Shane Victorino struggled with injuries throughout most of his tenure with the Red Sox, but he still was a huge contributor when it mattered most.
Boston traded the “Flyin’ Hawaiian” to the Angels on Monday for infielder Josh Rutledge. During his press conference, an understandably emotional Victorino broke down in tears when talking about his love for his teammates, as well as when he mentioned he’d have to change his walk-up song “Three Little Birds,” which turned into an anthem for Red Sox Nation at Fenway Park.
Though Victorino’s injuries have held him back the past couple of seasons, no one will ever forget what he did for the Red Sox during their 2013 championship run. His defining moment was a clutch grand slam in Game 6 of the ALCS vs. the Tigers that sent Fenway into a frenzy and helped Boston reach its third World Series in a decade.
The Angels might not be getting him in his prime, but they needed outfield depth and that’s exactly what they got. Not only that, but they acquired a guy who plays his ass off when healthy and clearly cares about his teammates. Those types of players are hard to come by.
[h/t Mike Petraglia]
