Jim Rice Childhood

James Edward Rice, commonly known as Jim Rice, was born on March 8, 1953, in Anderson, SC. He is the son of Julia and Roger Rice. Born into a time of segregation, Jim and his family dealt with problems outside of their control. The times affected everything including the schools the kids would attend. However, racism and segregation can’t stop determination and ultimately talent when it comes to sports. When it comes to Jim Rice, his small town couldn’t hold his huge potential as he would become one of the best athletes to ever come out of South Carolina.

Jim Rice High School Stats and Awards

Jim attended Westside High School, which was in a segregated area of his town. Before his senior year, integration took place, and he attended Hanna High School. The change didn’t affect Rice’s ability to play sports and he would go on to have an electric senior year. He played three sports: football, baseball and basketball. He excelled in football, becoming an All-State selection. By the end of his senior season Rice had the choice of attending several major colleges on a football scholarship or playing for the Boston Red Sox. He chose the Red Sox.

Jim Rice MLB Career Stats and Notes

Rice entered the minors at 18 and would spend a couple of years in the system before being called up. On August 19, 1974, Rice would make his major league debut. Rice spent his entire career in Boston which lasted 16 years. He retired after the 1989 season. In 2009, the eight-time All-Star was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Jim Rice 1978 AL MVP Season

During the 1978 MLB season, Jim Rice put up one of the best all-time offensive seasons ever. Rice led the league in HRs (46), hits (213), RBI (139), total bases (406), slugging percentage (.600) and triples (15). Rice’s sensational season earned him the 1978 AL MVP.

List of Baseball Hall of Fame Members