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Article: Nomar backward in name only Garciaparra a hero in New England since record rookie year
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- December 18, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2003 Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
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The unusual first name seems as good a place as any to start a
profile of Nomar Garciaparra.
Anthony Nomar Garciaparra, born July 23, 1973, in Whittier,
Calif., is named after his father, Ramon -- in a backward sort of
way. As the late Harry Caray would have been quick to realize, Nomar
is simply Ramon spelled backward.
Not long after Garciaparra burst on the scene for the Boston Red
Sox at the start of the 1997 season, Nomar soon became a familiar
moniker throughout all of New England. Few rookies in baseball
history have had a more successful initial season.
Batting leadoff, Garciaparra hit .306 with 30 home runs and 98
RBI, setting records for most RBI by a leadoff hitter and most homers ...