while we seem to be venturing into sports history here (and baseball history, in which I am the ultimate encyclopedia around here), why the hell not do one of these?
C-Josh Gibson
1B-Lou Gehrig
2B-Rogers Hornsby
SS-Pops Lloyd
3B-Wade Boggs
LF-Ted Williams
CF-Ty Cobb
RF-Babe ruth
DH-Jimmie Foxx
Util (5 players): Honus Wagner, Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Barroid Bonds, Alex Rodriguez
P-Walter Johnson
P-Roger Clemens
P-Pedro Martinez
P-Satchell Paige
RP-Mariano Rivera
RP-Dennis Eckersley
I dont think anyone can argue against 1st, 2nd or right field, but the other positions can all be up for debate.
C-Although never playing a single MLB game (dying in 1946 from drug/alchohol/mental problems), if half the negro league statistics are accurate, that puts Gibson easily as the best catcher ever
1st base-I dont think anyone can argue against Gehrig, maybe Jimmie Foxx or George Sisler but I'd highly doubt it
2nd base-Again, its hard to argue against Hornsby, although Nap Lajoie and Eddie Collins have arguements
SS-I pick Lloyd over Wagner because many who saw both play say Lloyd was a little better on defense although not as good with the bat. Most histortians would give it to Wagner though for playing tougher competition, although not Lloyds fault.
3rd--I pick Boggs over Schmidt just because I value hitting for average over hitting for power. Argue this all you want, I dont mind
LF-Williams, Bonds or Musial? Overall I had to give it to Ted simply because its amazing to imagine what he would've done if he hadn't volunteer'd those years in the military. Playing in a deflated league in 43-45, he coulda hit .400 again.
CF-Cobb was the best 5 tool player ever, nobody will ever touch his career BA (or even come close), he was a beast on defense, had a hell of an arm in the outfield until injurying it in 1920. One of the top 5 baserunners of all time, and along with all of this, by FAR the smartest/most clever player ever. Could find a weakness in anybody. Would've won a championship in the 1920s if it wasnt for a cheapskate owner in Navin.
RF-No explanation needed here. I'll just leave it at that.
Pitching:
Walter: Just look at the stats, especially before his injuries start occuring the 20s (when he was still one of the best pitchers in baseball)
Roger: 7 Cy Youngs and should be an 8th this year if his team can get him more wins
Pedro: Best strike-out artist of all time, although he's lacking longevity
Satchell: May have had the most "stuff" to give opponents, came into the majors in the late 40s/early 50s as a geezer and still helped the Indians win a championship
Mariano: Highest career ERA+ ever, and lets not forget his postseason credentials
Eckersley-Had a great 5 year stint as a closer before going downhill. Wilhelm was pretty good though
My sincere appologies to Hank Aaron, Shoeless Joe, Stan Musial, Joe Dimaggio, Cap Anson, Tris Speaker, Manny Ramirez, Christy Mathewson and anyone else I have offended. You guys can enjoy the junior varsity team
C-Josh Gibson
1B-Lou Gehrig
2B-Rogers Hornsby
SS-Pops Lloyd
3B-Wade Boggs
LF-Ted Williams
CF-Ty Cobb
RF-Babe ruth
DH-Jimmie Foxx
Util (5 players): Honus Wagner, Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Barroid Bonds, Alex Rodriguez
P-Walter Johnson
P-Roger Clemens
P-Pedro Martinez
P-Satchell Paige
RP-Mariano Rivera
RP-Dennis Eckersley
I dont think anyone can argue against 1st, 2nd or right field, but the other positions can all be up for debate.
C-Although never playing a single MLB game (dying in 1946 from drug/alchohol/mental problems), if half the negro league statistics are accurate, that puts Gibson easily as the best catcher ever
1st base-I dont think anyone can argue against Gehrig, maybe Jimmie Foxx or George Sisler but I'd highly doubt it
2nd base-Again, its hard to argue against Hornsby, although Nap Lajoie and Eddie Collins have arguements
SS-I pick Lloyd over Wagner because many who saw both play say Lloyd was a little better on defense although not as good with the bat. Most histortians would give it to Wagner though for playing tougher competition, although not Lloyds fault.
3rd--I pick Boggs over Schmidt just because I value hitting for average over hitting for power. Argue this all you want, I dont mind
LF-Williams, Bonds or Musial? Overall I had to give it to Ted simply because its amazing to imagine what he would've done if he hadn't volunteer'd those years in the military. Playing in a deflated league in 43-45, he coulda hit .400 again.
CF-Cobb was the best 5 tool player ever, nobody will ever touch his career BA (or even come close), he was a beast on defense, had a hell of an arm in the outfield until injurying it in 1920. One of the top 5 baserunners of all time, and along with all of this, by FAR the smartest/most clever player ever. Could find a weakness in anybody. Would've won a championship in the 1920s if it wasnt for a cheapskate owner in Navin.
RF-No explanation needed here. I'll just leave it at that.
Pitching:
Walter: Just look at the stats, especially before his injuries start occuring the 20s (when he was still one of the best pitchers in baseball)
Roger: 7 Cy Youngs and should be an 8th this year if his team can get him more wins
Pedro: Best strike-out artist of all time, although he's lacking longevity
Satchell: May have had the most "stuff" to give opponents, came into the majors in the late 40s/early 50s as a geezer and still helped the Indians win a championship
Mariano: Highest career ERA+ ever, and lets not forget his postseason credentials
Eckersley-Had a great 5 year stint as a closer before going downhill. Wilhelm was pretty good though
My sincere appologies to Hank Aaron, Shoeless Joe, Stan Musial, Joe Dimaggio, Cap Anson, Tris Speaker, Manny Ramirez, Christy Mathewson and anyone else I have offended. You guys can enjoy the junior varsity team
