The All Time Nine : Greatest Baseball Team - 24's Blog

24's Blog

The All Time Nine : Greatest Baseball Team

Posted on May 14, 2011 at 06:05 AM.

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A while back I wrote an All time starting Five entry on my blog I decided to follow it up with a baseball edition. This is My opinion you don't have to agree with the players I chose but never the less enjoy.

Catcher : Lawrence "Yogi" Berra

Yogi Berra could hurt you with his bat, call a great ball game behind the plate and is a world known philosopher stating brilliant quotes such as "It Ain't over till it's Over"

. Jokes Aside Yogi Berra Is the Choice for Catcher. He was a phenomenal player that had every tool to succeed and made vitually any pitcher Good.

1st baseman Lou Gehrig

The Iron Horse as he was known, Gehrig sure as hell lived up to the name as he was the most durable player to ever play the game of Baseball. A Fearsome cleanup Hitter Gehrig could smack homers with the best of em. Gehrig was one of the best hitters that ever graced a baseball diamond and he was a versatile fielder as well. Gehrig would be the driving force Behind any team and thus takes the first base spot

2nd Baseman Roberto Alomar

This was a very tough decision i determined though that Roberto Alomar though was the best pick for this job. The recent hall of fame inductee Robby encompassed every skill needed to succeed in the MLB. Lightining quick on the base paths, a great glove, the ability to work the count on the best pitchers, and the ability to put the bat on the ball. He was up there with the best in his prime and deserves the nod at second base

3rd Baseman Mike Schmidt

Mike Schmidt had amazing ability at the hot corner. Essentially he was a power hitting Brooks Robinson. racking up 10 gold gloves and 3 MVP's Schmidt was one of the premier players of the 80's. Not to mention he played in Philly so he's pretty tough and knows how to take a good beating from the fans

Shortstop : Derek Jeter

While this may be a Homer pick when it comes down to it Captain Clutch is one of if not the greatest shortstops to ever play the game of Baseball. Leading the Bronx Bombers to 5 Championships is impressive in its own but the constant production that Jeter has virtually every year is amazing. Derek Embodies the player's of yesterday. He will finish out his career with one team a rarity by today's standards and his personality, bravado and most importantly leadership has made an unbelievable impact on the Yankees. Derek is a lock for 3000 hits and while he has lost a step in recent years it doesn't take away from his impressive accomplishments from the past. Jeter earns the spot due to his skills and abilities on the field.

Left Field : Ted Williams

The Splendid Splinter certainly can be considered the Greatest hitter to play the game. The last man to reach the 400 average mark , there are countless reasons why Williams is on this Team. His constant production till the end of his Career is astounding especially since the era that he played in. If he didn't loose 5 years to the war Ted Williams would probably have 600+ homers and be the owner of countless records

Center Field : Willie Mays

Willie Mays cannot be described in One word. One of the First "Five Tool Talents" the Say Hey Kid left his impression everywhere he went. Whether he was Sending one to the cheap seats, making an incredible Catch or Gunning out a runner at the Plate Mays was just unbelievable. One of The Top 3 Players of All Time Willie Mays Belongs on any team

Right Field : Mickey Mantle

It's a shame really. If it Weren't for Alcoholism and A few unlucky Injuries Mantle Is the Greatest Player Ever. Despite his excessive drinking and constant injuries Mickey Mantle was the most feared hitter of his era. He could Kill you from both sides of the plate and (in his younger years) his time to first base could rival that of Ichiro ; not to mention the artillery he had for an arm. The list goes on and on for Mantle who at one point held most of the postseason records. His Achievements include 20 All Star Selections 3 MVP's, a Gold Glove, And a Triple Crown.

Designated Hitter : Babe Ruth

I Don't Have to explain this selection folks. Babe Ruth was the most prolific Home Run Hitter to ever play the game period.

Starting Rotation

Ace of The Staff : Walter Johnson

They called him the Big Train. With that signature side arm style of throwing Walter Johnson can be Considered the Best Pitcher to step on a mound. The first member of the 3000 strike out club, Johnson notched 110 shutouts in his career and was dominant till the End. He is the Ace of this Team

Number 2 : Bob Feller

The recently deceased Feller was a masterful pitcher with a Fastball that reached triple digits. Entering the league at a very young age Feller was an immediate Star. Despite loosing time to the war Feller still managed 266 victories and would have gotten more.

Number 3 : Bob Gibson

Bob Gibson Was so good that they coined the term "Year of The Pitcher" in honor of him and Denny McClain. When he managed a 1.12 ERA the current record for lowest ERA in a single season but that wasn't all. At one point Gibson had a streak of 47 scoreless innings and held a multitude of other records. His lifetime Record Comes in at 251 wins 174 losses and a 2.91 ERA with over 3000 strike outs to boot.

Number 4 : Sandy Koufax

A Perfect example of one of those players who would have been the best if it weren't for injuries. Despite the constant pain that he pitched through Sandy Koufax was unbelievable. Koufax led the league in Strike Outs 4 times including three 300 Strikeout seasons and in all of his last 5 seasons he led the league in ERA. One of the Best pitchers to play the game.

Number 5 : Randy Johnson

Not Bad for a fifth Starter right? Randy Johnson is here because not only was he one of the best pitchers to play the game but because he would dominate competition at the height of the Steroid Era. Johnson's top notch fastball along with an unhittable slider made him one of the best strikeout pitchers to ever come along. Not to Mention he stood 6'11 on the mound was one of the scariest pitcher the sport ever saw. He led the league in K's 9 times and what was most impressive was his longevity and the fact that he killed a bird with a pitch

Closer : Mariano Rivera

Is This even a question? Mariano Rivera is and probably always will be the greatest closer to play the game. Once the Sandman comes into the 9th inning you know the game is essentially done. Rivera has maintained his form despite his age and is a lock for the Hall of Fame once his magnificent career comes to a close

Well folks there you have it. The Greatest Team of all time (at least in my mind) many tough desicions had to be made in terms of choosing some players. I wanted to mix in a few modern players as well that made great contributions to the games of baseball. I realize that i have left out some notable names but there are simply so many fantastic players yet so few positions. Regardless whether you agree or disagree with some of my choices, I hope you enjoyed the article.

Comments

# 1 pittsburgher86 @ May 14

Though the Yankees have had some really great players I think you have overlooked quite a few of the best ever. I'm sorry but you have been extremely biased in your picks. Here is where my picks would differ:
Catcher- Johnny Bench (Equally good stats and way better catcher than Yogi)
Second Base- A case could be made for Joe Morgan however I guess I'd stick with Alomar here.
Shortstop- Jeter is an active player so he shouldn't even be on the list for one thing. Honus Wagner, Cal Ripken Jr., Ozzie Smith, and Ernie Banks all should be considered before Jeter.
Right Field- Mickey Mantle played Center Field for one thing (though he did play 130 games in Right) So he shouldn't even be in consideration for best Right Fielder of all time. Roberto Clemente, Hank Aaron, and Tony Gwynn all better choices. I'd choose Clemente though as he could do it all.

Just though I'd put in my opinion. However, I must say you are pretty spot on in most of your picks. Good job.

# 2 24 @ May 14

I know mantle play center field for his entire career but i felt that he could have easily made the transition to right field considering the talent he possessed. I did go a bit Yankee heavy but i felt that each pick was justified.

# 3 Eski33 @ May 14

Here is my top nine:

1B - Gehrig
2B - Ty Cobb
SS - Cal Ripken
3B - Wade Boggs
LF - Ted Williams
CF - Kirby Puckett (yes, I believe he is one of the best of All-Time
RF - Roberto Clemente
C - Johnny Bench

SP - Sandy Koufax
SP - Walter Johnson
SP - Bob Gibson
SP - Greg Maddux
SP - Steve Carlton

RP - Dennis Eckersley (K to BB ratio was ridiculous)
RP - Lee Smith
RP - Mariano Rivera

# 4 speels @ May 14

How Nolan Ryan has not been mentioned makes me question everything you all have said.

# 5 patmaster7891 @ May 16

weres joe DiMaggio and nolan ryan and pete rose and hank aaron ????

# 6 pmoehrin @ May 17

For me the history of baseball is so long, I have to split it up into to era's. Guys who started their careers prior to 1960 and then the people after.

Pre-1960 roster
C Yogi Berra
1B Lou Gehrig
2B Rogers

# 7 pmoehrin @ May 17

continued from above hit enter accidently.

2B Rogers Hornsby
3B Eddie Matthews
SS Honus Wagner
OF Babe Ruth
OF Ty Cobb
OF Stan Musial
Bench
------
C Mickey Cochrane
1B Jimmie Foxx
2B Eddie Collins
2B Nap Lajoie
OF Ted Williams
OF Tris Speaker
OF Mickey Mantle
Pitchers
--------
Walter Johnson
Warren Spahn
Grover Cleveland Alexander
Robin Roberts
Bob Feller
Christy Matthewson
Lefty Grove
Red Ruffing
Early Wynn
Carl Hubbell

# 8 pmoehrin @ May 17

Post 1960 team
C Ivan Rodriguez
1B Eddie Murray
2B Joe Morgan
3B Mike Schmidt
SS Cal Ripken
OF Barry Bonds
OF Willie Mays
OF Hank Aaron

Bench
C Johnny Bench
SS Alex Rodriguez
3B Brooks Robinson
3B Wade Boggs
OF Pete Rose
OF Frank Robinson
OF Carl Yastrzemski
Pitchers
--------
Greg Maddux
Roger Clemens
Nolan Ryan
Randy Johnson
Tom Seaver
Steve Carlton
Gaylord Perry
Don Sutton
Pedro Martinez
Bob Gibson