Rare Photos of Carl Crawford

Carl Crawford

On Wednesday night, Dec. 8, Carl Crawford signed a seven-year, $142 million contract to play for the Red Sox. SI looks back at some rare photos of the former Rays outfielder. In this photo, Crawford - who is knows as one of the best pure athletes in baseball - pulls a sled at the Athletes Performance Institute in Tempe, Ariz.

Carl Crawford

Crawford arrives at Tokyo International Airport for Tampa Bay's two-game season opener against the Yankees.

Carl Crawford

Crawford is helped to his feet by the Rays' trainers and manager Lou Piniella after bruising his left knee while sliding into first base.

Carl Crawford

Crawford takes a break from his training session to toss a football. After graduating from Jefferson Davis High in Houston, Crawford was offered scholarships to play basketball at UCLA or football at Nebraska. He chose baseball.

Carl Crawford

An aerial view of a Crawford at-bat against the Red Sox. Over the past three seasons, Crawford batted .301 against Boston, with four home runs, 22 RBI and 23 stolen bases.

Carl Crawford, David Price and Cliff Floyd

Crawford, David Price and Cliff Floyd greet fans during a campaign rally in Tampa for Democrat presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Carl Crawford

Crawford takes a stab at a home run ball hit by Detroit's Marcus Thames during a spring training game in Lakeland, Fla. The new Red Sox outfielder won one Gold Glove (2010) in his nine seasons with Tampa Bay.

Tim Brosnan, Carl Crawford and Tim Flynn

MLB Executive VP of Business Tim Brosnan, Crawford and KPMG Chairman Tim Flynn present a check to RBI before Game 2 of the World Series.

Carlos Pena and Carl Crawford

Carlos Pena and Crawford chat before a game at Fenway Park against the Red Sox.

Carl Crawford

Crawford, who played 1,235 games in a Rays uniform, will be remembered as one of the franchise's most popular players.

Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria

Crawford celebrates the Rays' World Series berth with Evan Longoria.

Carl Crawford

Crawford is doused with champagne after the Rays knocked out the Red Sox in seven games to earn a spot in the World Series.

Carl Crawford

Crawford studies game tape before playing Oakland at Tropicana Field.

Carl Crawford

Crawford is known as one of the best base runners in the game. He has recorded 409 stolen bases in his career, an average of 54 per season.

Carl Crawford

Crawford and his son enjoy the view from Sixth Avenue during the All-Star game parade in New York City. Crawford has played on four All-Star teams (2004, 2007, 2009, 2010).

Carl Crawford

In his nine-year career, Crawford is batting .296 with 104 home runs, 105 triples, 765 runs and 592 RBI.

Carl Crawford and Barack Obama

Crawford greets President Barack Obama before the All-Star game in Chicago.

Carl Crawford

Crawford, as seen through a fish-eye lens.

Carl Crawford

With $142 million in guaranteed money, Crawford is sitting on easy street.