The 10 Spot -- Baseballers, Shot Callers
With the NBA season officially over, the baseball season becomes the main focus in the sports world. This got me reminiscing about baseball seasons past. Baseball still maintains to be my favorite sport to watch and follow. A grueling 162 game schedule, 30 teams, 1 trophy. I still can recall all my heroes of the game growing up, and thought I would share their stories. I ended up with a list of 10 Yankees. So I refined my list, and here it is: my Top 10 Favorite Baseball Players I've Seen Play (That Weren't Yankees) ... (don't worry. I'm sure my Top 10 Yankees list will come very timely)
#10
Albert Pujols
Fat Albert. In the wake of the Cards losing Mark McGwire to retirement, they faced obscurity in need of a big time star. This guy came out of the woodwork and became an instant star. Perennial All-Star and MVP candidate. Pujols maintains to have one of the smoothest swings in the game. His swing is so graceful that most of his homeruns don't even look like they're heading very far off the bat. Now that Bonds is out of the leauge, and even when he was in the league, Pujols is one of the most feared hitters in baseball. In the clubhouse, he's accepted the role of leader and is the driving force for the Cards' success. He creates little off-the-field headlines, sans for the one dust-up he had in 2005 when Ryan Howard won the NL MVP award. However, Pujols remains a consumate player, teammate, and a stand up citizen. And the scary part? Pujols is just barely entering his prime, which means he could get better
career stats: 7 1/2 seasons, .332 avg, 1421 hits, 298 HRs, 903 RBIs... ...and counting
best memory: the Homerun Derby of 2005.
#9
Frank Thomas
Detractors of the designated hitter might want to watch Frank Thomas. The Big Hurt is still ticking thanks to the extra hitter rule in the American League. Without it, the majors would be robbed of the last couple years of watching Thomas' amazing career. He's hit at an alarming intensity all his career. His heydays playing first base for the White Sox saw him emerge as one of the most lethal hitters in the game. His swing was unique in that he opened all the way up on his follow through, a way he continues to swing to this day. Despite being at the twilight of his career, Thomas still has the ability to put the ball out of the park. Frank has a legitimate case to enter the Hall of Fame, which begs the question just how good he could have been if he didn't sustain so many injuries during his prime. The Big Hurt has to be among the best players to play in the 90s, and regarded as one of the most intimidating hitters in the history of the sport.
career stats: 19 seasons, .302 avg, 520 HRs, 1701 RBIs, 11 100+ RBI seasons
best memory: probably the first 500 foot homerun I ever saw.
#8
Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez
The role of the catcher seems to have changed over the last generation. Long gone are the days of Thurman Munson, Carlton Fisk, and Johnny Bench; catchers who were the on-field generals, commanding every pitch and play through their catcher's mask. The only one remaining who entails that type of mentality is Pudge. He's dictated the game so well in his time, yet seems to get so little fanfare. He brings wisdom and knowledge of the game wherever he goes. His teams are progressively better for him being on the team even before they step on the field. Throughout his career, he has been regarded as the greatest defensive catcher in generations. He's led the league in baserunners thrown out nearly all of his career. On top of his stellar defense and magnificent leadership abilities, Pudge also packs a better-than-average pop in his bat. Pudge has to be in the argument when you talk about the game's best catchers, past and present.
career stats: 18 seasons, .302 avg, 13 time Gold Glove winner
best memory: 2003 NLDS vs. San Francisco Giants, Pudge absorbs a shot from JT Snow at the plate but hangs onto the ball to halt the game-tying run and record the final out of the game.
#7
Ken Griffey Jr.
Griffey was the king of cool when I was young. When you saw how well he played the game, and make it look so effortless, that was the definition of cool. He hit homeruns out at an alarming pace, and it didn't matter who was pitching to him. But Griffey wasn't just about the long ball. I'm fairly certain Griffey was the original "five-tool" player. He could do it all. He was a contact hitter, able to hit the ball at elite precision to move runners or get on base to create a rally. He had speed, and plenty of it, racking up stolen bases like a thief. And in the field, there was absolutely no one better. Almost nightly, he would supply Sportscenter with a "Web Gem". And he had a laser beam for an arm, gunning down unsuspecting runners like it was going out of style. I would lie if I said I was unfazed by his move to the Cincinnati Reds. I loved the M's and loved Grif. For the first couple seasons, I was so disappointed I didn't follow him. But then began his long snap with injuries, and I began to feel sorry for the guy. But the past couple seasons, he's been able to put those pains behind him and show up big for the Reds. And just for once, I want to read an article on Griffey that doesn't include the footnote "How good would he have been if he wasn't injured?" Look, injuries are apart of the game. Get used to it. Let's appreciate what Griffey has done and not "what he could have done". And as much as I praised Pujols, it's Griffey who still has the absolute sweetest swing in baseball.
career stats: 20 seasons, .289 avg, .589 slug, 600 HRs, 1732 RBIs, 10 time Gold Glove winner, 4 time HR champion, 7 40+ HR seasons
best memory: two come to mind: Griffey once clubbed 3 upper deck homeruns in one game acrewing a combined distance of 1300 feet. Holy shit. The second was the greatest catch I've ever seen. Grif scaled the wall in deep center field of old Tiger Stadium and back handed a ball that had well cleared the fence to rob a homer. Still regarded as one of the greatest I had ever seen.
#6
Al Leiter
For half a decade, Big Al was the ace of the Mets staff. And for how low he was regarded on a level with "real" aces, he delivered big performance after big performance. He was essentially the most unsuspecting ace anyone could see coming. The thing about Leiter was he was the definition of a finesse pitcher. He made his living on a biting sinker and a sliding changeup. His fastball was nearly non-existant and he possessed one of the worst curveballs I've ever seen. But he always had enough in his arsenal to get the job done. His numbers were not extravagant and the media seemed to like to shit on him whenever he pitched. But I always felt very confidant the Mets would achieve victory when he was on the mound.
career stats: 162-132, 3.80 ERA, 1974 strikeouts, 10 consecutive 10+ win seasons
best memory: his dominant Game 3 performance in the 1999 NLCS. Completely dominated the Braves.
#5
Craig Biggio/Jeff Bagwell
You can ask anyone from Houston to Topeka to Alaska, and every baseball fan will agree that you cannot talk about one of these guys without mentioning the other. There is no question this pair put the Houston Astros on the baseball map. Even with both of them retired, I guarantee you a large percentage still visualize these guys as the faces of the team. Bagwell was the consumate leader, taking his stand at first base and clubbing himself homer after homer. Even late in his career, there was always a chance that the next pitch was bound for the bleachers. He was one of the most potent hitters in the game today, and in all honesty, was highly underrated as a defender. Meanwhile, Craig Biggio waited until last season to hang up his cleets. Biggio was among the most versatile players in the game. He began as a catcher, but transferred to second base. Even when they acquired Jeff Kent, Biggio learned to play centerfield before switching back to second a couple seasons later. Biggio has to be regarded as one of the greatest leadoff hitters to play the game. In fact, if I made the list right now, it'd go Rickey Henderson, Ichiro Suzuki, and then Biggio. Biggio is an almost certainty to get into the Hall of Fame. Bagwell has a very good chance at making it as well. If they somehow make it in together, that would be magically euphoric.
career stats:
Bagwell: 15 seasons, .297 avg, .540 slug, 449 HRs, 1529 RBIs
Biggio: 20 seasons, .281 avg, 3060 hits, 668 doubles, 285 hits by pitch
best memory: Finally watching them both reach the World Series in 2005. Also, last season when Biggio notched his 3000th hit, he brought Bagwell onto to the field to a standing ovation. A classy move by two classy guys.
#4
Robin Ventura
Though ultimately unheralded, Ventura supplied stability at the hot corner for 4 teams in his career. He had a steady bat, a flashy glove, and always wore a grin. He was apart of the best defensive team on the 1999 Mets, and was a big reason they achieved that mark. Ventura was a stand up guy. Though he was quiet in the clubhouse, he brought quiet dignity wherever he went. Among the solid defense and pop in his bat that he brough, Ventura always seemed to have lady luck on his side. He's the only player to hit a grand slam in both games of a double header. In the last season of his career with his legs aching him, Ventura somehow managed to muscle on an inside the park grand slam. Ventura's claim to fame, aside from his picturesque defense, still maintains to be what is commonly referred to as the "grand slam single". In the 15th inning of Game 5 of the NLCS against the Braves, Ventura crushed a game winning bases loaded homerun into the night. The team was so euphoric they charged to Ventura as he was rounding the bases. Since he never was able to reach home base, it was listed in the score card as a single. At least he has that, because before that, his claim to fame was charging Nolan Ryan at the mound only to get wrapped in a headlock. Woops!
career stats: 16 seasons, .267 avg, 18 grand slams, 6 time Gold Glove winner
best memory: The aforementioned Grand Slam Single.
#3
Tony Gwynn
There has not been a more proficient hitter since Pete Rose era better than Tony Gwynn. And in all honesty, there may never be another hitter like him in the sport again. Gwynn was an anomally. He had the girth, stature, and stance of a power hitter. Yet homeruns were not apart of his game. If he got them, great. But Gwynn was far more concerned with getting a solid piece of the ball than planting it in the seats. It seemed almost yearly, there were at least two sources who believed Gwynn would hit for .400 that year. While Gwynn never did reach that lofty number, he came damn close on a number of occasions. On top of his uncanny ability to put the ball in play, Gwynn was a better than average outfielder, cashing in on a couple of Gold Glove awards. And his leadership in the clubhouse was beyond comparison. Tony Gwynn did what Bags and Biggio did for the Astros: He put the Padres on the baseball map. He was enshriend in Cooperstown last summer, a much deserved accolade.
career stats: 20 seasons, .338 avg, only 430 strikeouts, 7 .350+ batting average seasons, career high .394 average in 1994
best memory: Seeing all his work come to fruition, getting enshrined in Cooperstown last summer.
#2
Cal Ripken Jr.
Graceful, classy, role model, domination. Cal Ripken. What can be said about this guy that hasn't already been stated? I just offer this little tidbit: Cal played in 2632 consecutive baseball games. Really think about it, and ask yourself when the last time you did anything 2632 times. NOw try doing it all consecutively. Insane? Yeah, I know. Ripken has so many accolades that I can't even mention half of them without stretching out this page insanely. So I redirect you to his Wikipedia page. Look through that page, and it's just remarkable the feats he accomplished. I'm of the mind that this is a record that nobody will ever break. To do so, a player will have to play in every single game for more than 16 seasons. And in this injury prone, worry wort general manager era, no one will come close. The current leader is Atlanta's Jeff Francouer who had 355 at last check. He's got a loooong way to go. This may be a bit over the top, but I have to think that Ripken is one of the 20 best players of all time. His stats only tell one part of the story. What he did for the sport was something that cannot be measured in a box score. He has a legacy a mile long, and will be talked about for the next thousand generations.
career stats: 21 seasons, .276 avg, 3184 hits, 431 HRs, 3001 games played
best memory: Game #2131 is obviously the answer. But to pick a second one, it'd definitely be the 2001 All Star Game. His switch back to shortstop and the awesome ovation after the first pitch homerun he got. Awesome.
#1
Mike Piazza
I don't like to repeat myself, so I think everyone should just go ahead and read the bio I gave on him earlier this month. I'm fairly sure all of that applies. It still goes without saying that Piazza was one of my favorite players to watch hit a homerun. Piazza all but assured himself a bronze sculpture in Cooperstown, and will forever be ensconced in New York Mets lore.
career stats: 16 seasons, .308 avg, 427 HRs, 1335 RBIs
best memory: The 10 run inning he bolstered against the Braves that summer night game.
#10
Albert Pujols
Fat Albert. In the wake of the Cards losing Mark McGwire to retirement, they faced obscurity in need of a big time star. This guy came out of the woodwork and became an instant star. Perennial All-Star and MVP candidate. Pujols maintains to have one of the smoothest swings in the game. His swing is so graceful that most of his homeruns don't even look like they're heading very far off the bat. Now that Bonds is out of the leauge, and even when he was in the league, Pujols is one of the most feared hitters in baseball. In the clubhouse, he's accepted the role of leader and is the driving force for the Cards' success. He creates little off-the-field headlines, sans for the one dust-up he had in 2005 when Ryan Howard won the NL MVP award. However, Pujols remains a consumate player, teammate, and a stand up citizen. And the scary part? Pujols is just barely entering his prime, which means he could get better
career stats: 7 1/2 seasons, .332 avg, 1421 hits, 298 HRs, 903 RBIs... ...and counting
best memory: the Homerun Derby of 2005.
#9
Frank Thomas
Detractors of the designated hitter might want to watch Frank Thomas. The Big Hurt is still ticking thanks to the extra hitter rule in the American League. Without it, the majors would be robbed of the last couple years of watching Thomas' amazing career. He's hit at an alarming intensity all his career. His heydays playing first base for the White Sox saw him emerge as one of the most lethal hitters in the game. His swing was unique in that he opened all the way up on his follow through, a way he continues to swing to this day. Despite being at the twilight of his career, Thomas still has the ability to put the ball out of the park. Frank has a legitimate case to enter the Hall of Fame, which begs the question just how good he could have been if he didn't sustain so many injuries during his prime. The Big Hurt has to be among the best players to play in the 90s, and regarded as one of the most intimidating hitters in the history of the sport.
career stats: 19 seasons, .302 avg, 520 HRs, 1701 RBIs, 11 100+ RBI seasons
best memory: probably the first 500 foot homerun I ever saw.
#8
Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez
The role of the catcher seems to have changed over the last generation. Long gone are the days of Thurman Munson, Carlton Fisk, and Johnny Bench; catchers who were the on-field generals, commanding every pitch and play through their catcher's mask. The only one remaining who entails that type of mentality is Pudge. He's dictated the game so well in his time, yet seems to get so little fanfare. He brings wisdom and knowledge of the game wherever he goes. His teams are progressively better for him being on the team even before they step on the field. Throughout his career, he has been regarded as the greatest defensive catcher in generations. He's led the league in baserunners thrown out nearly all of his career. On top of his stellar defense and magnificent leadership abilities, Pudge also packs a better-than-average pop in his bat. Pudge has to be in the argument when you talk about the game's best catchers, past and present.
career stats: 18 seasons, .302 avg, 13 time Gold Glove winner
best memory: 2003 NLDS vs. San Francisco Giants, Pudge absorbs a shot from JT Snow at the plate but hangs onto the ball to halt the game-tying run and record the final out of the game.
#7
Ken Griffey Jr.
Griffey was the king of cool when I was young. When you saw how well he played the game, and make it look so effortless, that was the definition of cool. He hit homeruns out at an alarming pace, and it didn't matter who was pitching to him. But Griffey wasn't just about the long ball. I'm fairly certain Griffey was the original "five-tool" player. He could do it all. He was a contact hitter, able to hit the ball at elite precision to move runners or get on base to create a rally. He had speed, and plenty of it, racking up stolen bases like a thief. And in the field, there was absolutely no one better. Almost nightly, he would supply Sportscenter with a "Web Gem". And he had a laser beam for an arm, gunning down unsuspecting runners like it was going out of style. I would lie if I said I was unfazed by his move to the Cincinnati Reds. I loved the M's and loved Grif. For the first couple seasons, I was so disappointed I didn't follow him. But then began his long snap with injuries, and I began to feel sorry for the guy. But the past couple seasons, he's been able to put those pains behind him and show up big for the Reds. And just for once, I want to read an article on Griffey that doesn't include the footnote "How good would he have been if he wasn't injured?" Look, injuries are apart of the game. Get used to it. Let's appreciate what Griffey has done and not "what he could have done". And as much as I praised Pujols, it's Griffey who still has the absolute sweetest swing in baseball.
career stats: 20 seasons, .289 avg, .589 slug, 600 HRs, 1732 RBIs, 10 time Gold Glove winner, 4 time HR champion, 7 40+ HR seasons
best memory: two come to mind: Griffey once clubbed 3 upper deck homeruns in one game acrewing a combined distance of 1300 feet. Holy shit. The second was the greatest catch I've ever seen. Grif scaled the wall in deep center field of old Tiger Stadium and back handed a ball that had well cleared the fence to rob a homer. Still regarded as one of the greatest I had ever seen.
#6
Al Leiter
For half a decade, Big Al was the ace of the Mets staff. And for how low he was regarded on a level with "real" aces, he delivered big performance after big performance. He was essentially the most unsuspecting ace anyone could see coming. The thing about Leiter was he was the definition of a finesse pitcher. He made his living on a biting sinker and a sliding changeup. His fastball was nearly non-existant and he possessed one of the worst curveballs I've ever seen. But he always had enough in his arsenal to get the job done. His numbers were not extravagant and the media seemed to like to shit on him whenever he pitched. But I always felt very confidant the Mets would achieve victory when he was on the mound.
career stats: 162-132, 3.80 ERA, 1974 strikeouts, 10 consecutive 10+ win seasons
best memory: his dominant Game 3 performance in the 1999 NLCS. Completely dominated the Braves.
#5
Craig Biggio/Jeff Bagwell
You can ask anyone from Houston to Topeka to Alaska, and every baseball fan will agree that you cannot talk about one of these guys without mentioning the other. There is no question this pair put the Houston Astros on the baseball map. Even with both of them retired, I guarantee you a large percentage still visualize these guys as the faces of the team. Bagwell was the consumate leader, taking his stand at first base and clubbing himself homer after homer. Even late in his career, there was always a chance that the next pitch was bound for the bleachers. He was one of the most potent hitters in the game today, and in all honesty, was highly underrated as a defender. Meanwhile, Craig Biggio waited until last season to hang up his cleets. Biggio was among the most versatile players in the game. He began as a catcher, but transferred to second base. Even when they acquired Jeff Kent, Biggio learned to play centerfield before switching back to second a couple seasons later. Biggio has to be regarded as one of the greatest leadoff hitters to play the game. In fact, if I made the list right now, it'd go Rickey Henderson, Ichiro Suzuki, and then Biggio. Biggio is an almost certainty to get into the Hall of Fame. Bagwell has a very good chance at making it as well. If they somehow make it in together, that would be magically euphoric.
career stats:
Bagwell: 15 seasons, .297 avg, .540 slug, 449 HRs, 1529 RBIs
Biggio: 20 seasons, .281 avg, 3060 hits, 668 doubles, 285 hits by pitch
best memory: Finally watching them both reach the World Series in 2005. Also, last season when Biggio notched his 3000th hit, he brought Bagwell onto to the field to a standing ovation. A classy move by two classy guys.
#4
Robin Ventura
Though ultimately unheralded, Ventura supplied stability at the hot corner for 4 teams in his career. He had a steady bat, a flashy glove, and always wore a grin. He was apart of the best defensive team on the 1999 Mets, and was a big reason they achieved that mark. Ventura was a stand up guy. Though he was quiet in the clubhouse, he brought quiet dignity wherever he went. Among the solid defense and pop in his bat that he brough, Ventura always seemed to have lady luck on his side. He's the only player to hit a grand slam in both games of a double header. In the last season of his career with his legs aching him, Ventura somehow managed to muscle on an inside the park grand slam. Ventura's claim to fame, aside from his picturesque defense, still maintains to be what is commonly referred to as the "grand slam single". In the 15th inning of Game 5 of the NLCS against the Braves, Ventura crushed a game winning bases loaded homerun into the night. The team was so euphoric they charged to Ventura as he was rounding the bases. Since he never was able to reach home base, it was listed in the score card as a single. At least he has that, because before that, his claim to fame was charging Nolan Ryan at the mound only to get wrapped in a headlock. Woops!
career stats: 16 seasons, .267 avg, 18 grand slams, 6 time Gold Glove winner
best memory: The aforementioned Grand Slam Single.
#3
Tony Gwynn
There has not been a more proficient hitter since Pete Rose era better than Tony Gwynn. And in all honesty, there may never be another hitter like him in the sport again. Gwynn was an anomally. He had the girth, stature, and stance of a power hitter. Yet homeruns were not apart of his game. If he got them, great. But Gwynn was far more concerned with getting a solid piece of the ball than planting it in the seats. It seemed almost yearly, there were at least two sources who believed Gwynn would hit for .400 that year. While Gwynn never did reach that lofty number, he came damn close on a number of occasions. On top of his uncanny ability to put the ball in play, Gwynn was a better than average outfielder, cashing in on a couple of Gold Glove awards. And his leadership in the clubhouse was beyond comparison. Tony Gwynn did what Bags and Biggio did for the Astros: He put the Padres on the baseball map. He was enshriend in Cooperstown last summer, a much deserved accolade.
career stats: 20 seasons, .338 avg, only 430 strikeouts, 7 .350+ batting average seasons, career high .394 average in 1994
best memory: Seeing all his work come to fruition, getting enshrined in Cooperstown last summer.
#2
Cal Ripken Jr.
Graceful, classy, role model, domination. Cal Ripken. What can be said about this guy that hasn't already been stated? I just offer this little tidbit: Cal played in 2632 consecutive baseball games. Really think about it, and ask yourself when the last time you did anything 2632 times. NOw try doing it all consecutively. Insane? Yeah, I know. Ripken has so many accolades that I can't even mention half of them without stretching out this page insanely. So I redirect you to his Wikipedia page. Look through that page, and it's just remarkable the feats he accomplished. I'm of the mind that this is a record that nobody will ever break. To do so, a player will have to play in every single game for more than 16 seasons. And in this injury prone, worry wort general manager era, no one will come close. The current leader is Atlanta's Jeff Francouer who had 355 at last check. He's got a loooong way to go. This may be a bit over the top, but I have to think that Ripken is one of the 20 best players of all time. His stats only tell one part of the story. What he did for the sport was something that cannot be measured in a box score. He has a legacy a mile long, and will be talked about for the next thousand generations.
career stats: 21 seasons, .276 avg, 3184 hits, 431 HRs, 3001 games played
best memory: Game #2131 is obviously the answer. But to pick a second one, it'd definitely be the 2001 All Star Game. His switch back to shortstop and the awesome ovation after the first pitch homerun he got. Awesome.
#1
Mike Piazza
I don't like to repeat myself, so I think everyone should just go ahead and read the bio I gave on him earlier this month. I'm fairly sure all of that applies. It still goes without saying that Piazza was one of my favorite players to watch hit a homerun. Piazza all but assured himself a bronze sculpture in Cooperstown, and will forever be ensconced in New York Mets lore.
career stats: 16 seasons, .308 avg, 427 HRs, 1335 RBIs
best memory: The 10 run inning he bolstered against the Braves that summer night game.