All-Ohio Baseball Team
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by user Chachi
I was cruising around the web this evening and saw a random link on Baseball-Reference.com about places of birth for current and former Major League Baseball players. I thought it would be interesting to try and form the best possible team out of players born in a particular state.
I've decided to start with Ohio. Why? Because that's where I live. After much deliberation, scouring, and head scratching I came away with a starting lineup (including DH), the 3 pitchers I would want going in any mythical 3-game series, a closer, and even a manager. I'm throwing down the gauntlet. I dare you to face my pitching staff! Can any state stand up to the mighty baseball factory that is Ohio?
Catcher
Thurman Munson, (Akron) - 3-time Gold Glover, 7-time All-Star, 1970 Rookie of the Year, and 1976 AL MVP. His career stats don't do justice to what he meant to his team. In 3 World Series appearances Munson batted .373 and helped the Yankees win it all twice, 1977 and 1978.
First Base
George Sisler, (Manchester) - A career .340 BA (including two seasons over .400), the 1922 AL MVP, and 375 career stolen bases gives this Hall of Famer the nod over players like George Burns and Chris Chambliss.
Second Base
Pete Rose, (Cincinnati) - I moved "The Hit King" to the position where he started his career because, quite frankly, it was hard to find a deserving second baseman. Other than that, I feel his inclusion on this team needs no other explanation.
Third Base
Mike Schmidt, (Dayton) - Once again, I'm pretty sure that his body of work speaks for itself. Arguably the greatest third baseman ever.
Shortstop
Barry Larkin, (Cincinnati) - Negative points for going to college at the University of Michigan, but he gets a bonus for playing his entire career for his hometown team. Hands down the best shortstop in the NL during the '90's. 12 All-Star appearances, 9 Silver Slugger awards, and the 1995 NL MVP. Also, brings Gold Glove defense to the team.
Outfield
David Justice, (Cincinnati) - A solid career (over 300 HR) and a ton of postseason experience (played in 6 World Series) make him a nice addition to any outfield. That, and the fact he dated Halle Berry.
Paul O'Neill, (Columbus) - There is a local high school here in Columbus that has a very, very deep centerfield. The fences go so extremely out from right and left field that they end up coming to a point 460 feet from home plate. From personal experience I can tell you how much it sucks to have a ball hit over your head and roll to the fence and also how far away second base looks standing there. Only two people in the school's history have hit a homerun to dead center and Paul is one of them. That is why he's on this team. That and the fact that he is an intense player who shows up for the big games and nobody could beat the crap out of a cooler or bat rack like he could.
Frank Howard, (Columbus) - Howard mashed 382 career homers and is an alumnist of The Ohio State University. How could I leave him off? That, and one of his nicknames was "The Capital Punisher." How great is that?!
Designated Hitter
Al Oliver, (Portsmouth) - 2,700+ hits, 200+ HR, a .303 career BA and a 7-time All-Star. Not your typical power DH, but a solid offensive producer none the less.
Starting Pitchers
I feel no need to write anything about these three pitchers.
Cy Young, (Gilmore)
Roger Clemens, (Dayton)
Phil Niekro, (Blaine)
Closer
Rollie Fingers, (Steubenville) - 341 career saves and a 2.90 career ERA. The man practically invented the modern day closer role. Also, gives the team a strong mustache presence.
Manager
Walter Aliston, (Venice) - In 23 years with the Dodgers (both Brooklyn and LA) he won over 2,000 games, 7 pennants, and 4 World Series.
Player With The Best Name
Urban Shocker, (Cleveland) - Actually his name. Pitched for the St. Louis Browns and New York Yankees from 1916-1927. Amassed a 187-117 record with a 3.17 ERA.
Date
Tue 06/27/06, 5:38 pm EST
