

.360/.464/.694, 35 home runs, 105 RBIs, 130 runs, 168 hits

An All Star for the fourth season in a row with the Red Sox, Foxx had 15 fewer home runs than he did in 1938, but managed to lead the league in the category, as well as in on-base percentage and slugging percentage.  He was also second in batting average, third in runs, eighth in RBIs and second in total bases (324).  It was not as impressive as his 1938 season, but it was still a huge season.

LEFTY GROVE

1935

14th, 8 points

20-12, 2.70 ERA, 121 strikeouts and 65 walks in 273 innings pitched

When Tom Yawkey acquired the Red Sox, he set about acquiring a number of players who would eventually become Hall of Famers.  The greatest of these was possibly Grove.  His first year in Boston was not great, but his second season saw him named to the All Star Game and leading the league in ERA and WAR (9.4).  He was fourth in the league in wins.

1936

15th, 5 points

17-12, 2.81 ERA, 130 strikeouts and 65 walks in 253.1 innings pitched

Grove's third season with the Red Sox saw him once again named to the All Star Game and leading the league in ERA, WAR (11.2), WHIP (1.192) and shutouts (six).   He was ninth in wins.  

1938

21st, 7 points

14-4, 3.08 ERA, 99 strikeouts and 52 walks in 163.2 innings pitched

After a year off from receiving MVP votes, Grove came back strong in 1938.  He led the league in ERA once again, as well as winning percentage (.778) and strikeout/walk ratio (1.90).  He was an All Star for the fourth time while with the Red Sox.

1939

15th, 17 points

15-4, 2.54 ERA, 81 strikeouts and 58 walks in 191 innings pitched

Grove's final great season was 1939.  He was an All Star for the fifth time with the Red Sox and won the ERA title for fourth time in Boston.  His .789 winning percentage was second in the league.

ROY JOHNSON

1934

T-12th, 8 points

.320/.379/.467, 7 home runs, 119 RBIs, 85 runs, 182 hits, 43 doubles, 10 triples, 11 stolen bases

One of the more underrated hitters of the 1930's, Johnson had a career batting average of .296 and had one of his best seasons in 1934.  It was the only year he received MVP votes as he finished among the league leaders in doubles (sixth), triples (third), RBIs (sixth) and stolen bases (ninth).  

DANNY MACFAYDEN

1931

T-20th, 2 points

16-12, 4.02 ERA, 74 strikeouts and 79 walks in 230.2 innings pitched

MacFayden was one of the better pitchers for the Red Sox during the extremely dark time period between the sale of Babe Ruth and Tom Yawkey taking the reins.  MacFayden led the league in home runs per nine innings (0.2) and was among the league leaders in wins (seventh), shutouts (third) and complete games (ninth).

MARTY MCMANUS

1932

T-27th, 2 points

.235/.317/.374,  5 home runs, 24 RBIs, 39 runs, 71 hits, 19 doubles

Sometimes, the players who receive votes just makes no sense.  McManus was mostly a utility player, splitting his time between second and third base, while also playing a couple games at shortstop and one at first.  He was the team's player/manager, but the 1932 Red Sox were one of the worst teams of all time.  He only played 93 games.  So no, I really do not know what to say about how he got here.

ERIC MCNAIR

1936

T-19th, 1 point

.285/.329/.391, 4 home runs, 74 RBIs, 68 runs, 141 hits, 36 doubles

McNair was mostly known for his defense as a mostly utility infielder, but he had a nice season at the plate in his first year in Boston after being acquired alongside Doc Cramer.  He appeared in 84 games at short, 35 at second and 11 at third.  He was not among the league leaders in any offensive categories, but he was a valuable contributor.

TOM OLIVER

1931

T-20th, 2 points

.276/.307/.353, 0 home runs, 70 RBIs, 52 runs, 162 hits

A defensive specialist in center field, Oliver led the league in assists (17), putouts (433), double plays (four) and fielding percentage (.993).  It's a good thing he was so good defensively, because he was not much of a hitter, clocking a 78 OPS+ in 1931.  He did have 35 doubles and five triples, though he never once homered in his Major League career, which lasted just four seasons.

HAL RHYNE

1931

14th, 10 points

.273/.341/.343, 0 home runs, 51 RBIs, 75 runs, 154 hits, 34 doubles

Oddly for Rhyne, 1931 was spent entirely at shortstop.  He was typically a utility infielder.  He rewarded the team by leading the league at fielding percentage (.963), assists (502) and range factor (5.42).  He also was not a complete zero at the plate in 1931, putting up an OPS+ of 85, which was the highest of his career.

MOOSE SOLTERS

1935

T-9th, 16 points

.319/.356/.498, 18 home runs, 112 RBIs, 94 runs, 201 hits, 45 doubles, 11 stolen bases

That statline is kind of misleading because Solters spent most of the season with the St. Louis Browns.  Solters only played 24 games with the Red Sox at the beginning of the season, hitting .241/.268/.342 with no homers and eight RBIs.  He was traded to the Browns for Oscar "Ski" Melillo. 

JOE VOSMIK

1938

T-21st, 7 points

.324/.384/.446, 9 home runs, 86 RBIs, 121 runs, 201 hits, 37 doubles

Vosmik was acquired in a trade with the Browns (who acquired him from Cleveland in a deal involving Moose Solters) for a package including Bobo Newsom and Buster Mills.  He led the league in hits and was fifth in the league in doubles.  Vosmik was also known as a good defensive left fielder and was the reason that Ted Williams started his Major League career in right field.

EARL WEBB

1931

6th, 22 points

.333/.404/.528, 14 home runs, 103 RBIs, 96 runs, 196 hits, 67 doubles

We are closing in on 100 years since Webb's 1931 season and still, his record of 67 doubles still stands.  He had a terrific season at the plate overall and finished among the league leaders in hits (fifth), total bases (sixth), homers (tenth), average (seventh), OBP (tenth) and slugging (eighth).  It's his doubles record that manages to stand the test of time though.

BILLY WERBER

1934

T-12th, 8 points

.321/.397/.472, 11 home runs, 67 RBIs, 129 runs, 200 hits, 41 doubles, 10 triples, 40 stolen bases

This is one of my favorite under-the-radar seasons to talk about.  Werber was never an All Star, but he had some fantastic seasons, and this was the best one.  The third-baseman led the league in stolen bases and was second in the league in runs scored.  A 200 hit/40 stolen base season is a rarity in Red Sox history, this is one of just two times it has ever happened, Tris Speaker being the other player to accomplish it.

TED WILLIAMS

1939

4th, 126 points

.327/.436/.609, 31 home runs, 145 RBIs, 131 runs, 185 hits, 44 doubles, 11 triples, 107 walks

What makes those numbers completely insane is the fact that those were done by a 20-year-old rookie.  It may be the greatest rookie season in Red Sox history and is only overshadowed by others because the Rookie of the Year award did not exist yet.  Williams led the league in RBIs and total bases (344).  Even more shocking is that the best was yet to come from The Splendid Splinter.