Former Red Sox star Frank Malzone dies at 85

Frank Malzone, a slick-fielding third baseman who spent 11 seasons with the Boston Red Sox - and was one of the few bright spots during a decidedly rough era in the franchise's history - died Tuesday at age 85.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Malzone made his MLB debut with the Red Sox in 1955. Two years later, he enjoyed his first full season with the club, hitting .292 with 15 homers and 31 doubles while earning his first of three straight Gold Glove awards. Malzone also made his first of six trips to the All-Star Game in 1957, which marked the beginning of an eight-season stretch in which he hit .281/.321/.412 while averaging 16 homers, 26 doubles, and 152 games played per year.

"We mourn the loss of a man we all came to know as 'Malzie,' who was venerated by Red Sox fans not only for his great glove at third base but for his blue-collar dedication to his craft," Red Sox chairman Tom Werner said in a statement.

During his tenure in Boston from 1955-65, the Red Sox never qualified for the playoffs and only twice finished higher than fourth place in the American League. Malzone, however, earned a place in the franchise's Hall of Fame for his efforts during that forgettable stretch, throughout which he smacked 131 homers while hitting .276 with a .720 OPS.

"When I first came to the big leagues in 1961, Frank was the guy who took me under his wing," Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski said. "I struggled when I first came up, and he took care of me and stayed with me. He was a real class guy, a very caring guy and I owe him a lot. You aren't going to find too many people like him."

Malzone retired after the 1966 campaign, his lone season with the California Angels, and spent the next 35 years as a scout for the Red Sox before assuming the role of player development consultant.