Boston, MA — Hall of Famer Jim Rice, one of the most iconic players in Boston Red Sox history, made a special appearance this week in Boston, where he sat down to discuss his legendary career, the team’s current roster, and even took a swing at a live trivia game show.
Rice, who held down left field at Fenway Park’s famed Green Monster from 1974 to 1989, joined the live taping of NPR’s “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” alongside comedians Maz Jobrani, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, and Adam Felber. The broadcast took a fun twist as the former MVP attempted to add a new title to his resume—game show champion.
From 1939 to 1985, the Red Sox saw only three consistent left fielders: Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, and then Jim Rice—all Hall of Famers. During his tenure, Rice powered Boston to two American League pennants and captured the AL MVP title in 1978 after leading the league in home runs, RBIs, and slugging percentage.
Now 71, Rice remains a respected voice around the game and a prominent figure in the Red Sox community. When asked about the current team, he praised the young talent coming up through the ranks, while also offering insights into the evolving nature of hitting in today’s MLB.
“The game’s different now, but the fundamentals of what it takes to win haven’t changed,” Rice said during the event.
Rice’s guest appearance wasn’t just about baseball. He also opened up about his off-field passions, including his love for classic TV like The Young and the Restless, and his continued support for youth sports initiatives in Massachusetts.
Fans in the live Boston audience were treated to stories from Rice’s playing days, reflections on baseball’s past legends, and plenty of laughs as the Hall of Famer showed off his sense of humor and sharp mind during the quiz portion of the show.
With his career .298 batting average, 382 home runs, and nearly 2,500 hits, Jim Rice remains one of the most revered sluggers in Red Sox history. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009, cementing his legacy as one of the greats to ever play in front of Fenway’s towering green wall.
His recent appearance in Boston reminds fans not only of his achievements on the field, but also of his continued presence and impact in the world of sports, media, and community.