Papelbon's Poutine said:Serious question, how old are you? Because it might explain the disconnect on the first bolded. Thats not trying be condescending, that's a legit question because of you were of a certain age, you might not have been aware of the experience that was Ware Boggs in its totality.
To the second bolded, while a greater importance on OBP has evolved since he retired, the media knew how good he was. That's how he got 92% of the vote to go into the HoF. The current admin admitted him into the team HoF. They had no reason for animosity towards him. Since then, there's seems to be no relationship between them. To you that says it's the ownerships negligence. To me that says unless he's the center of attention, he's every bit the jerk he seems to be and rubbed them the wrong way or has denied requests to be more a part.
You can take either side of that and that's fair because we don't know either way with certainty. And that's fine. But you can't deny the team ownership is extremely fan savvy and if they thought a significant portion of the fanbase is upset about it, I assure you they would do it, because $.
So I tend to think that their reluctance is based on them not believing he is worthy of it . His stats clearly are. But he's chosen not to associate himself with the franchise. I highly doubt he hasn't been asked to, but even if he wasn't, buy a fucking ticket to a game sometimes. I know I've seen Clemens sitting in the stands. If it means that much and you're not getting any love, insert yourself into the conversation and let the fans sway them if you're really so beloved.
Old enough to have seen his entire career, and hear the media whine that he was selfish because he walked so much and clogged the basepaths. I think this is why there is no groundswell of support for him -- lots of people still believe this crap.
I think it's quite the leap to say the lack of a relationship with the team=Boggs is a jerk. What little statements we can find are Boggs saying it would be an honor to have his number retired, and the Red Sox clinging to their policy that became an absurd farce the day they circumvented it in order to bribe Carlton Fisk to request a Red Sox cap for his plaque. We also know that this has been going on since the day he left, across all owners, presidents, and GMs. Roger Clemens left in a far bigger huff, is not in the HOF due to steroids, and they still haven't given his number to anyone else. Rice's number was never given out over the 15 attempts it took him to get into the HOF (14 more than it took Boggs). Boggs' number has been worn by the following players:
Brock Holt (2013-2015)
Scott Podsednik (2012)
Ramiro Mendoza (2003-2004)
Freddy Sanchez (2003)
Lou Merloni (1999-2002)
Rob Stanifer (2000)
Sean Berry (2000)
Orlando Merced (1998)
Chris Snopek (1998)
Aaron Sele (1996-1997)
Alejandro Pena (1995)
Lee Tinsley (1995)
Wes Chamberlain (1994)
They crapped all over him from the moment he left, never intended to retire his number. But it's Boggs' fault for not coming to spring training?
EDIT: Found this article from the Globe two years ago
Boggs said he and his agent have approached Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino and principal owner John Henry about a public relations role with the Sox, similar to the one Johnny Pesky had.
“We gave them a number, they gave us a number, and neither number worked,” said Boggs. “It was very time-consuming for not a lot of money.”
So it looks like Boggs has in fact reached out, according to him anyway.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/04/09/wade-boggs-buys-into-field-dreams-and-dreams-retired-number-fenway/9KYF46kB1A7DNWsfGkLWIJ/story.html#