For Northern Leaguer J.D. Drew delivered the game winning hit for the Boston Red Sox in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series Thursday night at Fenway Park. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning of a tie game, Drew hit a fly ball over Tampa Bay’s right fielder Gabe Gross driving home Kevin Youkilis to give the Sox the 8-7 win.

 

Drew began his professional career with the St. Paul Saints of the Northern League back in 1997. He returned to play in 30 games with the Saints in 1998. That year he was drafted in the first round by the St. Louis Cardinals and was sent directly to Class AA Memphis.

 

Drew is a lifetime .284 hitting in the big leagues and is currently playing in his first season with Boston. In two seasons with the Saints he hit .359 in 74 total games.