50 of my Favorite Baseball Players
(No Pitchers or Catchers)*
Ron Gant-I loved the way he would hit homers to left center.
Dale Murphy-The reason I picked & wore the number 3 during my career
Cecil Fielder-Home Run!
Craig Biggio-I played second base. Need I say more. Loved his dirty helmet.
Ozzie Smith-Best defense I ever saw. Remember when he hit a triple against the Braves.
Craig Counsell-I was told that I played a lot like him in 2001. Loved his defensive style.
Mark Lemke-Mr. October during the Glory Years for the Braves. Sharp player
Derek Jeter-My assistant JV coach’s favorite player. Played with grace. Inside-out swing.
Chipper Jones-Loved the fact that he spent all his years with the Braves. Solid Player.
David Justice-That Solo Homer in Game 6 against Cleveland. Won 1-0 1995 World Series
Terry Pendleton-One of the great third basemen of the 90’s.
Honus Wagner-Though I never saw him play, I’ve always felt drawn to his talent.
Hank Aaron-The Home Run King in my book. Got his autograph
Marquis Grissom-That homer during the All-Star Game. Expos were always tough.
Barry Larkin-Needless to say, another great shortstop. Solid hitter.
Rickey Henderson-Man could that dude run. Always fun to watch.
Cal Ripken Jr.-One of my childhood favorites. His advice helped me learn to slide.
Joe Carter-Even though it shattered a dream, that WS home run was awesome.
Ichiro Suzuki-Been a fan since day one. Consistent & an amazing arm.
Ryan Sandburg-I used his style of glove during middle school baseball.
Robin Yount-A childhood favorite. Basically ran the Brewers.
George Brett-The infamous homer escapade. & so much more.
Willie Mays-Groundbreaker. Amazing outfielder. Made baseball look fun!
Roger Maris-The movie 61* is one of my favorite baseball movies.
Babe Ruth-No list would be complete without The Sultan of Swat. The King of Crash!
Pete Rose-Despite the controversy, I would not want to pitch to him.
Ernie Banks-I remember my friend getting his card at the beach as a youngin’
Jeff Blauser-I reckon you can tell I pull for the Braves. Old Smokey.
Chuck Knoblauch-He was the man when he played for the Twins.
Wally Joyner-Tough, solid player. Good Slugger.
Lenny Dykstra-Always a tough out. Early 90’s Braves vs Phillies.
Sid Bream-That Slide! The Pennant!
Andy Van Slyke-Great all around ball player. Old Rival-Pirates
Ken Griffey Jr.-Remember going to Charlotte to get his rookie card. SNES Game=Fun!
Larry Walker-Great hitter. A part of those pesky Expos.
Fred McGriff-Loved watching the Crime Dog hit home runs
Rafael Belliard-The man could play defense with the best of them
Jeff Kent-Seen him live twice. He homered both games.
Sammy Sosa-I was 16 years old, drove to Atlanta with friends for the Derby. 508 ft homer!
Tony Gwynn-One of the best consistent hitters I grew up watching.
Brett Butler-Great inspiration as a leadoff hitter. Speedy!
Andruw Jones– DEFENSE- Homers in his debut during the World Series. Period.
Bernie Williams-Overall clutch player. When he was on, one of the best.
Otis Nixon-My favorite leadoff hitter growing up. Great bunter-such speed
Alex Rodriguez-Preferred him as a Mariner to a Ranger or Yankee but can’t deny talent.
Jackie Robison-Slide Jackie, Slide!! 42
Kenny Lofton-Flashy in a good way. Had his good years.
Kirby Puckett-Can’t think of the Twins without Kirby crossing the mind. Fun Player
Tim Raines-Another awesome outfielder. Got close to 3000 hits.
Bo Jackson-Bo knew. Never will I forget him climbing the wall with his feet.
I realize that a lot of the all time greats have been left out & that I am quite bias toward the Atlanta Braves. Just keep in mind this is opinion based & not a petition for better recognition. Most of these players have retired. Some have reached the Hall of Fame.
I am still getting used to the Stars in the making today. It has felt good to revisit some old notes concerning an old pastime. Hope you enjoy the list. Feel free to comment.
MHG 2/17/16
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