The Senators have had several lives. They began their existence in the American Association as the Washington Statesmen. When the AA folded after the 1891 slate, the Statesmen joined the National League and became the Senators. The club floundered in the standings despite the presence of multiple deadball stars--among them Jack Doyle, Kip Selbach and Deacon McGuire. After the 1899 campaign, the NL downsized from twelve to eight teams. The Senators, with their lousy 54-98 record, were ousted from the league.
A new incarnation would appear among the inaugural American League lineup in 1901. In 1905, the team name was changed to the Nationals, but it never caught on. The old Senators were a star-crossed club through most of their existence, compiling a cumulative won/loss record well below .500. Their lackluster play inspired the popular saying: "Washington: First in War, First in Peace and Last in the American League!"
During the mid-'20s/ early-'30s, the club climbed into contention with the addition of Hall of Fame outfielders Sam Rice and Goose Goslin. Walter Johnson--among the greatest hurlers of all time--had been anchoring the pitching corps for many years. In 1924, the rejuvenated Senators captured the first World Series title in franchise history, squeaking out a narrow 7-game victory over the Giants. The final game meandered into extra innings and was decided on a pair of flukey defensive mishaps. With the lineup virtually intact, the Senators returned to the Fall Classic the following year. They met their match against the Pirates, who carried a trio of all time greats on their roster--Kiki Cuyler, Max Carey and Pie Traynor. The Senators brought the last pennant to Washington in 1933, finishing seven games ahead of the powerful Yankees. Season highlights more or less ended there as the Giants rolled over them in five games.
From 1934-1960, the Sens finished in fifth place or lower more than twenty times. This included six last place showings. When owner/ president Clark Griffith passed away in 1955, his nephew Calvin took over the team. He sold Griffith Stadium to the city of Washington then leased it back, generating speculation that the team would relocate. By 1957, Griffith was actively negotiating with officials in Minnesota. The American League was initially opposed to the move, but a deal was eventually struck in 1960. The Senators became the Twins and a new franchise continued play in the nation's capital.
The new Senators were more pitiable than their predecessors, losing 100 games in four consecutive seasons. During their eleven years of existence, they finished above .500 just once. It happened in 1969 with former Red Sox great Ted Williams at the helm. Slugger Frank Howard, known to fans as "The Capital Punisher," had a banner year with 48 homers and 111 RBIs. It wasn't enough to prevent the club from moving to Texas and changing its identity in 1972. To date, the Rangers have made a total of seven playoff appearances, advancing to the World Series twice. Both were losing causes.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Saturday, February 13, 2016
The Greatest Players From Each Franchise (Part VI--NL West)
ARIZONA
DIAMONDBACKS
Randy
Johnson
Johnson is also among the greatest Mariner players
in history. During his ten seasons in Seattle, he won 130 games and captured
four strikeout titles. He landed in Houston after getting off to a slow start
during the ’88 campaign. Unable to meet his salary demands, the Astros let him
go before the ’89 slate. Johnson spent eight of his prime seasons with the
Diamondbacks, compiling a 118-62 record with a 2.83 ERA. He averaged 260
strikeouts per year while helping the club to three postseason appearances, including
the only World Series title in franchise history. Johnson was co-MVP of the
Series—sharing the honor with Curt Schilling. By the time he retired in 2009,
the towering left-hander (6-foot-10) held numerous all-time records. His 4,875
lifetime strikeouts are most for a southpaw.
COLORADO
ROCKIES
Todd
Helton
Offense has always been an intrinsic feature of
Coors Field and, when Helton becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame, he will
have his share of detractors. Still, the talented first baseman put up some of the best numbers in franchise history. A lifetime .316
hitter in seventeen seasons, he logged a .372 average during the 2000 campaign with 59 doubles
and 147 RBIs. Despite those tacky numbers, he finished fifth in MVP voting that year. A
multi-dimensional player, Helton won three Gold Gloves during his career. He
helped the Rockies to their only World Series appearance in 2007. His .333
batting mark (highest among Colorado regulars) could not prevent a sweep at the
hands of the Red Sox. Helton currently holds franchise records for runs scored,
hits, total bases, doubles, homers and RBIs.
SAN
FRANCISCO GIANTS
Willie
Mays
Warren Spahn blamed himself for Mays’s complete
domination of National League pitching. “He was something like zero for
twenty-one the first time I saw him,” Spahn reminisced years after the fact.
“His first major league home run was off me and I’ll never forgive myself. We
might have gotten rid of him forever if I’d only struck him out.” Mays
eventually found his groove and captured Rookie of the Year honors in ’51.
Twelve Gold Gloves and Twenty All-Star selections would follow. A five-tool
player, Mays hit for power and average, ran the bases exceptionally well and
had unparalleled defensive skills. During his 21 seasons with the Giants, he
hit .304 with 646 homers and 1,859 RBIs. He holds franchise records for total
bases, doubles and extra-base hits (among others).
SAN
DIEGO PADRES
Tony
Gwynn
Gwynn spent his entire twenty-year career with the
Padres, helping the club reach the postseason three times. Gwynn was a .371
hitter in two World Series. During the regular season, he compiled a more
modest .338 mark. He was an eight-time batting champion and fifteen-time
All-Star. Proving he was a well-rounded player, he won five Gold Gloves and stole
30 or more bases four times. Opposing pitchers dreaded facing him, especially
Al Leiter, who once commented, “The only way to pitch Tony is to throw the ball
down the middle and hope he hits it at someone.” Elected to the Hall of Fame in
2007, he died seven years later at the age of fifty-four—a victim of cancer.
LOS
ANGELES DODGERS
Zack
Wheat
The Dodgers have had so many great players over the
years—especially during the ‘50s, when Ebbets Field was home to Pee Wee Reese,
Duke Snider, Roy Campanella and Jackie Robinson. But from a purely statistical
standpoint, the most productive Dodger player retired long before “The Boys of
Summer” took the field. An obscure historical figure, Zack Wheat spent eighteen
seasons with the Dodgers from 1909-1926. During Wheat’s career, the club carried
three different names--the Superbas, Dodgers and Robins. Wheat was the team’s
brightest star for well over a decade. A writer from Baseball Magazine once remarked that “What Lajoie was to
infielders, Zack Wheat is to outfielders, the finest mechanical craftsmen of
them all.” Wheat led players at his position (LF) in fielding percentage twice
and remains among the all-time leaders in putouts, assists and double plays. He
was pretty good with a bat too, establishing franchise records for hits,
doubles, triples and times on base. He led the Dodgers to their first two World
Series appearances and reached base eighteen times in twelve games. Had he
played alongside the aforementioned luminaries, the Dodgers would likely have
captured several more world championships.
Monday, February 1, 2016
The Greatest Players From Each Franchise (Part V--NL Central)
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Stan Musial
Anyone who thinks Musial was NOT the greatest player in Cardinal history needs to reexamine the facts. In May of 1954, Musial had 4 hits, 3 homers and 6 RBIs in the first game of a doubleheader at Sportsman's Park in St. Louis. With the hometown crowd cheering him on, he added 2 homers and 4 RBIs in the second game, finishing the day with 21 total bases. The 5 long balls are still a record (tied by Nate Colbert of the Padres). Though he had some less exciting days at the plate, the performance was typical of Musial's remarkable career. Despite losing a full season to military duty during WWII, Musial is still among the all time leaders in runs scored, hits, total bases, doubles, RBIs and times on base. He won three MVP Awards and seven batting titles. He narrowly missed a Triple Crown in 1948, finishing just one home run behind league leaders Ralph Kiner and Johnny Mize. Musial rarely struck out, recording less than forty whiffs in sixteen seasons--a major league record. He was pretty good on defense too, leading the NL in fielding percentage three times. His efforts guided the Cards to four World Series berths, three of which were winning causes. Off the field, Musial was a consummate gentleman and tireless ambassador of the game. Even the great Mickey Mantle was in awe of Musial's all around greatness. "He was a better player than me because he was a better man than me," said Mantle. Before his death in 2013, Musial received the Presidential Medal of Freedom--the highest honor bestowed upon a U.S. civilian.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Honus Wagner
Wagner was widely hailed by his contemporaries as one of the greatest players in the game. A hundred years later, those endorsements still hold up. Sabermetric similarity scores place Wagner above Napoleon Lajoie, Eddie Collins and Tris Speaker--three of the most prolific hitters in baseball history. Statistical guru Bill James once ranked Wagner as the second best player of all time behind Babe Ruth. Wagner won eight batting crowns and led the league in slugging percentage on six occasions. He still holds the record for most triples by a right-handed batter (252). By the time MVP Awards were handed out, Wagner was thirty-seven years old. Still, he finished among the top ten in voting every year from 1911-1913. There was no All-Star Game in his day, but he would undoubtedly have been a perennial choice. Nicknamed "The Flying Dutchman," Wagner was oddly proportioned with huge hands, a barrel-chest and bowed legs. Though he must have looked a bit awkward doing it, he ran the bases well, accumulating more than 700 steals during his career. He was mild-mannered and approachable off the field. He never hesitated to give teammates and opponents due credit. He was always ready with an interesting anecdote or a joke. After missing out on a managing opportunity in Cincinnati, he served as Pirates coach from 1932 to 1952.
CINCINNATI REDS
Pete Rose
Of all the players outside the Hall of Fame, Rose is among the most worthy of inclusion. He once remarked that he would "walk through Hell in a gasoline suit to play baseball." Few players have matched his level of enthusiasm. Hank Aaron famously joked: "Does Pete Rose hustle? Before the All-Star Game he came into the clubhouse and took off his shoes and they ran another mile without him." Rose's fierce desire to win became infamous. He once brawled with pint-sized infielder Bud Harrelson during a playoff game the Reds were losing handily. In the 1970 All-Star Game, he laid a nasty hit on AL catcher Ray Fosse while delivering the winning run. The resulting injury derailed Fosse's promising career. Over the past two and a half decades, Rose has served as an outspoken proponent of the sport. Banned for life after being caught betting on games he was involved in, he holds the all time record for hits and times on base. He is also the only player to log at least five-hundred games of experience at five different positions. Describing Rose's importance to the "Big Red Machine" of the 1970s, manager Sparky Anderson said: "He is Cincinnati. He is the Reds."
CHICAGO CUBS
Ernie Banks
Nicknamed "Mr. Cub," Banks was the living embodiment of baseball in Chicago. Even when his team failed to make it to the World Series year after year, he maintained his zest for the game. He became famous for the statement: "Let's play two." A fourteen-time All-Star, he was the National League's first back-to-back MVP recipient. In an era when shortstops were known mostly for their defense, he went deep 512 times, reaching the 40-homer threshold on five occasions. Highly versatile, he made the switch to first base in 1962. As a shortstop, he led the league in fielding percentage three times. At first base, he led the league once and finished among the top three during five other seasons. He won a Gold Glove in 1960. When sportswriters asked him during spring training how the club would fare in any given year, he always offered a memorable quote. Some examples are as follows: "The Cubs are due in sixty-two," "Wrigley Field will be heaven in sixty-seven," and "The Cubs will shine in sixty-nine." Before he died in 2015, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Robin Yount
When discussions of great Milwaukee players surface, Paul Molitor and Robin Yount inevitably enter the mix. While Molitor was undoubtedly among the most gifted hitters ever to don a Brewers uniform, he can't match Yount's record for longevity. Yount spent his entire twenty-year career with the Brewers and appeared to be on pace to reach the 4,000 hit mark when he unexpectedly retired at the age of thirty-seven. In 1982, Yount put together one of the finest seasons ever by a shortstop, leading the American League in hits, doubles, slugging percentage and total bases. He led the Brewers to their first ever World Series appearance. After hitting .414 in a losing cause, he was named AL MVP. Yount was the third youngest player to gather 3,000 hits. He is among a select group of players to be named MVP at more than one defensive position. In 1989, he captured the honor as a center fielder. He is among the top twenty of all time in hits and doubles. He held the franchise record for homers until 2015.
Stan Musial
Anyone who thinks Musial was NOT the greatest player in Cardinal history needs to reexamine the facts. In May of 1954, Musial had 4 hits, 3 homers and 6 RBIs in the first game of a doubleheader at Sportsman's Park in St. Louis. With the hometown crowd cheering him on, he added 2 homers and 4 RBIs in the second game, finishing the day with 21 total bases. The 5 long balls are still a record (tied by Nate Colbert of the Padres). Though he had some less exciting days at the plate, the performance was typical of Musial's remarkable career. Despite losing a full season to military duty during WWII, Musial is still among the all time leaders in runs scored, hits, total bases, doubles, RBIs and times on base. He won three MVP Awards and seven batting titles. He narrowly missed a Triple Crown in 1948, finishing just one home run behind league leaders Ralph Kiner and Johnny Mize. Musial rarely struck out, recording less than forty whiffs in sixteen seasons--a major league record. He was pretty good on defense too, leading the NL in fielding percentage three times. His efforts guided the Cards to four World Series berths, three of which were winning causes. Off the field, Musial was a consummate gentleman and tireless ambassador of the game. Even the great Mickey Mantle was in awe of Musial's all around greatness. "He was a better player than me because he was a better man than me," said Mantle. Before his death in 2013, Musial received the Presidential Medal of Freedom--the highest honor bestowed upon a U.S. civilian.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Honus Wagner
Wagner was widely hailed by his contemporaries as one of the greatest players in the game. A hundred years later, those endorsements still hold up. Sabermetric similarity scores place Wagner above Napoleon Lajoie, Eddie Collins and Tris Speaker--three of the most prolific hitters in baseball history. Statistical guru Bill James once ranked Wagner as the second best player of all time behind Babe Ruth. Wagner won eight batting crowns and led the league in slugging percentage on six occasions. He still holds the record for most triples by a right-handed batter (252). By the time MVP Awards were handed out, Wagner was thirty-seven years old. Still, he finished among the top ten in voting every year from 1911-1913. There was no All-Star Game in his day, but he would undoubtedly have been a perennial choice. Nicknamed "The Flying Dutchman," Wagner was oddly proportioned with huge hands, a barrel-chest and bowed legs. Though he must have looked a bit awkward doing it, he ran the bases well, accumulating more than 700 steals during his career. He was mild-mannered and approachable off the field. He never hesitated to give teammates and opponents due credit. He was always ready with an interesting anecdote or a joke. After missing out on a managing opportunity in Cincinnati, he served as Pirates coach from 1932 to 1952.
CINCINNATI REDS
Pete Rose
Of all the players outside the Hall of Fame, Rose is among the most worthy of inclusion. He once remarked that he would "walk through Hell in a gasoline suit to play baseball." Few players have matched his level of enthusiasm. Hank Aaron famously joked: "Does Pete Rose hustle? Before the All-Star Game he came into the clubhouse and took off his shoes and they ran another mile without him." Rose's fierce desire to win became infamous. He once brawled with pint-sized infielder Bud Harrelson during a playoff game the Reds were losing handily. In the 1970 All-Star Game, he laid a nasty hit on AL catcher Ray Fosse while delivering the winning run. The resulting injury derailed Fosse's promising career. Over the past two and a half decades, Rose has served as an outspoken proponent of the sport. Banned for life after being caught betting on games he was involved in, he holds the all time record for hits and times on base. He is also the only player to log at least five-hundred games of experience at five different positions. Describing Rose's importance to the "Big Red Machine" of the 1970s, manager Sparky Anderson said: "He is Cincinnati. He is the Reds."
CHICAGO CUBS
Ernie Banks
Nicknamed "Mr. Cub," Banks was the living embodiment of baseball in Chicago. Even when his team failed to make it to the World Series year after year, he maintained his zest for the game. He became famous for the statement: "Let's play two." A fourteen-time All-Star, he was the National League's first back-to-back MVP recipient. In an era when shortstops were known mostly for their defense, he went deep 512 times, reaching the 40-homer threshold on five occasions. Highly versatile, he made the switch to first base in 1962. As a shortstop, he led the league in fielding percentage three times. At first base, he led the league once and finished among the top three during five other seasons. He won a Gold Glove in 1960. When sportswriters asked him during spring training how the club would fare in any given year, he always offered a memorable quote. Some examples are as follows: "The Cubs are due in sixty-two," "Wrigley Field will be heaven in sixty-seven," and "The Cubs will shine in sixty-nine." Before he died in 2015, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Robin Yount
When discussions of great Milwaukee players surface, Paul Molitor and Robin Yount inevitably enter the mix. While Molitor was undoubtedly among the most gifted hitters ever to don a Brewers uniform, he can't match Yount's record for longevity. Yount spent his entire twenty-year career with the Brewers and appeared to be on pace to reach the 4,000 hit mark when he unexpectedly retired at the age of thirty-seven. In 1982, Yount put together one of the finest seasons ever by a shortstop, leading the American League in hits, doubles, slugging percentage and total bases. He led the Brewers to their first ever World Series appearance. After hitting .414 in a losing cause, he was named AL MVP. Yount was the third youngest player to gather 3,000 hits. He is among a select group of players to be named MVP at more than one defensive position. In 1989, he captured the honor as a center fielder. He is among the top twenty of all time in hits and doubles. He held the franchise record for homers until 2015.
Saturday, January 23, 2016
The Greatest Players From Each Franchise (Part IV--NL East)
NEW YORK METS
Tom Seaver
After working his way rapidly through the minor league system, Seaver posted 16 wins in his major league debut with the tenth place Mets. Baseball writers were so impressed, they named him Rookie of the Year. Over the next eleven seasons in New York, "Tom Terrific" would capture three Cy Young Awards and appear on ten All-Star rosters. Slugger Reggie Jackson once commented of Seaver's greatness: "Blind people come to the park just to hear him pitch." Seaver injected life and respectability into a woeful franchise, leading the Mets to a pair of World Series appearances. He compiled a 2.70 ERA in Series play. He tossed five one-hitters with the Mets and came within two outs of a perfect game in July of '69. In April of 1970, he struck out ten consecutive batters--a major league record. He averaged 17 wins per season during his time in New York.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS/ MONTREAL EXPOS
Tim Raines
The Nationals are a young team--established in 2005--and to find a suitable candidate I had to journey back to the days of the Expos. Though the Expos produced several Hall of Famers, my choice for greatest player in franchise history is on the cusp--for now anyway. In 2016, Raines received his highest percentage of Hall of Fame votes to date (69.8%) and, with six years of eligibility to go, he may end up being enshrined. From '81-'87, Raines was a member of the All-Star team every year. He led the league in steals for four straight seasons and captured a batting title in '86 with a .334 average. Though he never received a Gold Glove, a careful examination of his defensive stats suggests that he was robbed. He posted the highest fielding percentage among players at his position (LF) six times. After a highly publicized battle with cocaine addiction, Raines cleaned himself up and turned his career around. He lasted more than two decades in the majors. His 808 career steals are fifth on the all time list.
MIAMI MARLINS
Luis Castillo
Though the Marlins have been around since 1993, few players have stuck with the club long enough to put up impressive numbers. In terms of longevity and consistency, my vote for best franchise player goes to Luis Castillo. After spending three straight seasons bouncing up and down from the majors to the minors, Castillo finally found a permanent home in Florida. The Dominican native had a breakout year in '99, hitting .302 in 128 games while stealing 50 bases. He would lead the league twice in steals. Castillo spent portions of ten seasons with the Marlins altogether, compiling a highly proficient .293 batting mark while averaging 28 steals per year. A solid defensive player, he captured three consecutive Gold Gloves at second base. His efforts led the Marlins to a World Series title in 2003. Traded to the Twins in '06, he finished his major league career with the Mets.
ATLANTA BRAVES
Hank Aaron
Aaron is not only the greatest player in Braves history, but he is among the most gifted athletes ever to grace the diamond. In a time when racial prejudice still ran deep, he carried himself with quiet dignity while assembling one of the most impressive careers ever. Given the fact that the only player to surpass him was a known PED abuser, Aaron remains the all time home run leader in the minds of many. He still holds records for RBIs, extra-base hits and total bases. During his twenty-three seasons in the majors, he was named to the All-Star team twenty-one times. He hit .362 in postseason play. A model of consistency, he scored at least 100 runs in thirteen straight seasons. From 1955-1970, he gathered no fewer than 150 hits each year--the longest streak of its kind. He finished his career with 3,771 hits, which is third on the all time list.
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Mike Schmidt
When assessing the franchise history of the Phillies, one can't ignore the contributions of pitchers Pete Alexander and Robin Roberts. Alexander captured three straight triple crowns and led the club to a World Series berth in 1915. Roberts logged six consecutive 20-win seasons and was a key member of the 1950 pennant-winning squad. But nobody put the franchise on the map like Mike Schmidt. From 1974-1986, Schmidt won eight home run crowns and three MVP awards. A gifted defensive player, he captured nine straight Gold Gloves. Of all the third basemen in the Hall of Fame, Schmidt is the leader in homers, RBIs and slugging percentage. His contributions led the Phillies to six postseason berths, including the first world championship in franchise history. Schmidt was MVP of the 1980 Series, hitting .381 with 6 runs scored and 7 RBIs. Teammate Pete Rose once remarked: "Mike Schmidt is the best player in the National League today. There's no question about that. He honestly doesn't realize how much ability he has." When Schmidt retired in 1989, a New York Times writer commented: "No other third baseman has ever done what he did with both his bat and his glove. Not Brooks Robinson, not Eddie Mathews, not Pie Traynor." A statue erected in Schmidt's honor stands outside Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
Tom Seaver
After working his way rapidly through the minor league system, Seaver posted 16 wins in his major league debut with the tenth place Mets. Baseball writers were so impressed, they named him Rookie of the Year. Over the next eleven seasons in New York, "Tom Terrific" would capture three Cy Young Awards and appear on ten All-Star rosters. Slugger Reggie Jackson once commented of Seaver's greatness: "Blind people come to the park just to hear him pitch." Seaver injected life and respectability into a woeful franchise, leading the Mets to a pair of World Series appearances. He compiled a 2.70 ERA in Series play. He tossed five one-hitters with the Mets and came within two outs of a perfect game in July of '69. In April of 1970, he struck out ten consecutive batters--a major league record. He averaged 17 wins per season during his time in New York.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS/ MONTREAL EXPOS
Tim Raines
The Nationals are a young team--established in 2005--and to find a suitable candidate I had to journey back to the days of the Expos. Though the Expos produced several Hall of Famers, my choice for greatest player in franchise history is on the cusp--for now anyway. In 2016, Raines received his highest percentage of Hall of Fame votes to date (69.8%) and, with six years of eligibility to go, he may end up being enshrined. From '81-'87, Raines was a member of the All-Star team every year. He led the league in steals for four straight seasons and captured a batting title in '86 with a .334 average. Though he never received a Gold Glove, a careful examination of his defensive stats suggests that he was robbed. He posted the highest fielding percentage among players at his position (LF) six times. After a highly publicized battle with cocaine addiction, Raines cleaned himself up and turned his career around. He lasted more than two decades in the majors. His 808 career steals are fifth on the all time list.
MIAMI MARLINS
Luis Castillo
Though the Marlins have been around since 1993, few players have stuck with the club long enough to put up impressive numbers. In terms of longevity and consistency, my vote for best franchise player goes to Luis Castillo. After spending three straight seasons bouncing up and down from the majors to the minors, Castillo finally found a permanent home in Florida. The Dominican native had a breakout year in '99, hitting .302 in 128 games while stealing 50 bases. He would lead the league twice in steals. Castillo spent portions of ten seasons with the Marlins altogether, compiling a highly proficient .293 batting mark while averaging 28 steals per year. A solid defensive player, he captured three consecutive Gold Gloves at second base. His efforts led the Marlins to a World Series title in 2003. Traded to the Twins in '06, he finished his major league career with the Mets.
ATLANTA BRAVES
Hank Aaron
Aaron is not only the greatest player in Braves history, but he is among the most gifted athletes ever to grace the diamond. In a time when racial prejudice still ran deep, he carried himself with quiet dignity while assembling one of the most impressive careers ever. Given the fact that the only player to surpass him was a known PED abuser, Aaron remains the all time home run leader in the minds of many. He still holds records for RBIs, extra-base hits and total bases. During his twenty-three seasons in the majors, he was named to the All-Star team twenty-one times. He hit .362 in postseason play. A model of consistency, he scored at least 100 runs in thirteen straight seasons. From 1955-1970, he gathered no fewer than 150 hits each year--the longest streak of its kind. He finished his career with 3,771 hits, which is third on the all time list.
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Mike Schmidt
When assessing the franchise history of the Phillies, one can't ignore the contributions of pitchers Pete Alexander and Robin Roberts. Alexander captured three straight triple crowns and led the club to a World Series berth in 1915. Roberts logged six consecutive 20-win seasons and was a key member of the 1950 pennant-winning squad. But nobody put the franchise on the map like Mike Schmidt. From 1974-1986, Schmidt won eight home run crowns and three MVP awards. A gifted defensive player, he captured nine straight Gold Gloves. Of all the third basemen in the Hall of Fame, Schmidt is the leader in homers, RBIs and slugging percentage. His contributions led the Phillies to six postseason berths, including the first world championship in franchise history. Schmidt was MVP of the 1980 Series, hitting .381 with 6 runs scored and 7 RBIs. Teammate Pete Rose once remarked: "Mike Schmidt is the best player in the National League today. There's no question about that. He honestly doesn't realize how much ability he has." When Schmidt retired in 1989, a New York Times writer commented: "No other third baseman has ever done what he did with both his bat and his glove. Not Brooks Robinson, not Eddie Mathews, not Pie Traynor." A statue erected in Schmidt's honor stands outside Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
The Greatest Players From Each Franchise (Part III--AL West)
TEXAS RANGERS
Ivan Rodriguez
Rodriguez--also known as "Pudge" or "I-Rod"--gave thirteen of his best seasons to the Rangers between 1991 and 2002. During that span, he made ten consecutive All-Star appearances and won the same number of Gold Gloves. He retired with thirteen Gold Glove Awards altogether--more than any catcher in history. His offense improved as time wore on and he reached the peak of his career in '99 with 35 homers, 113 RBIs and a .332 batting average--numbers good enough to capture MVP honors. After his departure from Texas in 2003, he led two other clubs to World Series appearances. He was named MVP of the 2003 NLCS and compiled a .313 postseason batting average during the Marlins championship run that year. Behind the plate, he had an accurate arm and quick release. He led the league in caught stealing percentage nine times. His is the all-time leader in putouts among catchers.
HOUSTON ASTROS
Craig Biggio
It would be just as easy to name Jeff Bagwell the top Astros player of all time, but I chose Biggio because he gave twenty seasons to the club as opposed to Bagwell's fifteen. Biggio started his career as a catcher and spent a fair amount of time in the outfield before making the switch to second base in 1992. The position suited him well as he led the NL in assists six times and putouts on five occasions. He captured four Gold Gloves. One of Biggio's most useful talents was getting on base. He drew 60 or more walks ten times and led the league in hit-by-pitch during five seasons. He wore an over-sized elbow guard and had a tendency to lean out over the plate. Only one other player was plunked more times than Biggio--Hall of Famer Hughie Jennings. Biggio had excellent speed, stealing more than 400 bases during his career. He led the league in 1994. His 3060 base hits secured him a place in the Hall of Fame. He was elected in 2015.
CALIFORNIA ANGELS
Chuck Finley
Had Nolan Ryan remained in an Angels uniform a bit longer, he would likely have broken every franchise pitching record. But in examining the team data, the player who really stands out is left-hander Chuck Finley. During his fourteen years with the club, Finley set franchise records for wins and innings pitched. He ranks second behind Ryan in strikeouts. Highly durable, Finley made 30 or more starts eleven times during his career. He led the AL with 13 complete games during the '93 slate. The Angels weren't particularly good during many of Finley's seasons, but he was a model of consistency almost every year. He had several good pitches in his arsenal, including a fastball, forkball and curve. An unusual claim to fame, he struck out four batters in an inning three times. Throughout his career, he maintained a sense of humor about himself. After being named Player of the Week one year, he quipped: "That just shows you how this league has gone to hell."
SEATTLE MARINERS
Ken Griffey Jr.
Though Ichiro Suzuki and Edgar Martinez put up impressive stats over the years, Griffey Jr. was a better player all around. With more power than Ichiro and more versatility than Martinez, Griffey led the league in homers four times and captured ten straight Gold Gloves. He got started in the majors at the age of nineteen and demonstrated so much poise, he was nicknamed "The Natural." He retired with 630 career homers--placing him sixth on the all time list. He accomplished this presumably without the aid of steroids. He holds the record for most homers in a season by a center fielder (56--tied with Hack Wilson). He captured more than ninety percent of the Hall of Fame vote in 2016.
OAKLAND A'S
The A's have resided in three different cities over the years, spending more than fifty seasons in Philadelphia and close to fifty more in Oakland after a brief layover in Kansas City. During the Philadelphia years, pitcher Eddie Plank was arguably the most valuable asset to the club. The first left-hander to win 300 games, "Gettysburg Eddie" was a workhorse for manager Connie Mack, averaging 20 wins per year between 1901 and 1914. He accrued a stellar 2.39 ERA in that span while leading the AL in shutouts twice. Plank was even better in the postseason, allowing just 8 earned runs in 6 World Series starts. A victim of poor run support, he won just two of those starts in spite of a miserly 1.32 ERA.
During the Oakland era, nobody carried the club like Rickey Henderson. The greatest leadoff man in history, Henderson is the all time leader in runs scored and stolen bases. He ranks second in bases on balls. Though he remained in the game long after his prime, he still manged to retire with an on-base percentage above .400. Henderson had some power for a leadoff man, cracking 297 career homers. He holds the record for most homers leading off a game with 81. Imminently aware of his abilities, he often bragged about his on-field accomplishments while referring to himself in the third person. In a story he vehemently denied, he allegedly left a message on the answering machine of Padres' GM Kevin Towers saying: "This is Rickey calling on behalf of Rickey. Rickey wants to play ball."
Ivan Rodriguez
Rodriguez--also known as "Pudge" or "I-Rod"--gave thirteen of his best seasons to the Rangers between 1991 and 2002. During that span, he made ten consecutive All-Star appearances and won the same number of Gold Gloves. He retired with thirteen Gold Glove Awards altogether--more than any catcher in history. His offense improved as time wore on and he reached the peak of his career in '99 with 35 homers, 113 RBIs and a .332 batting average--numbers good enough to capture MVP honors. After his departure from Texas in 2003, he led two other clubs to World Series appearances. He was named MVP of the 2003 NLCS and compiled a .313 postseason batting average during the Marlins championship run that year. Behind the plate, he had an accurate arm and quick release. He led the league in caught stealing percentage nine times. His is the all-time leader in putouts among catchers.
HOUSTON ASTROS
Craig Biggio
It would be just as easy to name Jeff Bagwell the top Astros player of all time, but I chose Biggio because he gave twenty seasons to the club as opposed to Bagwell's fifteen. Biggio started his career as a catcher and spent a fair amount of time in the outfield before making the switch to second base in 1992. The position suited him well as he led the NL in assists six times and putouts on five occasions. He captured four Gold Gloves. One of Biggio's most useful talents was getting on base. He drew 60 or more walks ten times and led the league in hit-by-pitch during five seasons. He wore an over-sized elbow guard and had a tendency to lean out over the plate. Only one other player was plunked more times than Biggio--Hall of Famer Hughie Jennings. Biggio had excellent speed, stealing more than 400 bases during his career. He led the league in 1994. His 3060 base hits secured him a place in the Hall of Fame. He was elected in 2015.
CALIFORNIA ANGELS
Chuck Finley
Had Nolan Ryan remained in an Angels uniform a bit longer, he would likely have broken every franchise pitching record. But in examining the team data, the player who really stands out is left-hander Chuck Finley. During his fourteen years with the club, Finley set franchise records for wins and innings pitched. He ranks second behind Ryan in strikeouts. Highly durable, Finley made 30 or more starts eleven times during his career. He led the AL with 13 complete games during the '93 slate. The Angels weren't particularly good during many of Finley's seasons, but he was a model of consistency almost every year. He had several good pitches in his arsenal, including a fastball, forkball and curve. An unusual claim to fame, he struck out four batters in an inning three times. Throughout his career, he maintained a sense of humor about himself. After being named Player of the Week one year, he quipped: "That just shows you how this league has gone to hell."
SEATTLE MARINERS
Ken Griffey Jr.
Though Ichiro Suzuki and Edgar Martinez put up impressive stats over the years, Griffey Jr. was a better player all around. With more power than Ichiro and more versatility than Martinez, Griffey led the league in homers four times and captured ten straight Gold Gloves. He got started in the majors at the age of nineteen and demonstrated so much poise, he was nicknamed "The Natural." He retired with 630 career homers--placing him sixth on the all time list. He accomplished this presumably without the aid of steroids. He holds the record for most homers in a season by a center fielder (56--tied with Hack Wilson). He captured more than ninety percent of the Hall of Fame vote in 2016.
OAKLAND A'S
The A's have resided in three different cities over the years, spending more than fifty seasons in Philadelphia and close to fifty more in Oakland after a brief layover in Kansas City. During the Philadelphia years, pitcher Eddie Plank was arguably the most valuable asset to the club. The first left-hander to win 300 games, "Gettysburg Eddie" was a workhorse for manager Connie Mack, averaging 20 wins per year between 1901 and 1914. He accrued a stellar 2.39 ERA in that span while leading the AL in shutouts twice. Plank was even better in the postseason, allowing just 8 earned runs in 6 World Series starts. A victim of poor run support, he won just two of those starts in spite of a miserly 1.32 ERA.
During the Oakland era, nobody carried the club like Rickey Henderson. The greatest leadoff man in history, Henderson is the all time leader in runs scored and stolen bases. He ranks second in bases on balls. Though he remained in the game long after his prime, he still manged to retire with an on-base percentage above .400. Henderson had some power for a leadoff man, cracking 297 career homers. He holds the record for most homers leading off a game with 81. Imminently aware of his abilities, he often bragged about his on-field accomplishments while referring to himself in the third person. In a story he vehemently denied, he allegedly left a message on the answering machine of Padres' GM Kevin Towers saying: "This is Rickey calling on behalf of Rickey. Rickey wants to play ball."
Sunday, January 3, 2016
The Greatest Players From Each Franchise (Part II--AL Central)
CLEVELAND INDIANS
Napoleon Lajoie
In examining the body of evidence, most of the players who had the greatest impact in Cleveland are figures from the dim and distant past. Lajoie played so long ago that the proper pronunciation of his name (Lah-zhuh-way) has been largely forgotten. He got his start with the Phillies in the nineteenth century and, seduced by a more lucrative contract offer, defected to the American League during its inaugural campaign. He led the league in nearly a dozen offensive categories before a dispute of ownership sent him to Cleveland. Between 1902 and 1913, Lajoie won four batting titles and exceeded the .350 mark at the plate on six occasions. His .426 average in 1901 has not been surpassed since. He was so successful in Cleveland that the team was actually renamed after him. They were known as the Naps until 1915. Defensively, Lajoie was among the best in the majors. His quick reflexes, exceptional speed and sure hands drew lavish praise from contemporaries. "He plays so naturally and easily that it looks like lack of effort," Connie Mack once observed. Lajoie was the first second baseman elected to the Hall of Fame in 1937.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Nellie Fox
Fox was somewhat diminutive in stature, bu his value to the club was immense. "I hate to play a single game without him," said manager Marty Marion. "It's like trying to run an auto without spark plugs." A spirited team leader, Fox was a pest to opposing teams. "That little feller, he ain't so big, but he's all fire," griped Yankee manager Casey Stengel. "He's caused me more grief than any other player on the White Sox." From 1951-1961, Fox was a member of the All-Star team every year. An exceptional defensive second baseman, he captured three Gold Gloves. He reached the pinnacle of his career in 1959, when he led the Sox to their first World Series appearance in four decades. He hit .375 in a losing cause and was later named AL MVP. Surprisingly, he was eliminated from the primary Hall of Fame ballot in 1984, gaining entry via the Veterans Committee.
MINNESOTA TWINS
Kirby Puckett
Puckett's career was somewhat brief--cut short by glaucoma that left him essentially blind in one eye. But during his twelve seasons in the majors, he accomplished a lot. A lifetime .318 hitter, he gathered more than 200 hits on five occasions. He proved his worth defensively by capturing six Gold Gloves in center field. His tireless efforts propelled the Twins to a pair of World Series titles--the only championships in post-Senators history. Puckett's warm, engaging personality made him immensely popular among fans. GM Andy MacPhail contended that "If he had been playing in New York or Los Angeles, they would be building statues to him."
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
George Brett
Though a host of great players have passed through Kansas City since the team was established in 1969, the club's greatest period of success coincided with the career of George Brett. Sabermetricians have come up with a statistic known as Wins Above Replacement, in which a complex and mysterious formula is used to determine how much better a player is than another player who would typically replace him (Don't worry--most normal fans don't understand it either). Brett's WAR score is nearly twice as much as the next worthy Kansas City hero. From 1974-1990, he was arguably the best third baseman in the league. He made thirteen consecutive All-Star appearances while claiming an MVP Award and a Gold Glove. In 1980, he flirted with the .400 mark into early-September before finishing the season at .390. He still holds the all time records for most consecutive games with 3 or more hits (6) and most decades with a batting title (3--He won it in 1976, 1980 and 1990). He retired with 3,154 hits--among the top twenty totals of all time. Throughout his career he was the face of the franchise. "He was always the guy," said Royals broadcaster Denny Mathews. "He was so mentally tough, he accepted being the guy." Brett remained "the guy" even after his retirement when he aspired to the position of team VP.
DETROIT TIGERS
Ty Cobb
While Miguel Cabrera has assembled an impressive batch of statistics over the past several years, there is little doubt who the greatest player in Tigers history is. Among the fiercest competitors of all time, Cobb captured twelve batting titles in a thirteen-year span. He exceeded the .400 mark at the plate during three seasons and retired with the highest batting average of all time at .366. He is the current holder of multiple records including most seasons with 10 or more triples (17) and most games with 5 or more hits (14). When teammates failed to drive him in, he often stole his way around the bases--sometimes announcing his intentions to opponents beforehand. He stole home 54 times during his career. With a menacing persona, he made plenty of enemies over the years, but he had his share of advocates as well. Tris Speaker once said; "The Babe was a great ballplayer, sure, but Cobb was even greater. Babe could knock your brains out, but Cobb would drive you crazy." Describing his life experience to a writer, Cobb once said: "I had to fight all my life to survive. They were all against me. But I beat the bastards and left them in the ditch."
Napoleon Lajoie
In examining the body of evidence, most of the players who had the greatest impact in Cleveland are figures from the dim and distant past. Lajoie played so long ago that the proper pronunciation of his name (Lah-zhuh-way) has been largely forgotten. He got his start with the Phillies in the nineteenth century and, seduced by a more lucrative contract offer, defected to the American League during its inaugural campaign. He led the league in nearly a dozen offensive categories before a dispute of ownership sent him to Cleveland. Between 1902 and 1913, Lajoie won four batting titles and exceeded the .350 mark at the plate on six occasions. His .426 average in 1901 has not been surpassed since. He was so successful in Cleveland that the team was actually renamed after him. They were known as the Naps until 1915. Defensively, Lajoie was among the best in the majors. His quick reflexes, exceptional speed and sure hands drew lavish praise from contemporaries. "He plays so naturally and easily that it looks like lack of effort," Connie Mack once observed. Lajoie was the first second baseman elected to the Hall of Fame in 1937.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Nellie Fox
Fox was somewhat diminutive in stature, bu his value to the club was immense. "I hate to play a single game without him," said manager Marty Marion. "It's like trying to run an auto without spark plugs." A spirited team leader, Fox was a pest to opposing teams. "That little feller, he ain't so big, but he's all fire," griped Yankee manager Casey Stengel. "He's caused me more grief than any other player on the White Sox." From 1951-1961, Fox was a member of the All-Star team every year. An exceptional defensive second baseman, he captured three Gold Gloves. He reached the pinnacle of his career in 1959, when he led the Sox to their first World Series appearance in four decades. He hit .375 in a losing cause and was later named AL MVP. Surprisingly, he was eliminated from the primary Hall of Fame ballot in 1984, gaining entry via the Veterans Committee.
MINNESOTA TWINS
Kirby Puckett
Puckett's career was somewhat brief--cut short by glaucoma that left him essentially blind in one eye. But during his twelve seasons in the majors, he accomplished a lot. A lifetime .318 hitter, he gathered more than 200 hits on five occasions. He proved his worth defensively by capturing six Gold Gloves in center field. His tireless efforts propelled the Twins to a pair of World Series titles--the only championships in post-Senators history. Puckett's warm, engaging personality made him immensely popular among fans. GM Andy MacPhail contended that "If he had been playing in New York or Los Angeles, they would be building statues to him."
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
George Brett
Though a host of great players have passed through Kansas City since the team was established in 1969, the club's greatest period of success coincided with the career of George Brett. Sabermetricians have come up with a statistic known as Wins Above Replacement, in which a complex and mysterious formula is used to determine how much better a player is than another player who would typically replace him (Don't worry--most normal fans don't understand it either). Brett's WAR score is nearly twice as much as the next worthy Kansas City hero. From 1974-1990, he was arguably the best third baseman in the league. He made thirteen consecutive All-Star appearances while claiming an MVP Award and a Gold Glove. In 1980, he flirted with the .400 mark into early-September before finishing the season at .390. He still holds the all time records for most consecutive games with 3 or more hits (6) and most decades with a batting title (3--He won it in 1976, 1980 and 1990). He retired with 3,154 hits--among the top twenty totals of all time. Throughout his career he was the face of the franchise. "He was always the guy," said Royals broadcaster Denny Mathews. "He was so mentally tough, he accepted being the guy." Brett remained "the guy" even after his retirement when he aspired to the position of team VP.
DETROIT TIGERS
Ty Cobb
While Miguel Cabrera has assembled an impressive batch of statistics over the past several years, there is little doubt who the greatest player in Tigers history is. Among the fiercest competitors of all time, Cobb captured twelve batting titles in a thirteen-year span. He exceeded the .400 mark at the plate during three seasons and retired with the highest batting average of all time at .366. He is the current holder of multiple records including most seasons with 10 or more triples (17) and most games with 5 or more hits (14). When teammates failed to drive him in, he often stole his way around the bases--sometimes announcing his intentions to opponents beforehand. He stole home 54 times during his career. With a menacing persona, he made plenty of enemies over the years, but he had his share of advocates as well. Tris Speaker once said; "The Babe was a great ballplayer, sure, but Cobb was even greater. Babe could knock your brains out, but Cobb would drive you crazy." Describing his life experience to a writer, Cobb once said: "I had to fight all my life to survive. They were all against me. But I beat the bastards and left them in the ditch."
Saturday, December 19, 2015
The Greatest Players From Each Franchise (Part I--AL East)
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
Carlos Delgado
Delgado began his minor league career as a catcher at the age of seventeen. He was an early-October call-up in 1993, when the Blue Jays won the last World Series in franchise history (to date). The 'Jays failed to return to the playoffs for the next two decades, but it was no fault of Delgado's. From 1996-2004, the hard-hitting first baseman was a consistent run producer, averaging more than 30 homers and 100 RBIs per year. He led the league in the latter category during the 2003 campaign, finishing second in MVP voting. On September 25 of that year, he belted four homers in a single game. In 2001, he recorded a pair of three-homer games. Delgado had strong political opinions and was not shy about expressing them. He was opposed to the U.S. occupation of Iraq and refused to stand for the National Anthem or singing of "God Bless America" during the seventh inning stretch. When he was traded to the Mets in 2006, the New York brass forced him to put an end to his personal protest. He has contributed to multiple humanitarian causes in his native Puerto Rico.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Cal Ripken Jr.
Ripken's name is synonymous with consistency. He earned the nickname "Iron Man" for his amazing streak of 2,632 consecutive games played. The streak began on May 30, 1982 and continued until Sept. 19, 1998. During that span, Ripken suffered two ankle injuries and a severe knee strain (sustained during an on-field brawl) but kept on playing. Both of his children were born on days off, keeping the streak alive. Articulate and affable, he served as a sports envoy for the U.S. State Department in 2007. He was sent to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to train Chinese youths. They couldn't have asked for a more qualified teacher. From 1982-1997, Ripken drove-in 80 or more runs for the Orioles on fourteen occasons. He collected at least 20 homers in ten consecutive seasons. An eight-time Silver Slugger Award recipient, he was named AL MVP in '83 and '91. He captured Rookie of the Year honors in 1982. The accolades kept coming after his retirment as he collected 98.5% of the Hall of Fame ballot--the third highest total in history. Nowadays, Ripken has a line of children's books along with multiple instructional books and videos.
NEW YORK YANKEES
Babe Ruth
Ruth was in a class all by himself. In fact, the term "Ruthian" is still used to describe extraordinary feats of power at the plate. Though his all time home run record has been broken twice, the Babe was light years ahead of his time. When he retired in 1935, the closest runner-up (Lou Gehrig) was more than 300 homers behind. Ruth still holds the record for career slugging percentage (.690) along with several other more obscure marks. Immensely popular with the masses, Ruth was a major drawing card for the Yankees and Braves for twenty-two years. He received more than a dozen nicknames, including "The Sultan of Swat," "The Behemoth of Bust" and "The Prince of Powders." His teammates called him "Jidge"--slang for "George." Ruth was famous for his frequent salary disputes and when he asked for more money than President Hoover on one occasion, he justified his actions by telling reporters: "I had a better year than he did." Named AL MVP in 1923, Ruth led the league in assorted statistical categories more than sixty times.
BOSTON RED SOX
Ted Williams
Whenever discussions surface regarding the greatest players in Red Sox history, two names inevitably come to light: Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski. In many cases, it comes down to a popularity contest with the more personable "Yaz" getting the nod. True, Williams was volatile and prickly with press members and fans at times. Also true, he placed far more emphasis on the offensive side of the game. But in terms of sheer numbers, no one comes close to matching Williams' value to the club. In a career interrupted by long stints in the military, "Teddy Ballgame" still managed to finish among the top twenty of all time in runs scored, home runs and RBIs. He holds the all time record for on-base percentage at .482. Williams received two MVP Awards in his career and undoubtedly would have gotten more if he had not consistently alienated members of the press. He was runner-up four times. In 1941, when Joe DiMaggio compiled his 56-game hitting streak and claimed the honor, Williams won a batting title and led the league in seven other major offensive categories, including homers and walks. His .406 batting average that year has not been surpassed since. "A man has to have goals and that was one of mine," Williams once told a journalist, "to have people say 'there goes Ted Williams--the greatest hitter who ever lived.'" A convincing case can be made on his behalf. Though he expended little effort on honing his defensive skills, he managed to post the highest fielding percentage among players at his position (left field) twice. He finished in the top three on six other occasions.
TAMPA BAY RAYS
Evan Longoria
The Rays are a relatively young franchise and don't have an extensive body of lore yet. But few fans would disagree that Evan Longoria is the cream of the Tampa Bay crop. A first round draft pick in 2006, Longoria found his way to the majors within two years of making his pro debut. He burst upon the scene in 2008, collecting 27 homers ad 85 RBIs in 122 games--numbers strong enough to earn him Rookie of the Year honors. Since then, he has made two All-Star appearances, captured a pair of Gold Gloves at third base and won a Silver Slugger Award. His efforts have helped the Rays to four postseason bids, including a successful pennant run in 2008. In thirty postseason games, Longoria has 9 homers and 21 RBIs. In 2008, he homered in four consecutive ALCS games. He is entering the 2016 season as the all time franchise leader in homers, slugging percentage, doubles and RBIs--among other categories.
Carlos Delgado
Delgado began his minor league career as a catcher at the age of seventeen. He was an early-October call-up in 1993, when the Blue Jays won the last World Series in franchise history (to date). The 'Jays failed to return to the playoffs for the next two decades, but it was no fault of Delgado's. From 1996-2004, the hard-hitting first baseman was a consistent run producer, averaging more than 30 homers and 100 RBIs per year. He led the league in the latter category during the 2003 campaign, finishing second in MVP voting. On September 25 of that year, he belted four homers in a single game. In 2001, he recorded a pair of three-homer games. Delgado had strong political opinions and was not shy about expressing them. He was opposed to the U.S. occupation of Iraq and refused to stand for the National Anthem or singing of "God Bless America" during the seventh inning stretch. When he was traded to the Mets in 2006, the New York brass forced him to put an end to his personal protest. He has contributed to multiple humanitarian causes in his native Puerto Rico.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Cal Ripken Jr.
Ripken's name is synonymous with consistency. He earned the nickname "Iron Man" for his amazing streak of 2,632 consecutive games played. The streak began on May 30, 1982 and continued until Sept. 19, 1998. During that span, Ripken suffered two ankle injuries and a severe knee strain (sustained during an on-field brawl) but kept on playing. Both of his children were born on days off, keeping the streak alive. Articulate and affable, he served as a sports envoy for the U.S. State Department in 2007. He was sent to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to train Chinese youths. They couldn't have asked for a more qualified teacher. From 1982-1997, Ripken drove-in 80 or more runs for the Orioles on fourteen occasons. He collected at least 20 homers in ten consecutive seasons. An eight-time Silver Slugger Award recipient, he was named AL MVP in '83 and '91. He captured Rookie of the Year honors in 1982. The accolades kept coming after his retirment as he collected 98.5% of the Hall of Fame ballot--the third highest total in history. Nowadays, Ripken has a line of children's books along with multiple instructional books and videos.
NEW YORK YANKEES
Babe Ruth
Ruth was in a class all by himself. In fact, the term "Ruthian" is still used to describe extraordinary feats of power at the plate. Though his all time home run record has been broken twice, the Babe was light years ahead of his time. When he retired in 1935, the closest runner-up (Lou Gehrig) was more than 300 homers behind. Ruth still holds the record for career slugging percentage (.690) along with several other more obscure marks. Immensely popular with the masses, Ruth was a major drawing card for the Yankees and Braves for twenty-two years. He received more than a dozen nicknames, including "The Sultan of Swat," "The Behemoth of Bust" and "The Prince of Powders." His teammates called him "Jidge"--slang for "George." Ruth was famous for his frequent salary disputes and when he asked for more money than President Hoover on one occasion, he justified his actions by telling reporters: "I had a better year than he did." Named AL MVP in 1923, Ruth led the league in assorted statistical categories more than sixty times.
BOSTON RED SOX
Ted Williams
Whenever discussions surface regarding the greatest players in Red Sox history, two names inevitably come to light: Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski. In many cases, it comes down to a popularity contest with the more personable "Yaz" getting the nod. True, Williams was volatile and prickly with press members and fans at times. Also true, he placed far more emphasis on the offensive side of the game. But in terms of sheer numbers, no one comes close to matching Williams' value to the club. In a career interrupted by long stints in the military, "Teddy Ballgame" still managed to finish among the top twenty of all time in runs scored, home runs and RBIs. He holds the all time record for on-base percentage at .482. Williams received two MVP Awards in his career and undoubtedly would have gotten more if he had not consistently alienated members of the press. He was runner-up four times. In 1941, when Joe DiMaggio compiled his 56-game hitting streak and claimed the honor, Williams won a batting title and led the league in seven other major offensive categories, including homers and walks. His .406 batting average that year has not been surpassed since. "A man has to have goals and that was one of mine," Williams once told a journalist, "to have people say 'there goes Ted Williams--the greatest hitter who ever lived.'" A convincing case can be made on his behalf. Though he expended little effort on honing his defensive skills, he managed to post the highest fielding percentage among players at his position (left field) twice. He finished in the top three on six other occasions.
TAMPA BAY RAYS
Evan Longoria
The Rays are a relatively young franchise and don't have an extensive body of lore yet. But few fans would disagree that Evan Longoria is the cream of the Tampa Bay crop. A first round draft pick in 2006, Longoria found his way to the majors within two years of making his pro debut. He burst upon the scene in 2008, collecting 27 homers ad 85 RBIs in 122 games--numbers strong enough to earn him Rookie of the Year honors. Since then, he has made two All-Star appearances, captured a pair of Gold Gloves at third base and won a Silver Slugger Award. His efforts have helped the Rays to four postseason bids, including a successful pennant run in 2008. In thirty postseason games, Longoria has 9 homers and 21 RBIs. In 2008, he homered in four consecutive ALCS games. He is entering the 2016 season as the all time franchise leader in homers, slugging percentage, doubles and RBIs--among other categories.
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