The Red Sox are one of baseball's most iconic teams. But the squad from Boston went more than 8 decades without winning a World Series. That doesn't mean they have had incredible players throughout the years.

Here is a collection of players who kept Boston relevant throughout the lean years as well as ones who have been there since things turned around.

Nomar Garciaparra 1992 Topps Traded 

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Nomar Garciaparra remains one of the great 'what if?' stories in Red Sox history. At one point, he was considered right on the level of contemporaries Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. The 1997 Rookie of the Year made a total of 6 All-Star games during his career. He also won two American League batting titles, hitting a blistering .372 in 2000.

The back half of the shortstop's career was marred by injuries, though, and what was looking like a Hall of Fame career became just a very good one. Garciaparra's best rookie card comes in the 1992 Topps Traded set and a PSA 10 copy sells for around $150.

Jim Rice 1975 Topps 

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In 1974, a 21-year-old outfielder named Jim Rice made his debut with the Red Sox. He would spend the next 16 years as a mainstay in Boston's lineup. Rice would lead the American League in home runs for 3 seasons and make 8 All-Star games over the course of his career.

In 2009, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on his 15th ballot. Rice was one of the few players who spent their entire career with one team and is a legendary Red Sock. His 1975 Topps rookie card is popular online and sells for a touch over $1,000 in a PSA 9.

Roger Clemens 1984 Fleer Update 

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In the 1983 Major League Baseball Draft, the Red Sox selected Roger Clemens 19th overall. The big Texan, though controversial, would go on to become one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history. Clemens would lead the Red Sox to the 1986 World Series where the team would lose to the New York Mets in 7 games.

Over the course of his career, Clemens would win 354 games and also capture 7 Cy Young Awards. The right-hander smashed many MLB records though his career was marred by his involvement in the Mitchell Report. Clemens best rookie is his 1984 Fleer Update card which sells for around 2 grand.

Mookie Betts 2014 Topps Heritage 

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In 2011, the Red Sox drafted Tennessee high schooler Mookie Betts in the 5th Round. The pick would go down as an incredible steal. Mookie spent the first 6 years of his career in Boston. In 2018, Betts won the American League MVP Award and the team would go on to win the World Series.

In 2020, Betts would be traded from the Red Sox to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He would then lead LA to a World Series in the same season. One of Betts' best rookie cards is the 2014 Topps Heritage which sells for between $250 and $300 in a PSA 10.

Rafael Devers 2018 Bowman Chrome Rookie 

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After significant success during most of the 21st century, the Red Sox traded many of their best players or allowed them to leave in free agency. That doesn't mean that some stars don't remain. The best current Boston player is 3rd Baseman Rafael Devers.

The BoSox signed Devers as a 16-year-old, and he zoomed through the minors, reaching the big leagues at 20 and quickly becoming an All-Star. He is also set to be around for a while as the Sox recently signed him to a 10-year deal. Devers' Bowman Chrome rookie sells for around $200 in gem mint condition.

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.