Red Sox to retire Wade Boggs' number 26

BOSTON (AP) Wade Boggs' number 26 will be retired by the Boston Red Sox.

Boston said Monday it will retire the number of the Hall of Fame third baseman during a ceremony at Fenway Park on May 26, when the number will be added to the ballpark's right-field facade.

''I am so humbled and honored,'' Boggs said in a statement released by the Red Sox. ''To say that your number will never be worn again is the highest honor an athlete can receive.''

Boggs played with Boston from 1982-92 and was an 11-time All-Star, including eight times while with the Red Sox.

Now 57, Boggs had a .328 career average during 18 big league seasons that included stints with the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay.

Boggs' number will be the 10th retired by the Red Sox.

''Wade Boggs was the best third baseman in Red Sox history and one of the best hitters of his generation,'' Boston owner John Henry said in a statement. ''Whether it was his legendary hand-eye coordination or the discipline of his highly superstitious routine, his ability to hit line drive after line drive was remarkable.''