1. Ken Griffey Jr.
Without a doubt the easiest choice on the list. The first player I ever really attached to, in my mind, in any sport. The 90s Bulls teams were cherished, naturally, but I feel like Griffey was the first ever choice I made and thankfully it is one that I still respect. I liked the home runs, the crazy highlights in the field, but what stands out most was and is his character: the easy affability and joy in playing baseball. The time he stole a fly ball from his dad, hearing about him as the lead judge of the Mariner's clubhouse kangaroo court. He seemed like the one guy I would absolutely want to hang out with in sports, the guy I would want on my team no matter what. I could watch highlight reels of his catches all day. Oh, and until my Dad finally put a stop to it, I would do the Griffey one-handed follow-through on my swing.
2. Ozzie Smith
The Wizard is a bit tough, being a Cardinal, but I started out baseball as a shortstop and Ozzie Smith was my little league goal for the position. I wasn't a power hitter and we weren't allowed to steal bases yet, so the way to set myself apart was as a fielder, which was not helped by being a lefty who wanted to play shortstop. Through a collection of spins and reloads I would fire across the body to first, until finally forced to give it up for center field.
3. Randy Johnson
My favorite pitcher and one of the most dominant leftys of all time. He was unstoppable in videogames and as long as he wasn't walking people, pretty much unstoppable in real life. I loved that Mariners team.
4. Ichiro Suzuki
Probably common to everyone, but what I look for in a player is the best aspects in how I played (in reality or just imagined). I like baseball players that steal bases, play great defense, and are usually shortstops or center fielders. Ichiro had these, played for the Mariners, and did it year after year.
5. Jeff Bagwell
I liked his crazy batting stance and his stubbornness to not give up the inside corner.
Honorable Mentions
Ernie Banks - If I had seen him play I'm sure he would be top 3, but a great guy.
Jose Reyes
Brandon Phillips
I may have forgotten someone, but I feel like that is the main list. So throw in some new considerations, any stories or rationale for how you found favorites, and we can talk a bit of baseball. I'm surprised at the lack of Cubs, but maybe I shouldn't be. When they were good, they still weren't all that likable. Or they were too tragic. I liked Prior and Wood, but you know. Maybe Randall Simon. I liked the old "I'm going to swing at anything, maybe even a pickoff attempt at first."
I grew up a Reds fan, so they are predominant on my list
ReplyDeleteVada Pinson – just like Mike, I love the centerfielders – All Star for the Reds in !959 and 1960
Johnny Bench – What can you say about the best catcher to ever play the game – a truly class act
Wally Post – don’t remember much about him except that we played against his son the year our Little League team finished third in Ohio
Mark Grace – loved the fact that he would sit in the clubhouse after a game smoking a cigarette and talking about all the plays in the game
Andre Dawson – can’t imagine why it took so long for him to get into the HOF.
Randy Johnson would also be on my top 5 list as one of the only baseball players I remember from childhood. Why? You got it: that sweet 'stache.
ReplyDeleteCal Ripken Jr. would also be a favorite as the only memorable Baltimore Oriole ever, which was the geographically closest team to my hometown.
Perhaps not an allowable selection, but Babe Didrikson was one of my favorite childhood athletes, and she played baseball among many other sports. She was 5'5" and generally a beast in a time when she wasn't supposed to be. I read her biography when I was maybe 9 or 10 and it made a lifelong impact. Not that I became a great pint-sized athlete, but her story stayed with me.
Beyond that it's probably guys who have been on my fantasy teams for ridiculous reasons: Kung Fu Panda (aka Pablo Sandoval) and Prince Fielder, I guess.
OK, I’m probably the least knowledgeable member of this group when it comes to baseball so you’ll notice a trend towards character and emotional reasons rather than stats and success, but here goes.
ReplyDelete1. Bob Feller – How can you not like someone who was part of an Abbott and Costello comedy routine?? Besides he’s a player I remember my dad talking about when I was growing up. He raved about him as a person and baseball player and my dad didn’t rave easily.
2. Johnny Bench – I grew up watching the Reds and Johnny Bench was just amazing.
3. Ken Griffey, Jr. – Nobody had more fun on the field and he did some outrageous things.
4. Randy Johnson – He certainly doesn’t look like an athlete but he’s sure fun to watch.
5. Lou Gehrig – His story just touches me. A classy guy who loved baseball and whose life was way too short.
Who would've guessed Randy Johnson leading the charge for likeability? Also, as a final plug for Ichiro: how can you not love the fact that he's already running for first base before he hits the ball? Just can't wait to be on base.
ReplyDeleteCan't believe I missed this post; I love this topic. Here goes, in no particular order:
ReplyDeleteKirby Puckett - A Chicago guy who played his heart out; probably overrated historically because of his style and charisma. When I was a kid, he was absolutely my favorite player.
Barry Larkin - Timely pick, because he was voted into the hall of fame this week. He deserved it. Fun player to root for.
Fred Mcgriff - The crime dog will always have a special place in my heart; the part of my heart where I keep my favorite nicknames.
Roberto Clemente - I read a lot of baseball history, and the more I know about Roberto Clemente, the more I respect him. I wish I had seen that Pirates team play, even if I would have been rooting against them more often than not, given my cubs and reds loyalties.
Ron Santo - We miss you, Ronnie. I'll keep digging out tapes, and reminding myself that you were an infinitely better third basemen (and person) then you were a broadcaster, and even in the booth you were entertaining and charming.
Honorable mention: Robin Yount, Juan Marichal, Fergie Jenkins, Ron Gant, Tim Raines, Tris Speaker, Ryne Sandberg, Greg Maddux, so many more