In 1997, BoSox rookie Nomar Garciaparra led the American League with 209 hits. In the National League, only Tony Gwynn had more. Included in Garciaparra’s hits were 44 doubles, 11 triples, and 30 home runs. He overwhelmingly beat out Jose Cruz Jr. for Rookie of the Year, following in the recent footsteps of fellow shortstop and divisional rival Derek Jeter.
