Former Boston Red Sox 2B Doug Griffin dies

Former major-league infielder Doug Griffin died after a lengthy illness, the Boston Red Sox announced Thursday. He was 69.

Griffin died Wednesday in Clovis, Calif., near Fresno.

Griffin played second base for the Red Sox from 1971-77 and won a Gold Glove award in 1972. He batted .248 with seven homers and 161 RBIs in 614 games for Boston.

Griffin first reached the majors in 1970 as a member of the Angels. He was traded to Boston after the season and finished fourth in American League Rookie of the Year balloting in his first campaign with the Red Sox.