The Red Sox announced former Boston infielder Doug Griffin passed away Wednesday in Clovis, Calif., after battling a lengthy illness. He was 69 years old.
A Gold Glove Award winner in 1972, Griffin played 603 games over seven seasons for the Red Sox at second base -- the sixth most in team history. He hit .248 with seven home runs, 161 RBIs and 207 runs scored throughout his Red Sox career.
Griffin helped Boston reach the World Series in 1975, serving as the team's everyday second baseman prior to the Red Sox acquiring Denny Doyle from the California Angels a day before the then-June 15 Trade Deadline.
Griffin, born in South Gate, Calif., was selected by the Angels in the 21st round of the 1965 Draft. He made his Major League debut in 1970 and played 18 games for California before being traded to the Red Sox after the season.
Griffin finished fourth in the American League Rookie of the Year Award voting in 1971, when he hit .244 with 23 doubles and 51 runs scored. He set multiple career highs offensively during his Gold Glove-winning season, with 122 hits, 35 RBIs and 45 walks.