Miami Marlins History: Best Single-Season Hitters

Aaron Boone 2007: 113 OPS+

Aaron Boone is part of one of baseball’s few three-generational families, following grandfather Ray, father Bob, and brother Bret. Nephew Jake could make them the first fourth-generation family, should he get drafted out of Princeton later this year.

Aaron is a six-foot-two, 190 lb. right-handed corner infielder from La Mesa, CA. Initially chosen by the California Angels in round 43 of the 1991 MLB Amateur Entry Draft, he didn’t sign. Improving his draft-stock with a strong collegiate career, the Cincinnati Reds took him in the third round three years later.

Prior to making his way to the Marlins for his age-34 season, Boone played in 969 contests at the major league level for the Reds (668 games), the New York Yankees (54 games), and the Indians (247 games). Following the 2006 season, Boone signed on with the Florida Marlins through free agency for the veteran’s minimum, at the time $925,000 for a player with Boone’s specific service time.

Although Boone only appeared in 69 games for the Marlins in 2007, he slashed .286/.388/.423 with five taters and 28 RBI. Despite collecting less than a third of the plate appearances, Boone tied Dan Uggla for second on the team with 13 HBP. Defensively, Boone put up a .987 fielding percentage in 388 innings at first base, and handled 15 chances at third base without making a flub. Again granted free agency following the season, Boone later played with the Washington Nationals (104 games) and the Houston Astros (10 games).