Wade Boggs' Beer Consumption: How Many?

Wade Boggs is a baseball legend, but he is also known for his drinking abilities. According to an urban legend, Boggs once drank an impressive number of beers—ranging from 50 to 70—while on a cross-country flight. However, in 2015, Boggs confirmed that the actual number was 107 beers. This claim has sparked debates about its plausibility, but many, including Boggs himself, consider it a believable feat given his well-known tolerance for alcohol.

The plausibility of Wade Boggs drinking 107 beers

The claim that Wade Boggs drank 107 beers in a day has been the subject of much speculation and debate. While some believe it to be an urban legend or a boastful exaggeration, others insist that it is entirely plausible given Boggs' renowned drinking abilities.

Boggs himself has confirmed the number, stating that he drank 73 beers during a flight and then continued to drink in California, bringing the total to 107. This statement is supported by eyewitnesses, including former teammates who were impressed by Boggs' drinking prowess. One teammate, Brian Rose, recalled sitting next to Boggs on a short flight when the latter drank a full case of beer without appearing drunk or even needing to use the bathroom. When asked about it, Boggs reportedly said, "Beer doesn't affect me. I don't get drunk unless I've had at least a case and a half."

However, sceptics have questioned the plausibility of Boggs' claim. Some have suggested that drinking 107 beers in a day would lead to alcohol poisoning or even death. The amount of beer consumed would also be equivalent to approximately 130 pounds of liquid, leading some to wonder where he put it all. Additionally, the high volume of beer could cause a dangerous drop in sodium levels, posing a further risk to Boggs' health.

While the exact number of beers consumed by Boggs remains a subject of debate, his legendary drinking abilities are well-documented and have earned him a place in baseball folklore. Whether or not he actually drank 107 beers, Boggs' drinking exploits continue to captivate and amuse fans, solidifying his status as a larger-than-life figure both on and off the baseball field.

The number of beers Boggs drank during his flight

Wade Boggs is a baseball legend, known for his impressive drinking abilities. According to an urban legend, Boggs once drank an excessive number of beers while on a cross-country flight. The story goes that Boggs started drinking in the Red Sox locker room after a game and continued at the airport, during the flight, and over the layover.

The exact number of beers consumed by Boggs during this flight has been a subject of speculation, with estimates ranging from 50 to 70. However, in 2015, Boggs himself confirmed that he drank 107 beers during this legendary flight. This revelation was made during the filming of the comedy series "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," in an episode titled "The Gang Beats Boggs."

In the episode, the characters attempt to beat Boggs's record, which they believe to be 50 beers. However, Boggs, who made a cameo in the episode, clarified to actor Charlie Day that the actual number was 107. This claim has been met with scepticism due to the potential impact on Boggs's health and the sheer volume of beer involved.

Boggs's former teammate, Brian Rose, recalled an instance when he sat next to Boggs on a short flight and witnessed him being given a full case of beer by a flight attendant. Rose was astonished that Boggs could consume so much without appearing drunk, to which Boggs replied, "Beer doesn't affect me. I don't get drunk unless I've had at least a case and a half."

While the exact number of beers Boggs drank during his flight may never be definitively proven, his legendary drinking abilities have become a part of baseball folklore.

Boggs' drinking habits

Wade Boggs is known for his baseball career, but he is also known for his drinking abilities. According to an urban legend, Boggs once drank an impressive 107 beers while on a cross-country flight. The story goes that Boggs started drinking in the Red Sox locker room after a game before continuing at the airport, during the flight, and over the course of a layover. This feat has been highly speculated, with initial guesses ranging from 50 to 70 beers.

The legend was fuelled by an episode of the comedy series "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia", in which the characters attempt to beat Boggs' record, believing it to be 50 beers. However, Boggs himself confirmed the number to be 107 while on set for the episode. This claim has been met with scepticism, with some questioning its plausibility.

Boggs' drinking abilities didn't just apply to flights. Former teammate Brian Rose recalled sitting next to him on a short flight when a flight attendant brought Boggs a full case of beer. Rose was astonished that Boggs could drink so much in such a short time without appearing drunk. Boggs himself claimed that beer didn't affect him and that he wouldn't get drunk unless he'd had at least a case and a half.

Boggs' drinking prowess was so renowned that it became the subject of an episode of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia", in which Boggs made a cameo appearance. When asked about the number of beers he consumed, Boggs confirmed it was indeed 107, stating that he had a hollow leg that he would "dump" the beer into. While the exact number may be disputed, there is no doubt that Boggs had a legendary capacity for drinking.

The circumstances under which Boggs drank 107 beers

Wade Boggs is a baseball legend, a 12-time All-Star, a World Series winner, and a first-ballot Hall of Famer. However, one of his most impressive achievements, according to some, is the number of beers he could consume in one sitting.

The story goes that, after finishing a game, Boggs started drinking beer in the Red Sox locker room. The team was heading to Logan Airport for a flight to the West Coast. Boggs continued drinking at the airport and on the first leg of the flight. He also drank during the layover, on the next leg of the flight, and then again that night when the team went out.

Boggs himself has confirmed that he drank 107 beers that day. However, he has also said that he drank 73 beers on the flight, and "then we went out and had a good time in California so we went to 107 beers." This suggests that the 107 beers were consumed over the course of the day and night, rather than solely on the flight, as some sources claim.

Boggs's drinking prowess was such that former teammate Brian Rose recalled being impressed not only by his hitting abilities but also by his ability to drink. On one occasion, Rose sat next to Boggs on a short flight when a flight attendant brought him a full case of beer. Rose recalled that Boggs pounded the beers throughout the flight and didn't even go to the bathroom. When Rose asked what the case of beer was for, Boggs replied, "That's mine."

Whether or not Boggs actually drank 107 beers in one day remains a subject of debate. Some have questioned the plausibility of the story, but many, including Frank from the "Always Sunny" gang, see it as completely plausible.

Other athletes with extreme drinking habits

While Wade Boggs is rumoured to have consumed 107 beers in one day, there are several other athletes with extreme drinking habits.

Babe Ruth

One of the greatest American sports players in history, Babe Ruth was also known for his heavy drinking. He reportedly drank excessively, even during the prohibition era, which had an adverse effect on his team. He continued drinking post-career and died at the age of 53.

Brett Favre

Former Green Bay Packers quarterback, Brett Favre, battled a painkiller addiction in the '90s that transitioned into a cycle of heavy alcohol intake. On his podcast, Favre detailed his problems with alcohol addiction, stating that he often drank to excess. His addiction affected his football career and his relationship with his wife, who encouraged him to seek treatment in 1998. He has since been living a sober lifestyle.

Vin Baker

Former NBA player Vin Baker's alcoholism was revealed in 2003, and he was suspended by the Boston Celtics. He attended AA meetings and underwent treatment for alcohol abuse. His career quickly faded after his alcoholism became public knowledge. He has since made progress in his recovery but suffered a setback in 2007 when he was arrested for drunk driving.

Mickey Mantle

Mickey Mantle, a seven-time World Series champion and 20-time MLB All-Star, struggled with alcohol use during his playing career in the 1950s and 1960s. In a 1994 interview, Mantle stated that he used alcohol as a crutch to overcome his loneliness and shyness in the public eye. He believed that his drinking likely cut his career short and led to memory loss. Mantle died in 1995 of liver cancer.

John Daly

Golfer John Daly has been in and out of multiple AA programs and has gone through several divorces since becoming a professional. He once claimed that he drank a fifth of Jack Daniels every day when he was 23 years old. He was also tossed off a British Airways flight for harassing a flight attendant while drunk. Daly has reportedly been sober since 2008, when he was found drunk outside a Hooters restaurant and taken into police custody.

Charles Barkley

Former NBA player Charles Barkley has been open about his struggles with alcohol addiction and gambling. In 2008, he was charged with two DUI counts and sent to rehab. In a 2020 interview, he stated that he was making a conscious effort to reduce his drinking and exercise more.

Joe Namath

Former New York Jets quarterback, Joe Namath, struggled with alcohol addiction later in his career. In 2003, he appeared drunk during a TV interview, making inappropriate comments to the interviewer, Suzy Kolber. He later entered a rehab program and has been sober for 18 years.

These athletes highlight the prevalence of alcohol addiction among professional sports stars and the impact it can have on their careers and personal lives.

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