James Edward Rice, born on March 8, 1953, is a former professional baseball player who spent his entire 16-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Boston Red Sox. Known for his powerful hitting and consistency, Rice was a dominant force in the American League (AL) during his playing years. He was an eight-time AL All-Star and earned the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1978, a season in which he became the first player in nearly two decades to accumulate 400 total bases. His ability to hit for both power and average made him one of the most feared hitters of his era.

Rice's career was marked by numerous achievements, including leading the major leagues in total bases for two consecutive seasons and becoming one of only two players, alongside Ty Cobb, to lead the AL in total bases for three straight years. He batted over .300 in seven different seasons, drove in more than 100 runs eight times, and hit 20 or more home runs in 11 seasons. Between 1975 and 1986, Rice led all major league players in hits, RBIs, and total bases, while also leading AL players in home runs and runs scored. His consistent production made him a cornerstone of the Red Sox lineup for over a decade.

Rice was part of one of the most iconic outfields in baseball history, playing alongside Fred Lynn and Dwight Evans from 1975 to 1980. He followed in the footsteps of Red Sox legends Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski as a power-hitting left fielder. Over the course of his career, Rice amassed 382 home runs, 2,452 hits, and 1,451 RBIs, all of which remain Red Sox records for a right-handed hitter. His .502 career slugging percentage and 4,129 total bases further solidified his place among the game's greats. When he retired, his 1,503 games played in left field ranked seventh in AL history.

In 2009, Rice was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition for a player who had such a profound impact on the game. His legacy as one of the greatest hitters in Red Sox history remains intact, and his contributions to the sport continue to be celebrated by fans and analysts alike. Rice's career numbers and accolades place him among the elite players of his generation, and his influence on the game is still felt today.

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