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Kyle's All Fenway Team

Few Major League Baseball ballparks encapsulate the amazing history and tradition of America’s pastime better than Fenway Park in Boston. As one of only two remaining “classic” ballparks that are still in use, Fenway serves as a symbol of baseball’s enduring spirit and strength. This year, the Boston Red Sox celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park. To help commemorate this, the Red Sox are looking to the fans of MLB to help elect the “All Fenway Team.” Here are my picks by position:

Manager - Terry Francona – He won two World Series titles, including ending the 86-year “Curse of the Bambino” in his first year as Boston’s manager. What a magical year.

Honorable Mention: Bill Carrigan

Bench - Billy Goodman – He won the batting title in 1950 with a .354 average and was the epitome of a utility player during his 10-year career with Boston.

Honorable Mention: Rick Miller

Bullpen - Jonathan Papelbon – Simply put, he is the only guy on the list to shut the door in the 9th inning to help the Red Sox win a World Series (2007).

Honorable Mention: Derek Lowe

Left-Handed Pitcher - Babe Ruth – With Boston, he had two 20-plus-win seasons, a 2.55 ERA and an 89-46 record. Let’s be real. He probably would've been an all-time great pitcher had he continued pitching, folks.

Honorable Mention: Lefty Grove

Right-Handed Pitcher - Pedro Martinez – His 1999 season is arguably the best season for any pitcher in Red Sox history considering the strength of the offense in the league at that time. His 23 wins and miniscule 2.07 ERA earned him the Cy Young and probably should have warranted an MVP award.

Honorable Mention: Smoky Joe Wood

Catcher - Carlton Fisk – “Pudge” is one of the best catchers of all time. Oh yeah, and he hit a pretty famous HR in the 1975 World Series... “There it goes! A long drive! If it stays fair...”

Honorable Mention: Jason Varitek

First Base - Jimmie Foxx – When this three-time MVP hit his 500th career HR, he was only the second person in history to reach that plateau (the first: Babe Ruth). His 1938 season is still one of the best ever (.349/50/175).

Honorable Mention: George Scott

Second Base - Robert Doerr – He served his entire pro career with Boston. He is renowned equally for his on-field accomplishments and his clubhouse presence.

Honorable Mention: Dustin Pedroia

Third Base - Wade Boggs – This Hall of Famer is one of the best pure hitters in MLB history. He won a total of five batting titles, including four straight from 1985-1988.

Honorable Mention: Larry Gardner

Shortstop - Nomar Garciaparra – He was a superstar SS in an age where the AL All-Star roster sported an unbelievable amount of talent at the position (namely Jeter and A-Rod). And who can forget his two grand slams in one game at Fenway?

Honorable Mention: Rico Petrocelli

Left Field - Ted Williams – I consider Teddy Ballgame to be the best pure hitter ever. Can you imagine what his career numbers would have looked like had he never served our great country in the military? Wow.

Honorable Mention: Carl Yastrzemski

Center Field - Tris Speaker – No one in the history of the game has more doubles than Speaker (792). His .345 career BA is sixth all-time and he’s a two-time World Series champ.

Honorable Mention: Dom DiMaggio

Right Field - Dwight Evans – I must admit, I’m a sucker for defense, and Evans did not lack in that area. He is tied for fifth all-time amongst outfielders with eight Gold Gloves.

Honorable Mention: Jackie Jensen

Designated Hitter - David Ortiz – 2004 ALCS. Is there anything else to say?

Honorable Mention: Jim Rice

Those are my picks, but I want to hear from you. Visit RedSox.com and build your own #AllFenwayTeam! The debate gauntlet has been thrown down, so tweet me at @KyleOKC and @MLBFanCave.