#747 Lawrence J. “Larry” Corcoran
RHP, Cubs, Giants, Washington (NL), Indianapolis (NL), 1880–87
Corcoran was superb in his first four years, including three no-hitters, a 43–14 record as a rookie, and a league-best 268 strikeouts and a microscopic 1.95 ERA. He also pitched 536 1/3 innings, running off 13 straight wins at one point. And he only weighed 120 pounds! He went 31–14 in 1881, and 27–12 in 1882, topping the league with a 1.95 ERA. In 1883, he was 34–20. Corcoran and his batterymate Silver Flint may have been the first pitcher-catcher tandem to use pitching signs. Arm trouble curtailed Corcoran’s career.
LIFETIME STATS: W: 177, L: 89, SV: 2, ERA: 2.36, SO: 1,103, CG: 256
#748 Harold Homer “Hal,” “Prince Hal” Chase
1B, Yankees, White Sox, Buffalo, Reds, Giants, 1905–19
Chase was regarded as a slick-fielding first baseman. Later in his career, however, he also reportedly threw games when he bet on his opponents. A rarity in that he threw left, but batted right, Chase led the NL in home runs in 1915, won the hitting title in 1916 and hit over .300 five times. The fleet-footed Chase stole 363 bases in his career. After many suspensions, Chase was finally banned from baseball in 1919.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .291, HR: 57, RBI: 941, H: 2,158, SB: 363
#749 Von Francis Hayes
OF-1B, Indians, Phillies, Angels, 1981–92
Hayes was traded to Philadelphia in December 1982 for five players, and helped the Phils reach the World Series in 1983. He led the NL in runs and doubles in 1986 and hit .305. Hayes was an All Star in 1989 when he hit 26 homers, three coming in a single game. He retired in 1992 because of injuries.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .267, HR: 143, RBI: 696, H: 1,402, SB: 253
#750 Jose Rosario Domec Cardenal
OF-1B, Giants, Angels, Indians, Cardinals, Brewers, Cubs, Phillies, Mets, Royals, 1963–80
Speedy, but considered moody, Cardenal played for nine clubs in 18 seasons. While with the Indians, he made two unassisted double plays from his outfield position. He blossomed in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field in 1972 and 1973 where he hit .300 for the first time as he paced the Cubbies in batting, steals, and doubles. In 1976, Cardenal went six-for-seven in an extra inning contest. He also helped the Royals in the stretch run of 1980, hitting an impressive .340, and finally won a World Series ring with Kansas City.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .275, HR: 138, RBI: 775, H: 1,913, SB: 329
#751 Lloyd Anthony Moseby
OF, Blue Jays, Tigers, 1980–91
Moseby didn’t quite live up to very high expectations in Toronto, but he did have flashes of brilliance. In 1983, he became the first Jay to score 100 runs, had a 21-game hitting streak, hit .315, and stole 27 bases. In 1984, Moseby led the AL with 15 triples, stole 39 bases and had 92 RBI. He finished his major league career in Detroit, then played a year in Japan, and later on became a Blue Jay coach.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .257, HR: 169, RBI: 737, H: 1,494, SB: 280
#752 “Uncle Bill” Monroe
2B-1B-3B-SS, Chicago Union Giants, Chicago Unions, Philadelphia Giants, New York Quaker Giants, Brooklyn Royal Giants, Chicago American Giants (Negro Leagues), 1896–1914
Uncle Bill Monroe was an exciting infielder, mostly at second base, for some of the best black teams in the country during the early 1900s. He was on Rube Foster’s Chicago American Giants when they won the 1913 and 1914 black Western Championships. Monroe got four hits in the 1914 Black World Series in Game Three as Monroe’s Giants swept his former team, the Brooklyn Royal Giants. He once hit .333 in the Cuban Winter League and John McGraw thought he was capable of All Star play in the white major leagues.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .305
#753 John Bernard “Hans,” “Honus” Lobert
3B-SS, Pirates, Cubs, Reds, Phillies, Giants, 1903, 1905–17
Hans Lobert was a four-time 300 hitter called Honus because he resembled the great Honus Wagner. The fleet-footed, though bow-legged Lobert stole 30 or more bases seven times, including six of home plate. He was once clocked running the bases in 13.8 seconds and was known to race anyone or anything including horses, cars, motorcycles and professional runners.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .274, HR: 32, RBI: 482, H: 1,252, SB: 316
#754 Willie Edward “Puddinhead” Jones
3B, Phillies, Indians, Reds 1947–61
Jones was the third baseman on the 1950 Phillies “Whiz Kids” pennant winner as he hit 25 homers, drove in 88, and scored an even 100 runs. He was named to the NL All Star squad that year as well as in 1951. “Puddinhead” led all Senior Circuit third-sackers in fielding five of six years, including four straight years (1953–56). He also tied a major league record in his rookie season by stroking four doubles in a row in one game.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .258, HR: 190, RBI: 812, H: 1,502, SB: 40
#755 James Ray “Jim” Hart
3B-OF, Giants, Yankees, 1963–74
Hart would have been the ideal DH, but he was born 10 years too early. He broke in in 1964 and hit 31 homers, a Giants rookie record and third in the league. He only hit 23 the following year, but hit a career best .299 and drove in 96 runs. He was a poor fielder as he led NL third basemen in errors in 1965, and even admitted to reporters that he hated playing defense. But with a bat in his hand, he was lethal, as he averaged 29 homers and 92 RBI and hit .291. Then his career went downhill due to alcohol and injuries. The last highlight of his career was in 1970 when he hit for the cycle and drove in six runs.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .278, HR: 170, RBI: 578, H: 1,052, SB: 17
#756 Octavio Victor “Cookie” Rojas
2B-OF, Reds, Phillies, Cardinals, Royals, 1962–77
Cuban-born Cookie Rojas was chosen as the Phillies’ best second baseman ever in 1969. He was very versatile—he played all 10 positions in his career (including DH). He was very capable with the glove as he led NL second sackers with a .987 fielding average and in 1968 helped the Royals set a team record of 192 double plays and led the AL in fielding twice. He was an All Star from 1971 to 1974 with Kansas City and hit .308 in two League Championship Series with the Royals.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .263, HR: 54, RBI: 593, H: 1,660, SB: 74
#757 Luzerne Atwell “Lu” Blue,
1B, Tigers, Browns, White Sox, Dodgers, 1921–33
Blue, though not your typical powerful first baseman, got on base often. Four times in his career, this switch-hitter drew more than 100 free passes, and had two seasons with 126 and 127 bases on balls. He also hit .300 or better in four of his first five seasons. Blue is one of the few major leaguers buried in Arlington National Cemetery, as he was a veteran of World War I.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .287, HR: 44, RBI: 695, H: 1,696, SB: 151
#758 Timothy James “Tim” Salmon
OF-DH, Angels, 1992–2005
In 1990, while in the minors, Tim Salmon was hit by a pitch in the jaw, but bounced back three months later and just three years later was honored as the AL’s Rookie of the Year, with the Angels, a team he has spent his entire career with. He hit .283, with 31 homers and 95 RBI in that rookie year of 1993 (he was called up late in 1992 but was still considered a rookie in 1993). In 1995 Salmon continued to put up fine numbers with 34 home runs, 105 RBI and a .330 batting average. Two years later, he knocked in 129 more runs. He helped the surprising Angels capture the 2002 World Series over the Giants as he went four-for-four in Game Two, smacking two two-run homers, the last one the winning margin in an 11–10 Anaheim win. Salmon was also named the AL Comeback Player of the Year in 2002.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .282, HR: 299, RBI: 1,016, H: 1,674, SB: 48
#759 Charles Taylor “Charlie,” “Piano Legs” Hickman
1B-2B-OF-3B, Braves, Giants, Red Sox, Indians, Tigers, Senators, White Sox, 1897–1908
Because of his immense limbs that supported his 5'9" body, Hickman was dubbed “Piano Legs,” and he was one of the first sluggers in the game, just missing a Triple Crown in 1902 with a .361 average, 11 homers and 110 RBI, second in all three categories. He committed a record 86 errors at third base in 1900. Managers would often move him elsewhere to keep his potent bat in the lineup, but hoping the ball wouldn’t be hit to him. Hickman even tried pitching briefly, compiling a 10–8 record, including three shutouts and four saves.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .295, HR: 59, RBI: 614, H: 1,176, SB: 72
#760 Joseph Anthony “Joe,” “Jumpin’ Joe” Dugan
3B-SS-2B, Athletics, Red Sox, Yankees, Braves, Tigers, 1917–29, 1931
“Jumping Joe” Dugan got his nickname from leaving, or “jumping,” teams without authorization early in his playing days. He was obtained by the Yankees from Boston in the middle of the 1922 season, and the deal sparked so much controversy that the June 15 trading deadline was established. The tall, athletic Dugan became a fine third baseman; he started out slowly, only hitting .194 and .195 in his first two years, but rebounded to a career high of .322 in 1920. Dugan was a key to the early Yankee success as he was an integral part of five pennant winners with the Bronx Bombers, including the “Murderers’ Row” team of 1927.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .280, HR: 42, RBI: 571, H: 1,515, SB: 37
#761 William Barney McCosky
OF, Tigers, A’s, Reds, Indians, 1939–42, 1946–48, 1950–53
McCoskey had a terrific first two seasons as the Tigers’ leadoff hitter, batting .311 with 190 hits and 120 runs in 1939, and .340 with 200 hits (a league best) and 123 runs in 1940. He didn’t have much power, but he made up for it by getting on base and getting his share of doubles and triples, leading the league in three-base hits with 19 in 1940. The Tigers’ acquisition of slugger Rudy York to play first base forced the lumbering Hank Greenberg to play left, so center fielder McCoskey had even more real estate to cover. An injury to his neck forced the early retirement of this American League star.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .312, HR: 24, RBI: 397, H: 1,301, SB: 58
#762 Robert Lee “Bob,” “Parisian Bob” Caruthers
RHP-OF, St. Louis (AA), Brooklyn (AA), Dodgers, Browns, 1884–93
Though he also played the outfield and hit .282 lifetime, “Parisian Bob” was more known as a hurler, leading two different teams to five pennants in the mid- to late-1880s. He got his unique nickname by negotiating, along with his catcher, with his owner directly from Paris while vacationing there. From 1885 to 1889, he never won fewer than 29 games and even won a league-leading 40 in 1885 and 1889. He stood only 5'7" and weighed 138 pounds, but his deceptive delivery and his guile were a prescription for success. In 1886, Caruthers became the first pitcher to stroke four extra-base hits in one game when he swatted two homers, a double and a triple. The following year Caruthers started 39 games and played 61 in the field, hitting .357 with eight home runs and 49 stolen bases.
LIFETIME STATS: W: 218, L: 99, SV: 3, ERA: 2.83, SO: 900, CG: 298. BA: .282, HR: 29, RBI: 359, H: 695, SB: 152
#763 Spurgeon Ferdinand “Spud” Chandler
RHP, Yankees, 1937–47
A four-time All Star, Spud Chandler, who made the majors when he was 29, set the record for career winning percentage for pitchers with over 100 or more games (.717). The right-handed control hurler was fabulous for the Yanks in 1943 when he went 20–4, leading the AL in victories, complete games (20), shutouts (5). and ERA (1.64), the lowest ERA in the league in over two decades. For his exploits, he was named AL MVP for that year. In 1940, Chandler even hit two home runs in a game, one of them a grand slam.
LIFETIME STATS: W: 109, L: 43, SV: 6, ERA: 2.84, SO: 614, CG: 109
#764 Stanley Raymond “Bucky” Harris
2B, Senators, Tigers, 1919–29, 1931. Hall of Fame, 1975
Harris was known for his glove even though he did hit .300 for the only time in his career in 1920. He led AL second basemen in fielding percentage once, putouts four times, and double plays five consecutive times and his 483 putouts in 1922 set a league record that stood for over five decades. After the 1924 season, as the Senators foundered again, owner Clark Griffith surprised everyone including Harris by offering the 27-year-old Harris the managerial reins. Known as “The Boy Wonder” or “The Boy Manager,” Harris led the Senators and Walter Johnson to the pennant. The Senators then upset the Giants to win the Series in Harris’ first year as manager. The Senators repeated as AL champs, but lost to the Pirates in the Series.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .274, HR: 9, RBI: 506, H: 1,297, SB: 167
#765 Cesar Leonardo “Pepito” Perez Tovar
OF-3B-2B-DH, Twins, Phillies, Rangers, A’s, Yankees, 1965–76
A very versatile player, Tovar proved it one day in 1968 when he played all nine positions for the Twins against the A’s. Tovar is also known as the no-hitter “breaker-upper” as he spoiled five no-hit bids in his career, getting the lone hit off the likes of Dave McNally, Mike Cuellar, Catfish Hunter, Barry Moore and Dick Bosman. In ‘71, Tovar hit .311, leading the league with 204 hits, and hit for the cycle in 1972 when he led the junior circuit in hit by pitches.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .278, HR: 46, RBI: 435, H: 1,546, SB: 226
#766 Jerry Dean Lumpe
2B-3B-SS, Yankees, A’s, Tigers, 1956–67
Lumpe was a contact hitter who had a tough time defensively at third and shortstop for the Yankees. Because of his fielding woes and better players playing in front of him, the Yanks dealt Lumpe in 1959 to their “trading buddies,” the Kansas City A’s, where Lumpe blossomed as a second baseman. His finest season was 1962 as he hit 10 homers, drove in 83, hit .301 and had a 20-game hitting streak. He was an All Star in 1964.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .268, HR: 47, RBI: 454, H: 1,314, SB: 20
#767 Edmund John “Bing” Miller
OF, Senators, A’s, Browns, Red Sox, 1921–36
Unsung but not unappreciated, Bing Miller was one of the many stars of Connie Mack’s Athletics teams of 1929 to 1931, with the likes of Al Simmons, Jimmy Foxx, Mickey Cochrane and Lefty Grove, Hall of Famers all. His first tour of duty with Philadelphia started in 1922 where he hit .335 with 90 RBI and hit a robust .342 in 1924. He was traded away to the Browns, but Mack re-acquired Miller in 1928, and Bing responded with a .329 average and 85 RBI. Miller hit .368 in the 1929 World Series and got the Series clinching hit in Game Five over the Cubs.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .311, HR: 116, RBI: 990, H: 1,936, SB: 127
#768 James Gorman “Stormin’ Gorman” Thomas
OF-DH, Brewers, Indians, Mariners, 1973–76, 1978–86
A fan favorite in Milwaukee, Thomas loved to swing for the fences even though he would frequently lead the league in strikeouts. In 1979, he led the league in homers with 45, while also leading the loop with 175 strikeouts, five coming in a nine-inning game that tied a major league record. Thomas was a very good center fielder with a strong arm, and the fans loved the Fu-Manchued, long-haired Thomas because he played the game so enthusiastically.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .225, HR: 268, RBI: 782, H: 1,051, SB: 50.
#769 Davis Travis Fryman
3B-SS, Tigers, Indians, 1990–2002
Travis Fryman was originally a shortstop in the Tiger chain, but he soon realized he wasn’t going to play short with Alan Trammel there, so Fryman learned to play third base. He had a tough go of it at first defensively, but his bat kept him in the lineup. He made the All Star team four times, but was then traded to the Diamondbacks, who traded him that winter to Cleveland. Fryman hit a career-best 28 homers in 1998 and had 22 more circuit clouts as well as 106 RBI and a .321 batting average in 2000.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .274, HR: 223, RBI: 1,022, H: 1,776, SB: 72.
#770 Emil John “Dutch” Leonard
RHP, Dodgers, Senators, Phillies, Cubs, 1933–36, 1938–53
Despite rarely playing for a contender, Dutch Leonard posted some fine numbers in his lengthy career. Displaying a dancing knuckleball, Leonard had his best year in 1939, hurling 21 complete games while posting a 20–8 mark. Working for the second-division Senators, Leonard was selected to four All Star games while consistently putting up win totals in the teens. In 1947 Dutch was traded to the Phils where he won 17, and then it was on to Chicago, where he made his fifth All Star team, this time as a reliever.
LIFETIME STATS: W: 191, L: 181, SV: 44, ERA: 3.25, SO: 1,170, CG: 192
#771 Charles Ray Knight
3B, Reds, Astros, Mets, Orioles, Tigers, 1974, 1977–88
Ray Knight began his career with the Reds as the third base successor to Pete Rose and he hit .318. His production tailed off, and he was dealt to Houston where he hit .294 and .304. Traded to the Mets, he slumped in 1985 and was almost cut by New York in spring training of 1986, but it was a good thing he wasn’t: Knight became one of the Mets’ World Series heroes by scoring the tying run in Game Six and smashing a homer in Game Seven to put the Mets in front to stay. Knight hit .391 and won the Series MVP Award.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .271, HR: 84, RBI 595, H: 1,311, SB: 14
#772 Theodore Crawford “Ted” Sizemore
2B-SS, Dodgers, Cardinals, Phillies, Cubs, Red Sox, 1969–80
Originally a catcher dubbed “Runt” by pitching ace Don Drysdale, Sizemore volunteered to learn a new position when Manager Walter Alston needed a second baseman in 1969. Evidently, Sizemore learned well, as he won the NL Rookie of the Year Award. In 1971, the Dodgers traded him to the Cardinals and Sizemore was a success there. Lou Brock credited Sizemore, a patient hitter, with giving him the opportunity to break the career stolen-base record as Brock led off and Sizemore batted second for the five years they played together on the Cards.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .262, HR: 23, RBI: 430, H: 1,311, SB: 59
#773 Michael Andrew “Mike” Mcfarlane
C, Royals, Red Sox, A’s, 1987–99
Mcarlane was a steady catcher for the Kansas City Royals teams of 1987 to 1998. He would show occasional power as he did in his best year, 1993, when he clubbed 20 homers, knocked in 67 and hit .273. He also had 221 career doubles and led the league twice in getting hit by pitches, in 1992 and 1994 when he was plunked a total of 33 times.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .252, HR 129, RBI: 514, H: 906, SB: 12
#774 Victor Felipe “Vic” Power (Pellot)
1B-2B-3B-OF, A’s, Indians, Twins, Dodgers, Phillies, Angels, 1954–65
One of the better fielding first baseman of all time, Power caught the ball one handed and won seven Gold Gloves. Coming up in the Yankee chain, his flamboyant, colorful style clashed with the then-conservative Yankees. Thus, the slick-fielding Power was traded to Kansas City, where he led AL first baseman in assists six times. He also hit well, as in his first year with the A’s as he hit .319 with 34 doubles, 19 homers and 91 runs. He also hit over .300 in three out of four years in KC. Traded to Cleveland in ‘58, Power hit .312 with 37 doubles and led the AL with 10 triples for the entire season. He also stole home twice in the same game that season.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .284, HR: 126, RBI: 658, H: 1,716, SB: 45
#775 Jay Campbell “Bone” Buhner
OF, Yankees, Mariners 1987–2000
Buhner came up with the Yankees, and in one of the most lopsided deals in Yankee history they traded him to Seattle for DH Ken Phelps. Phelps was a major disappointment for the Yanks, but Buhner developed into a powerful slugger with the Mariners. His first seven full seasons with Seattle, Buhner smashed 224 homers as he topped the 40 home run and 100 RBI mark three times. Taking on the Yankees in the five-game Divisional Series in 1995, Buhner ripped Yankee pitching at a .458 clip as the Mariners rebounded from a 2–0 deficit and swept three straight to win the series.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .254, HR: 310, RBI: 965, H: 1,273, SB: 6
#776 Richard Larry “Dick,” “Bass Jaws” Green
2B, A’s, 1963–74
Green was a sure-handed second baseman for Charley Finley’s three-time champion A’s. He did display occasional power as he hit 10 or more home runs four times, and his best overall season offensively was in 1969 when he hit .275 with 64 RBI. But when it came time to shore up the defense in tight World Series tilts, Green was the A’s man at second base, particularly in the 1974 Series win over the Dodgers. Green set a World Series record by participating in six double plays, three alone in Game Three with the series tied at one apiece.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .240, HR: 80, RBI: 422, H: 960, SB: 26
#777 Scott Brian Fletcher
SS-2B-3B, Cubs, White Sox, Rangers, White Sox, Brewers, Red Sox, Tigers, 1981–95
Fletcher came up with the Cubs, but was soon traded to the south side of Chicago to the White Sox. He earned the starting shortstop job in 1983, helping the Chisox reach the postseason for the first time in 24 years. His next stop was Texas, and he responded to the tune of a career high of .300 in 1986. Fletcher seemed to develop an inconsistent pattern of hitting over the years, which may have contributed to his journeyman status. Fletcher returned to the White Sox, then signed a free-agent contract with Boston in 1993 and had a good year, hitting .285 with 16 steals, but the next year he slumped to only .227.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .262, HR: 34, RBI: 510, H: 1,376, SB: 99
#778 Bibb August “Jockey” Falk
OF, White Sox, Indians, 1920–31
Falk came out of the University of Texas and had the distinction of replacing “Shoeless” Joe Jackson in left field for the 1920 White Sox. The lefty was a mainstay there for eight solid seasons, surpassing the .300 mark five times in that span. “Jockey,” as he was called because of his merciless riding of opponents from the bench, had three more plus-.300 seasons with the Indians, where he was used mostly off the bench his last two seasons.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .314, HR: 69, RBI: 784, H: 1,463, SB: 47
#779 Steven Allen “Steve” Finley
OF, Orioles, Astros, Padres, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Angels, Giants, Rockies, 1989–2007
Finley, a four-time Golden Glove winner, also combines durability, power and speed in his game. He has had over 24 homers in a season three times, has been among the leaders in games played, and has a career total of 296 stolen bases, 44 of which came in 1992, when he also led the NL with 13 triples. Speaking of three-baggers, Finley leads all active major leaguers in that department with 108. He was dealt to the Padres and he helped them win the NL West in ‘96, hitting .298 and clubbing 30 homers. Finley was also an integral part of Arizona’s championship drive of 2001, hitting .421 in the NLDS and .368 in the D’Backs Series win over the Yankees.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .271, HR: 304, RBI: 1,167, H: 2,548, SB: 320
#780 John Franklin “Silent John” Titus
OF, Phillies, Braves, 1903–13
Titus didn’t make it to the majors until the age of 27, but once he was there, proved to be a consistent outfielder and hitter. He also was a durable player as he played in 143 games or more for seven straight years. His career high batting average was in 1912 when he hit .309. Two of his eccentricities were chewing on toothpicks while batting and sporting a handlebar mustache when few, if any, of his contemporaries did the same.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .282, HR: 38, RBI 561, H: 1,401, SB: 140
#781 Glenn Dee Hubbard
2B, Braves, A’s, 1978–89
A tough, fiery competitor, Hubbard was a fine fielding second baseman for the Braves for most of his career as his lifetime fielding average was an impressive .983. He led his league in double plays three times and in assists twice. His best season at the plate was in 1983, when he hit .263 with a career-high 12 homers and 70 RBI as he was chosen on the NL All Star team. In ‘85, Hubbard had 12 assists in a nine-inning game, which tied a major league record. Born at a United States Air Force Base in Germany, he led the NL in sacrifices in 1982.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .244, HR: 70, RBI: 448, H: 1,084, SB: 35
#782 Norman Arthur “Kid,” “The Tabasco Kid” Elberfeld
SS-3B, Phillies, Reds, Tigers, Highlanders, Senators, Dodgers, 1898–99, 1901–11, 1914
Because of his tenacious nature, Kid Elberfeld was also called “The Tabasco Kid.” He stood only 5' 7" and weighed 158 pounds, but the Kid played the game hard and expected the opposition to play the same way. He was spiked numerous times, and the tough Elberfeld would rub his wounds with whiskey and continue playing. After brief stints with the Phillies and Reds, Elberfeld became Detroit’s starting shortstop in the maiden season of the AL in 1901, hitting .308 and leading AL shortstops in double plays and putouts. He was the regular shortstop for the Highlanders from 1903 to 1907.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .271, HR: 10, RBI: 535, H: 1,235, SB: 213
#783 Arnold Malcolm “Mickey” Owen
C, Cardinals, Dodgers, Cubs, Red Sox 1937–45, 1949–51, 1954
Mickey Owen was named to the NL All Star squad all four years he played for Brooklyn. He served in the United States Navy in World War II, and then played in Mexico, but then discovered he missed playing in the big leagues. No team would sign the catcher, until Baseball Commissioner Happy Chandler reinstated him in 1949. Owen then joined the Cubs, went into coaching in the minors, then resurfaced for one last season with the Red Sox in 1954.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .255, HR: 14, RBI: 378, H: 929, SB: 36
#784 William Murray “Billy” Werber
3B, Yankees, Red Sox, A’s, Reds, Giants, 1930, 1933–42
Werber was a very good third baseman and a very effective leadoff hitter with a great eye at the plate and occasional power. When he got on base, he was a threat on the base paths as he led the American League in steals on three occasions. He once caught an opposing catcher unawares and took second base on a walk. Werber became the first player to hit four doubles in a row in an AL game in 1935 and then did it again in the NL in 1940, becoming the first person to perform this hitting feat in both leagues. The Maryland native was very outspoken in his opposition to blacks playing in the major leagues after he retired from the game, saying that “the movement to admit black players was partly Communist-inspired.”
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .271, HR: 78, RBI: 539, H: 1,363, SB: 215
#785 Devon Markes “Devo” White
OF, Angels, Blue Jays, Marlins, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Brewers, 1985–2001
A fabulous defensive outfielder with seven Gold Gloves to his credit, White had one of his finest seasons in 1987 when he became a regular with the Angels, as he combined speed and power to the tune of 24 homers, 32 steals, and 103 runs scored. Though he was an All Star in 1989, he and manager Doug Rader didn’t get along and he was demoted to the minors for a short time. He rebounded with the Blue Jays as he hit .282 and stole 37 bases in 41 tries. He responded in the big games, establishing an American League record for lifetime batting average in the ALCS with a .392 BA in 74 at bats.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .263, HR: 208, RBI: 846, H: 1,934, SB: 346
#786 Jody Rich Davis
C, Cubs, Braves, 1981–90
One of the more popular players on the Cubs teams of the 80s, the tall red-headed Davis was a dependable defensive catcher who also had some pop as he clouted 24 homers and hit .271 in 1983, his second full season in Chicago. Davis earned an All Star invitation in 1984, and helped the Cubbies win the NL East title. He did all he could to bring the World Championship to Wrigley Field by hitting two homers and seven hits against the Padres, but it was not to be as the Padres took the Series. He caught almost every game for the Cubs between 1984 and 1986, again making the All Star team in 1986. This grueling regimen finally caught up with the affable Davis, and after a brief stint with the Braves, he retired in 1990.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .245, HR: 127, RBI: 490, H: 877, SB: 7
#787 Charles Henry “Charlie,” “Chinski” Root
RHP, Browns, Cubs, 1926–41
Root was an excellent pitcher for the Cubs for many years, but he’s constantly remembered for the homer he gave up to Babe Ruth in the 1932 World Series. Did the Bambino point to center field and “call his shot”? We do know that the Babe did hit a Ruthian clout to the farthest reaches of center field, but Root vehemently denied that the Sultan of Swat called his homer by saying if he thought he was, Root would have knocked him down with the next pitch. Root won 26 games for the Cubbies in 1927 and won at least 13 games 10 times in his illustrious career. He had a sterling 19–6 season in 1929, leading the NL in winning percentage (.760), and in 1930 he led the league in shutouts. His Achilles’ heel was the postseason as Root was 0–4 with a whopping (especially for him) 6.75 ERA.
LIFETIME STATS: W: 201, L: 160, SV: 40, ERA: 3.59, SO: 1,459, CG: 177
#788 Curtis Benton “Curt” Welch
OF, Toledo (AA), St Louis (AA), Philadelphia (AA), Baltimore (AA), Baltimore (NL), Cincinnati, Louisville, 1884–93
In the only winner-take-all (the money) championship series in professional-baseball history, Welch made an impressive slide to score the winning run to secure the championship and $15,000 for the St. Louis Browns club over the Chicago White Stockings in 1886. Welch was a terror on the base paths as he pilfered 453 bases, an unbelievable 95 in 1888 alone. At times during his career, the colorful Welch would trade used baseballs and other baseball-related items for free drinks in local taverns.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .263, HR: 16, RBI: 503, H: 1,152, SB: 453
#789 Lynford Hobart “Lyn,” “Broadway” Lary
SS, Yankees, Red Sox, Senators, Browns, Indians, Dodgers, Cardinals, 1929–40
Lary played for the Yankees for five seasons, but never played in the World Series, being supplanted by Frankie Crosetti in the 1932 Series. He had a spectacular 1931, however, as he drove in 107 runs, setting the record for RBI for Yankee shortstops, scored 100 runs, had 54 extra-base hits, and drew 88 walks. Lary was one of four Bombers with over 100 RBI that year. He was dealt to Boston where he led AL shortstops in fielding in 1934. He was with the Browns in 1936, when he scored 112 runs, drew 117 walks and hit .289 along with leading the league in steals with 37. Then it was on to Cleveland, where Lary had the last good season of his career, hitting .290 and slamming 46 doubles.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .269, HR: 38, RBI: 526, H: 1,239, SB: 162
#790 John Thomas “Johnny” Allen
RHP, Yankees, Indians, Browns, Dodgers, Giants, 1932–44
Allen had both an explosive temper and an explosive fastball in his 13 years in the bigs. He also may have been the first man to throw a slider. Allen had a fine rookie mark, posting a 17–4 record in 1932, following it up with a 15-win campaign. Thinking his arm was sore and tiring of his temper tantrums, the Bombers traded Allen to Cleveland, where he won 20 games in 1936. The next year, Allen went 15–1. His .938 winning percentage was a major league record until it was broken by Roy Face’s 18–1 slate in 1959. Allen went 14–8 in 1938, but then injuries curtailed his effectiveness and he retired in 1944, taking with him an impressive winning percentage of .654.
LIFETIME STATS: W: 142, L: 75, SV: 18, ERA: 3.75, SO: 1,070, CG: 109
#791 Harry Arthur “Cookie” Lavagetto
3B-2B, Pirates, Dodgers, 1934–41, 1946–47
Cookie Lavagetto was one-for-16 in World Series batting, as he strode to the plate with two outs in the ninth inning for the Dodgers in Game Four of the 1947 World Series against the Yankees. Not only was the game on the line, but Yankee hurler Bill Bevens had a no-hitter going and a 2–1 lead, but Lavagetto doubled in the tying and winning runs and became an instant hero in Flatbush. He was the regular second baseman for Brooklyn in 1937, but the following year, he moved to third base, and became an All Star for the next four seasons. His career year occurred in 1939, when he hit .300 on the nose with 10 homers and 87 RBI as well as scoring 93 runs. That year he also had six hits in one game.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .269, HR: 40, RBI: 486, H: 945, SB: 63
#792 James Laurie “Deacon” White
C-3B-OF-1B-2B, Cleveland Forest Citys (NA), Boston Braves (NA), White Stockings, Braves, Reds, Buffalo Bisons (NL), Detroit Wolverines, Pirates, Buffalo Bisons (PL), 1871–90
White is considered the best bare-handed catcher of his time, a tough, smart player who never smoke, drank or cursed (hence the nickname). In fact, White was one of the few ballplayers who regularly went to church. The versatile White could play several positions, and won a batting title in 1875 as a catcher with Boston in the National Association, and then won another title as a first baseman with Boston in 1877, this time when the franchise was in the National League. White hit .300 or better 12 of his 20 years in the pros.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .323, HR: 23, RBI: 977, H: 2,066, SB: 57
#793 Bandillo Jose “Bo” Diaz
C, Red Sox, Indians, Phillies, Reds, 1977–89
Diaz’s first good year was the strike-shortened 1981, as he hit .313 for the Indians and was selected for the AL All Star team. He was traded in the off-season to Philadelphia, where he had his best year, with 18 homers and 85 RBI while batting .288. He again was traded, this time to the Reds and he contributed well to the tune of 15 homers, 82 RBI and another All Star invitation. Tragedy struck Diaz as he was struck and killed by lightning in his native Venezuela in 1990, just a year after he retired from baseball.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .255, HR: 87, RBI: 452, H: 834, SB: 9
#794 Henry Albert “Hank” Bauer
OF, Yankees, A’s, 1948–61
This hard-nosed crewcutted ex-Marine was a clutch performer, playing on nine pennant winners in a 10 year span, including seven world titles. He was a leader on the team, exhorting his teammates not to “mess with my money,” meaning his anticipated World Series check. A three-time American League All Star, he was platooned regularly by Stengel in favor of either Gene Woodling or Enos Slaughter. He hit 26 home runs in 1956 and 18 leadoff homers in his career. He made a game-saving catch in the World Series clincher against the Giants in 1951, and from 1956 to 1958 he set a Series record with a 17-game hitting streak. Bauer was traded to Kansas City in a deal that brought Roger Maris to the Yankees.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .277, HR: 164, RBI: 703, H: 1,424, SB: 50
#795 Walter “Dobie” Moore
SS-OF, Kansas City Monarchs (Negro League), 1920–26
Dobie Moore was an outstanding shortstop for the Monarchs, displaying a cannon of an arm and excellent range. Casey Stengel ranked him as “one of the best shortstops who will ever live.” Moore was also a tremendous hitter, ranking fourth all time in Negro League history with a .359 batting average, helping Kansas City to three pennants from 1923 to 1925. He also hit in the clutch, with batting averages of .300 and .364 in the 1924 and 1925 Black World Series. His career was cut short in 1926 as Moore was wounded in an accidental shooting.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .325, HR: 50, H: 625
#796 David Lee “Dave” Henderson
OF-DH, Mariners, Red Sox, Giants, A’s, Royals, 1981–94
Known for his infectious smile and the sheer joy of playing the game, Dave Henderson was the very first pick by the Mariners in the 1977 draft. He was dealt to Boston in 1986, and became an important part of Red Sox lore when he hit a two-run home run in the 1986 ALCS against the Angels in a game the Sox eventually won. The Red Sox won the series three days later. His home run in Game Six of that year’s Series gave the Red Sox a 10th-inning lead against the Mets, but the Mets came back to win that game and the following contest. He played briefly with the Giants before crossing the Bay with the A’s, where he enjoyed playing on three straight pennant winners and being selected to participate in the 1991 All Star Game.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .258, HR: 197, RBI: 708, H: 1,324, SB: 50
#797 Daniel “Dan” Driessen
1B-3B-OF, Reds, Expos, Giants, Astros, Cardinals, 1973–87
Driessen came up to the Reds as a third baseman, but struggled at the hot corner, and eventually moved to first base for the departed Tony Perez. Driessen hit .301 in his rookie season. He had adequate power, was a very good base runner and was very patient at the plate, leading the league in walks with 93 in 1980. He also led the NL in fielding three times. In the World Series sweep of the Yankees in 1976, Driessen became the National League’s first designated hitter where he hit an outstanding .357.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .267, HR: 153, RBI: 763, H: 1,464, SB: 154
#798 Raymond Otis “Ray” Boone
3B-SS-1B, Indians, Tigers, White Sox, A’s, Braves, Red Sox, 1948–60
The patriarch of three generations of major leaguers, Ray played so well at shortstop when he first came up that the injured Lou Boudreau, when he recovered, moved to third. Boone was traded to the Tigers in 1953 and blossomed in Motown as he hit 26 home runs his first season, 14 more than his previous high; his 114 RBI that year almost doubled his previous high. He was selected to the All Star team twice and in 1955 tied for the American League lead in RBI with 116. He is the father of Bob Boone, a fine catcher primarily with the Phillies and Angels and later a manager, and grandfather to Bob’s sons, Bret and Aaron, who continue to play in the majors, with the Mariners and Yankees, respectively.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .275, HR: 151, RBI: 737, H: 1,260, SB: 21
#799 William Alex “Billy” North
OF, Cubs, A’s, Dodgers, Giants, 1971–81
The speedy, fiery Billy North started out with the Cubs, but really started to make his mark in baseball with the Oakland A’s in 1973, where he hit a career-best .285. The next year, as the A’s were winning their second straight World Series crown, North led the AL in steals with 54, and peformed an unassisted double play from his centerfield position. He also got into a celebrated locker-room fight with Reggie Jackson, but the “Swingin’ A’s” kept winning anyway. In 1976, North again led the loop in steals with 75. North moved across the bay with the Giants as he stole another 58 bases, good for second in the senior circuit in 1979.
LIFETIME STATS: BA: .261, HR: 20, RBI: 230, H: 1,016, SB: 395
#800 Fernando Valenzuela
LHP, Dodgers, Angels, Orioles, Phillies, Padres, Cardinals, 1980–97
“Fernandomania” hit Los Angeles and the nation in 1981 when a portly lefty named Fernando Valenzuela took the mound for the Dodgers. He won his first eight outings, completing seven and hurling five shutouts, including 36 scoreless innings. He had eight shutouts all told that glorious year, tying a rookie record and leading the league in complete games and innings while compiling a 13–7 mark to easily win both the Rookie of the Year Award and the Cy Young Award. He won a game in the World Series as the Dodgers beat the Yankees. The lumpy Valenzuela looked like he was out of shape, but he was very durable; as the workhorse of the staff, he did not miss a start from 1981 to 1988 and even won a Gold Glove Award. In 1985 he posted a 17–10 mark and the following year led the NL in wins with 21, along with an NL-leading 20 complete games. In 1990, the screwballing southpaw threw a no-hitter against the Cardinals.
LIFETIME STATS: W: 173, L: 153, SV: 2, ERA: 3.54, SO: 2,074, CG: 113