Babe Ruth’s All-Time Team (And Mine)

Jun 10, 2024

“Baseball is one of the arts.” ~ Ted Williams

My apologies for being “away” so long. From time to time, I find it hard to write. Might be “writer’s block”, it could be a piece I’m in the middle of is too emotionally draining for me to write. I think what I have been working on is a little of both. The words are just coming too slow, the memories too deep and the emotions just overwhelming, but trust me, it will be completed soon. In the meantime, this post seemed easier, and I knew I had to write.

Everyone knows who George Herman “Babe” Ruth was. Or at least everyone reading this post does, if not give me a call or check out some of my previous writing (“The Called Shot” and “Shucks”). The Babe passed away on August 16, 1948, of cancer at the age of 53. That March he was interviewed by The Saturday Evening Post and was asked to pick an All-Star team. Babe did but left the right-fielder slot open as he didn’t want to pick himself. He did offer a few suggestions. (I included a hyperlink for each of his players, so if you’re not familiar, you can read about them.)

Here is his team:

Pitcher: Walter Johnson

Pitcher: Christy Mathewson

Pitcher: Grover Cleveland Alexander

Pitcher: Herb Pennock

Catcher: Ray Schalk

First Base: Hal Chase

Second Base: Napoleon Lajoie

Shortstop: Honus Wagner

Third Base: Jimmy Collins

Left Field: Ty Cobb

Center Field: Tris Speaker

Right Field: Mr. X

Babe said of his pitching selections: “Walter Johnson always knew what pitch to throw. Christy Mathewson belongs among the pitching immortals. Old Alec was just a born pitcher. Herb Pennock was a left-handed Christy Mathewson.”

Ray Schalk, who was an amazing defensive backstop was Ruth’s choice at catcher because “he was one of the greatest throwers I’ve ever seen.”

“Hal Chase had unbelievable fielding ability and he was no punk at the plate. I put Larry Lajoie at second for his remarkable hitting skill and because he could make the hardest chances look easy. Honus Wagner was just head and shoulders over anyone else and shortstop, and Jimmy Collings could come in and pounce on bunts and short hits like a cat.”

Ruth suggested Mel Ott, Ross Youngs, Joe Jackson, Harry Heilmann and Harry Hooper as right field candidates, but he felt the readers should decide. Ruth said, “No one can dispute Ty Cobb’s right to be placed on anyone’s all-star team. He was a player with unbeatable competitive spirit. My old sidekick, Tris Speaker wins centerfield in my book, even though I recognize that Joe DiMaggio is a great center fielder. But ‘Spoke’ had something extra-special.”

Well, I’m not about to contradict Babe’s choices, but I never saw any of those players perform live, some on grainy old reels though. So, I’m going to list my All-Star team. I’ve only chosen players that I witnessed either in person or on TV. Some are heroes from my youth, some from recently. Because the “modern age” has a specialized bull pen, I’ve included starters and relief pitchers.

Pitcher: Sandy Koufax

For a span of six years, he was one of the most dominant left-handers of all time. Great fastball, an amazing over the top curveball. Retired early due to a chronic elbow pain issue.

Pitcher: Bob Gibson

A dominant right-hander who was fiercely competitive. He’d wake you up with an inside pitch. Posted another worldly ERA of 1.12 in 1968. He threw several pitches on a fractured right fibula (bone) before it snapped, and he collapsed.

Pitcher: Steve Carlton

Lefty’s slider was legendary. 329 wins, 4,136 strikeouts.

Pitcher: Randy Johnson

At 6’10, the “Big Unit” could flat out pitch. Once killed a bird in flight with a pitch, it just exploded.

Relief Pitcher: Dennis Eckersley

Dominant reliever and was an above average starter earlier in his career.

Relief Pitcher: Mariano Rivera

Probably the best closer of all-time. “I get the ball. I throw the ball, and then I take a shower.” Everyone knew he was going to throw a cut fastball, few hit it safely.

Catcher: Carlton Fisk

Probably my favourite player. He was a catcher for 24 major league seasons. One of the best. Rugged and durable.

First Base: Paul Konerko

He had a great glove at first base, hit 439 home runs, and carried a .279 career batting average. Plus, he was a great guy.

Second Base: Lou Whitaker

A solid second baseman who doesn’t get enough credit for his career.

Shortstop: Ozzie Smith

The Wizard of Oz. Outstanding defensive SS. Made all the plays look effortless.

Third Base: Brooks Robinson

The finest gloveman at third I ever saw.

Outfield: Willie Mays (Oldest Living Hall of Fame Player)

I didn’t see him in his prime, but he was still amazing. A five-tool player.

Outfield: Mickey Mantle

He was another player I didn’t see in his prime, but again, still amazing. I wonder what his career as outstanding as it was could have been if he didn’t have some many leg injuries / issues.

Outfield: Roberto Clemente

The BEST right field arm I ever saw. As Vin Scully once said, “Roberto Clemente could field the ball in New York and throw out a guy in Pittsburgh.” Five-tool player. Died young at 38 years old going to Nicaragua to deliver relief to those affected by an earthquake. His plane crashed into the sea. He reached 3000 hit mark on the last day of the 1972 season.

Honourable mentions:

Outfield: Hank Aaron

I saw his 715-career home run on tv, a power hitter with a solid average. Played the game the right way, always.

Outfield: Tony Olivia

Another player that may have been even better if not for his knee injuries.

Outfield / 3^rd / 1^st: Pete Ward

I loved watching him play for the White Sox when I was a kid. Good player, not outstanding numbers, so he wouldn’t be on anyone’s all-time team, but he was a favourite from my childhood.

I’m sure I could make up several other “teams” from all the players I’ve witnessed, but this was a good start. Let me know what you think and if you’re up for it, comment on some of your own.

A special mention, my son (and guess blogger, “Mark Buehrle: The Most Interesting Hall of Fame Case”) is celebrating his 36^th birthday today. Happy Birthday Mike!

Thanks,

~ Coach Mike

Comments From Coach Mike

Discussion about this post