This post was originally published on 23 October 1999 while I wrote for WISN (Worldwide Internet Sports Network), It was my fourth article for them.
I had promised to keep my opinions about the All Century Team when I wrote about Tony Lucadello, the great baseball scout, to myself for awhile. Well, since the voting is over, I feel I must now share my thoughts about the players that I selected. The results of the overall voting will be announced once the World Series starts, so everyone can point out my misses. I welcome your comments!
The rules stated that each voter had to select six pitchers (one left-handed), two catchers, two first basemen, two second basemen, two shortstops, two third basemen and nine outfielders from the list of 100 players. It seemed easy enough, but I felt that I should not only choose players from the eras that I have seen play, but delve into the past as well. Here goes…
Pitchers:
Sandy Koufax. He probably was the best left-hander over a five-year period ever. Had 5 ERA titles, 4 No Hitters, 3 Cy Young Awards and 1 MVP.
Bob Gibson. A great competitor and had a 1.12 ERA in 1968.
Nolan Ryan. Ryan has the most career No Hitters and strikeouts; do I need to say more?
Steve Carlton. Another lefty with one of the greatest sliders ever.
Christy Mathewson. He developed the screwball, which he called a “fadeaway”. Christy retired with 372 victories to his credit. He was also a true gentleman.
Cy Young. Has an award named after him, there must be a reason! Must be the 511 victories he posted!
Catchers:
Carlton Fisk. The Red and White Sox catcher who has the most games ever caught as well as the most HRs by a catcher. How about the "body-english" homer?
Josh Gibson. Negro League standout.
First Base:
Lou Gehrig. An outstanding defensive player who held the consecutive game record prior to Cal, Jr. and batted cleanup hitter behind Ruth.
Buck Leonard. Negro League standout and a wonderful ambassador of the game.
Second Base:
Rogers Hornsby. Best right-handed hitter ever.
Jackie Robinson. All-round great athlete and ground- breaker who had to do everything better than anyone else while taking abuse no person should have to withstand.
Shortstop:
Luis Aparico. He was the White Sox shortstop on the teams of my youth. Sorry, but I voted here with my heart. He was graceful and fun to watch. Little Lou was a fine player.
Honus Wagner. One of the first stars of the game with the Pirates, he was bow-legged, but one of the finest fielding shortstops of all time. He had 17 straight years with a batting average over .300.
Third Base:
Pie Traynor. He is another legend of the game whose defensive stats put him near the top of the group.
Mike Schmidt. A great hitter and his defensive skills were always at the top as well. He earned 8 Gold Gloves in his career.
Outfielders:
Ted Williams. He is the greatest hitter ever. Period!
Ty Cobb. He was probably the meanest player ever. Ty set over 90 major-league records at various points of his 24-year career. Played the game like it was war.
(Shoeless) Joe Jackson. He might be banned from the game, but is one of the greatest hitters ever, and from stories an excellent outfielder with an amazing arm.
Pete Rose. Also banned from baseball. But could play almost anywhere on the diamond. All time leading hit total. Put his heart and soul into playing and over- came his lack of natural talent with hard work and hustle.
Babe Ruth. 714 HRs.
Willie Mays. I saw him late in his career and he was still amazing to watch in the outfield, at bat and running the bases.
Hank Aaron. 755 HRs.
Mickey Mantle. I also saw him late in his career and he was special. The greatest power switch hitter ever. His time from the batter’s box to first base, I believe, still stands as the fastest. Injuries probably keep him from achieving so much more.
Joe DiMaggio. He displayed grace, style and dignity on the field and throw in a 56 game hitting streak.
Am I wrong for leaving Johnny Bench, Walter Johnson, Bob Feller, Satchel Paige, Charlie Gehringer, Eddie Collins, Luke Appling, Ernie Banks, Brooks Robinson, Coop Papa Bell, Stan Musial, Tris Speaker, Roberto Clemente or Carl Yastrzemski off the team? Couldn’t I have gotten one or more of these stars on the team as well? Which player could I have removed? You tell me.
On a side note it was tempting to put Cool Papa Bell on my team so I could use the line, “He could switch off the lights and jump into bed before the room got dark” as Satchel Paige always claimed. I think I would have liked to quote Buck Leonard as well with his remark that “Satchel Paige could throw a pork chop past a hungry dog.” But I just couldn’t find room on the roster and I did manage to get the really good lines in anyway!
I may have missed on some of my selections; you may argue for your favorites and have as many or more reasons for yours. Baseball allows for this, as there are statistics for everything and records are kept. It allows for fans to compare generations and players and argue good-naturedly for hours. It is just another special feature the beautiful game of baseball affords us. Enjoy the Series!
~ Coach Mike
NOTE: 22 years later, I still stand behind almost all of my selections. I would remove Pete Rose and add Roberto Clemente. Rose is still an arrogant prima donna, and Clemente was pure class, a true humanitarian. I flipped the coin back then, but after all his garbage over the years, Rose would be off. My selections, my “rules”.
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What a fun read🤩. I recognized so many of those names but you so brilliantly clarified why they’re so great🤗. I’m really in AWE of your baseball knowledge and the love you have for the sport 😊. Thank you for sharing 🙏