Tagged: AL Most Valuable Player

Hall of Fame Class of 2024

The Hall of Fame Class of 2024 has been announced. Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer, and Todd Helton will be joining Jim Leyland in Cooperstown this Summer. Beltre and Mauer are first ballot Hall of Famers, while it took Helton six ballots. Regardless how long it takes a player to reach 75% of the vote, they are a Hall of Famer. They are forever enshrined with the legends of baseball. 

Billy Wagner almost joined Leyland, Beltre, Mauer, and Helton falling just five votes short. 2025 will be Wagner’s 10th and final chance to reach Cooperstown. He should head to the Hall of Fame next Summer. He may not be Mariano Rivera, but he has earned his place among the greats of the game. 

Gary Sheffield will not be on the ballot next year. He is not heading to Cooperstown. He has exhausted his 10 years of Hall of Fame eligibility. Sheffield has the numbers to be a Hall of Famer. He played 22 seasons, 2,576 Games, scored 1,636 Runs, collected 2,689 Hits, including 467 Doubles, 27 Triples, 509 Home Runs, 1,676 RBI, with 253 Stolen Bases, drew 1,475 Walks, 1,171 Strikeouts, posted a .292 BA, .393 OBP, .514 SLG, .907 OPS, 140 OPS+, and 4,737 Total Bases. Sheffield is a nine time All Star, won five Silver Sluggers, the 1992 National League Batting Title, and the 1997 World Series. His wiggling bat is one of the most recognizable in baseball history. The one thing Sheffield could never shake is the connection to PEDs, which have haunted his candidacy. One of the great hitters in baseball history is not heading to Cooperstown and it is a shame. 

After outstanding careers Joe Mauer, Adrian Beltre, and Todd Helton are heading to Cooperstown. (Associated Press)

Reaching the Hall of Fame is not meant for everyone. Eight players failed to receive the 5% to stay on the ballot. Victor Martinez, Jose Bautista, Bartolo Colon, Matt Holliday, Adrian Gonzalez, Brandon Philips, Jose Reyes, and James Shields are not heading to Cooperstown, but these eight players were among the best players of their generation. Players like Bautista and Colon are beloved, but this does not warrant their enshrinement in the Hall of Fame. They fall into the Hall of the Very Good. 

The Class of 2024 will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 21 in Cooperstown. Get the tissues ready. Minnesota and Colorado fans have reason to celebrate. Beltre’s election is cause for celebration in Texas and the Dominican Republic. It will be a great day for baseball. 

DJ

The Winning Run 2024 Hall of Fame Ballot

The beginning of the new year means it is time for the annual debate about who is and is not a Hall of Famer. Ultimately only the opinions of Hall of Fame voters matter. They decide who goes to Cooperstown. The BBWAA is the sole voting body for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Voters must be a member of the BBWAA and meet the following eligibility requirements.

Hall of Fame Voter Eligibility 

  1. Any member of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) who has been an active member for ten years.
  2. The BBWAA is limited to writers for newspapers only, including some internet newspapers. 

The BBWAA sets the following rules for how eligible voters can vote. 

  1. Vote for no more than 10 players.
  2. A player is eligible for election to the Baseball Hall of Fame if they meet the following criteria:
    1. They competed in ten seasons. A single game counts as a season played.
    2. The player has been retired for at least five seasons. The clock restarts if the player returns and plays in the Major Leagues.
    3. The player is not on the ineligible list; banned from baseball. 
  3. The player must receive 5% of the vote to remain on the ballot.
  4. The player is elected if they receive at least 75% of all ballots cast. 

In addition to the official voting rules for the Baseball Hall of Fame set forth by the BBWAA, The Winning Run has an additional rule for its ballot. 

  1. Known PED users are ineligible.

Every player dreams of reaching the Major Leagues and playing their way to Cooperstown. However, this dream is a reality for only 1% of Major Leaguers. Thousands of players begin their professional careers dreaming of the Hall of Fame and never spend a single day in the Major Leagues. Reaching the Major Leagues is extremely difficult. Appearing on the Hall of Fame ballot, even for a single year, is reserved for baseball’s elites. Making the ballot is an honor, even if the candidate does not receive a single vote.

The 2024 Hall of Fame ballot has 26 candidates. There are 14 returning candidates and 12 new candidates. The 14 returning candidates are:

  1. Todd Helton- 6th year (72.2%)
  2. Billy Wagner- 9th year (68.1%)
  3. Andruw Jones- 7th year (58.1%)
  4. Gary Sheffield- 10th year (55.0%)
  5. Carlos Beltran- 2nd year (46.5%)
  6. Alex Rodriguez- 3rd year (35.7%)
  7. Manny Ramirez- 8th year (33.2%)
  8. Omar Vizquel- 7th year (19.5%)
  9. Andy Pettitte- 6th year (17.0%)
  10. Bobby Abreu- 5th year (15.4%)
  11. Jimmy Rollins- 3rd year (12.9%)
  12. Mark Buehrle- 4th year (10.8%)
  13. Francisco Rodriguez- 2nd year (10.8%)
  14. Torii Hunter- 4th year (6.9%)

The 12 first time candidates are:

  1. Adrian Beltre
  2. Joe Mauer
  3. Chase Utley
  4. David Wright
  5. Bartolo Colon
  6. Matt Holliday
  7. Adrian Gonzalez
  8. Jose Bautista
  9. Jose Reyes
  10. Victor Martinez
  11. James Shields
  12. Brandon Phillips
Who will go to Cooperstown in July? (National Baseball Hall of Fame)

Following our own rule, 5 of the 26 candidates were removed from consideration due to their connections with PEDs. 

  1. Gary Sheffield
  2. Alex Rodriguez
  3. Manny Ramirez
  4. Andy Pettitte
  5. Bartolo Colon

The sad part of our PED rule is every one of these players posted the necessary numbers to be seriously considered for the Hall of Fame. Their decision to use PEDs has hampered their own election to Cooperstown and left them on the ballot for additional years. These extra years have siphoned votes away from other worthy candidates, harming their Hall of Fame chances through no fault of their own. 

Two players we voted for in 2023 were removed from the ballot. Scott Rolen was elected to the Hall of Fame. Jeff Kent failed to be elected in his 10th and final year of eligibility. This means our 2024 ballot has two open spots. None of the candidates we voted for last year received less than 5%, so the other eight candidates have returned. After much research and debate we arrived at our 10 candidates. 

Adrian Beltre could do it all on a baseball field. The Third Baseman played 21 seasons with 4 teams: Los Angeles Dodgers (1998-2004), Seattle Mariners (2005-2009), Boston Red Sox (2010), and Texas Rangers (2011-2018). He played in 2,933 Games, scored 1,524 Runs, collected 3,166 Hits, including 636 Double, 38 Triples, 477 Home Runs, 1,707 RBI, 121 Stolen Bases, drawing 848 Walks, with 1,732 Strikeouts, posting a .286 BA, .339 OBP, .480 SLG, .819 OPS, 116 OPS+, and 5,309 Total Bases. Beltre won five Gold Gloves, four Silver Sluggers, and was a four time All Star. If elected, Beltre will rank first among Hall of Fame Third Basemen in RBI. He will be second in Hits, Doubles, and RBI. Beltre will have the third most Home Runs. He is a clear cut Hall of Famer. Just make sure you do not touch his head. 

Joe Mauer never left Minnesota. The hometown boy made good. Mauer Caught 15 seasons with the Minnesota Twins (2004-2018). He played in 1,858 Games, scored 1,018 Runs, collected 2,123 Hits, including 428 Doubles, 30 Triples, 143 Home Runs, 923 RBI, 52 Stolen Bases, drawing 939 Walks, with 1,034 Strikeouts, posting a .306 BA, .388 OBP, .439 SLG, .827 OPS, 124 OPS+, and 3,040 Total Bases. He was a six time All Star, won five Silver Sluggers, three Gold Gloves, and three Batting Titles. Mauer was named the 2009 American League MVP. If elected, Mauer will have the most Walks among Hall of Fame Catchers. He will be third in Doubles, fourth in OBP, sixth in Hits, and seventh in BA. Mauer should easily reach Cooperstown. 

Chase Utley put together an outstanding career. He was one of the leaders for the great Phillies teams, including their 2008 World Series championship. The Second Baseman played for two teams in 16 seasons: Philadelphia Phillies (2003-2015) and Los Angeles Dodgers (2015-2018). He played in 1,937 Games, scored 1,103 Runs, collected 1,885 Hits, including 411 Doubles, 58 Triples, 259 Home Runs, 1,025 RBI, 154 Stolen Bases, drawing 724 Walks, with 1,193 Strikeouts, posting a .275 BA, .358 OBP, .465 SLG, .823 OPS, 117 OPS+, and 3,189 Total Bases. Utley was a six time All Star and won four Silver Sluggers. If elected, Utley would rank fifth among Hall of Fame Second Basemen in Home Runs and seventh in SLG and OPS. 

Our ballot has three additions this year. We filled our two open slots with Adrian Beltre and Joe Mauer. We had one player, Jimmy Rollins, replaced by a former teammate, Chase Utley. The choice of Utley over Rollins is extremely close, but Utley is a more deserving candidate. The real issue is both Rollins and Utley are deserving candidates, but the idiotic Rule of 10 once again costs a deserving Hall of Fame candidate votes. If the Rule of 10 was not in place, we would also include Omar Vizquel, Jimmy Rollins, and Torii Hunter on our ballot. Now we wait for the official results for the Hall of Fame class of 2024. Who is heading to Cooperstown in July?

DJ

United States of Baseball- Texas

Don’t mess with Texas on the diamond. The Lone Star State has produced 1,143 Major League players. The greatest pitcher born in Texas is Greg Maddux. His 106.56 career WAR is the 6th highest for a state or territory pitching leader. The greatest position player from the Lone Star State is Tris Speaker. His 134.20 career WAR is the 5th highest for a state or territory leader. Texas has a combined 240.76 WAR, ranking the Lone Star State 4th among all states and territories in the United States of Baseball. 

Power pitchers like Nolan Ryan strike fear in the hearts of batters. Every at bat could end with a baseball fired through their bodies. This fear is obvious. The fear of Greg Maddux was less so. He did not look like an elite athlete, yet throughout his career opposing batters knew they had little chance against him. Greg Maddux was born in San Angelo, Texas but moved around because his father served in the military. The Chicago Cubs selected Maddux in the 2nd round of the 1984 MLB Draft. He chose to sign instead of attending the University of Arizona. Maddux played 23 seasons with four teams: Chicago Cubs (1986-1992, 2004-2006), Atlanta Braves (1993-2003), Los Angeles Dodgers (2006, 2008), and San Diego Padres (2007-2008). He pitched in 744 career Games, made 740 Starts, Finished 3 Games, threw 109 Complete Games, including 35 Shutouts, Pitched 5,008.1 Innings, allowed 4,726 Hits, 1,981 Runs, 1,756 Earned Runs, 353 Home Runs, 999 Walks, 3,371 Strikeouts, posted a 355-227 record, with a 3.16 ERA, 1.143 WHIP, and 132 ERA+. Maddux was the first pitcher to ever win the Cy Young Award four consecutive seasons, 1992 to 1995. He was an eight time All Star. Maddux won 18 Gold Gloves, the most by any player, in 19 seasons from 1990 to 2002 and 2004 to 2008. The 2003 National League Gold Glove went to Braves teammate Mike Hampton. Maddux won 15 games every season between 1988 and 2004. This consistency helped him collect 355 Wins, which are the eight most ever and the second most by a pitcher since 1930, trailing Hall of Famer and Braves legend Warren Spahn. Maddux made the fourth most starts all time, has the eighth highest WAR for a pitcher, and is 10th in strikeouts. He is one of only 10 players to have their number retired by multiple teams, as the Braves and Cubs both retired his #31. Maddux was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014 with 97.2% of the vote in his first year of eligibility. There was never a doubt about his enshrinement in Cooperstown. 

Greg Maddux was always thinking ahead. (Doug Pensinger)

How do you select the best season of a player’s career when they had so many? Maddux’s best individual season, among many, came with the 1995 Braves. He pitched in 28 Games, made 28 Starts, threw 10 Complete Games, including 3 Shutouts, Pitched 209.2 Innings, allowed 147 Hits, 39 Runs, 38 Earned Runs, 8 Home Runs, 23 Walks, 181 Strikeouts, posted a 19-2 record, with a 1.63 ERA, 0.811 WHIP, and 260 ERA+. He led the National League in Wins, Win %, ERA, Complete Games, Shutouts, Innings Pitched, WHIP, and ERA+. Maddux won his 6th consecutive Gold Glove, was an All Star, finished third for the MVP, and won his fourth consecutive Cy Young Award. This was not a one season wonder. Maddux’s 1994 season was equally ridiculous, despite being cut short by the Player’s Strike. In 1994, Maddux pitched in 25 Games, made 25 Starts, threw 10 Complete Games, including 3 Shutouts, Pitched 202 Innings, allowed 150 Hits, 44 Runs, 35 Earned Runs, 4 Home Runs, 31 Walks, 156 Strikeouts, posted a 16-6 record, with a 1.56 ERA, 0.896 WHIP, and 271 ERA+. He led the National League in Wins, ERA, Complete Games, Shutouts, Innings Pitched, WHIP, and ERA+. He won the Gold Glove, was an All Star, finished fifth for the MVP, and won the Cy Young Award. Both shortened seasons were masterpieces. His combined numbers for 1994 and 1995 were 53 Games Pitched, 53 Starts, 20 Complete Games, including 6 Shutouts, 411.2 Innings Pitched, 297 Hits allowed, 83 Runs, 73 Earned Runs, 12 Home Runs, 54 Walks, 337 Strikeouts, posted a 35-8 record, with a 1.60 ERA, 0.853 WHIP, and 265 ERA+. This two season stretch is among the greatest runs in baseball history. Maddux did not have a blazing fastball to overpower hitters, rather he conquered them with his mind. 

Maddux’s dominance in the Regular Season did not always carry over into the Postseason, although he had plenty of October highlights. He played in 23 Postseason Series, including three World Series with the Braves. Maddux won his World Series ring with the 1995 Braves. He pitched in 35 Postseason Games, made 30 Starts, Finished 2 Games, threw 2 Complete Games, had 1 Save, Pitched 198 Innings, allowed 195 Hits, 97 Runs, 72 Earned Runs, 14 Home Runs, 51 Walks, 125 Strikeouts, posted a 11-14 record, 3.27 ERA, and 1.242 WHIP. Maddux was more than respectable in October, but baseball can be fickle. 

Sometimes change creates success. Tris Speaker was a better baseball player than horseman. He twice broke his right arm after being thrown from a bronco. The natural righty then taught himself to hit and throw as a lefty. This led him to Cooperstown. The Hubbard, Texas native patrolled Centerfield for 22 seasons with four teams: Boston Americans/ Red Sox (1907-1915), Cleveland Indians (1916-1926), Washington Senators (1927), and Philadelphia Athletics (1928). Speaker played in 2,789 career Games, scored 1,882 Runs, collected 3,514 Hits, including 792 Doubles, 222 Triples, 117 Home Runs, 1,531 RBI, 436 Stolen Bases, drew 1,381 Walks, 393 Strikeouts, posted a .345 BA, .428 OBP, .500 SLG, .928 OPS, and 158 OPS+. He was the 1912 American League MVP with Boston. He was traded to Cleveland after the 1915 season due to issues with teammates and refusing to take a pay cut from $18,000 to $9,000. The Red Sox felt the troubles with Speaker were not worth his talent. He responded by winning the 1916 American League Batting Title. Speaker remains the career leader in Doubles, having led the Junior Circuit nine times in Doubles, is fifth all time in Hits, sixth in Triples and BA, and ninth in WAR. Defensively, Speaker led the American League in Double Plays six times and Putouts seven times. He owns the American League record for most Outfield Assists in a season with 35, twice. Speaker served as Cleveland’s Player-Manager from 1919 to 1926. His teams posted a 617-529 record, .543 Win%. Less than a decade after retiring, Speaker was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1937, the second class, with 82.1% of the vote. After his Hall of Fame career, Speaker stayed close to baseball, serving as an announcer, manager, coach, and scout. He was instrumental in helping Larry Doby transition from Second Base to Centerfield. 

Tris Speaker was a hitting machine. (National Baseball Hall of Fame)

The best season of Speaker’s Hall of Fame career came with the 1912 Red Sox. He played in 153 Games, scored 136 Runs, collected 222 Hits, 53 Doubles, 12 Triples, 10 Home Runs, 90 RBI, 52 Stolen Bases, 82 Walks, 36 Strikeouts, with a .383 BA, .464 OBP, .567 SLG, 1.031 OPS, and 190 OPS+. He led the American League in Doubles, Home Runs, and OBP. Speaker set career bests in Hits, Stolen Bases, and OPS+. His terrorizing opposing pitchers included three different 20 game hitting streaks. He was unstoppable with the bat. 

Speaker played in three World Series. He was instrumental with the Red Sox winning the Fall Classic in 1912 and 1915, and Cleveland in 1920. Speaker played in 20 World Series games, scored 12 Runs, collected 22 Hits, including 3 Doubles, 4 Triples, 3 RBI, 1 Stolen Base, 11 Walks, 4 Strikeouts, while posting a .306 BA, .398 OBP, .458 SLG, and .856 OPS. He always played a leading role in success.

The success of Texas in the Majors is evident in Cooperstown. There are 17 Hall of Famers who were born in Texas: Ernie Banks, Andy Cooper, Bill Foster, Rube Foster (Executive), Rogers Hornsby, Biz Mackey, Greg Maddux, Eddie Mathews, Joe Morgan, Frank Robinson, Nolan Ryan, Louis Santop, Hilton Smith, Tris Speaker, Willie Wells, Joe Williams, and Ross Youngs. There are surely more to come. Leaving Texas, the United States of Baseball leads to the warmth of the Caribbean. The U.S. Virgin Islands are next. 

DJ

United States of Baseball- South Carolina

The relaxed pace of life in South Carolina mirrors baseball’s leisurely pace. The Palmetto State has sent 241 players to the Major Leagues. South Carolina is a hub for Minor League Baseball with five professional teams spread across the state. The greatest pitcher born in South Carolina is Bobo Newsom. His 51.25 career WAR is the 28th highest for a state or territory pitching leader. The greatest position player from the Palmetto State is Willie Randolph. His 65.90 is the 30th highest for a state or territory position player leader. Combined, South Carolina has 117.15 WAR, the 31st highest in the United States of Baseball. 

Bobo Newsom had more terms in Washington than President Franklin Roosevelt, so the joke went. Louis Norman “Bobo” Newsom was born in Hartsville. The Right Hander pitched for nine teams during his 20 season career: Brooklyn Robins/ Dodgers (1929-1930, 1942-1943), Chicago Cubs (1932), St. Louis Browns (1934-1935, 1938-1939, 1943), Washington Senators (1935-1937, 1942, 1943, 1946-1947, 1952), Boston Red Sox (1937), Detroit Tigers (1939-1941), Philadelphia Athletics (1944-1946, 1952-1953), New York Yankees (1947), and New York Giants (1948). The journeyman often sought his release so he could negotiate new contracts with other teams. Seeking his release and being traded five times meant Newsom’s longest stint with any team was two and a half seasons. 

Baseball history is filled with superstitious players. Newsom was among the most superstitious. He would not pitch if there was paper on the dirt mound. Newsom meticulously picked up every tiny piece of paper, often left by the opposing team, before pitching. Opponents felt this could get Newsom out of rhythm and give them a chance. Newsom pitched in 600 career Games, made 483 Starts, Finished 71 Games, threw 246 Complete Games, including 31 Shutouts, 3,759.1 Innings Pitched, allowed 3,769 Hits, 1,908 Runs, 1,664 Earned Runs, 206 Home Runs, 1,732 Walks, 2,082 Strikeouts, posted a 211-222 record, with a 3.98 ERA, 1.463 WHIP, and 107 ERA+. He was a four time All Star. Newsom won the 1947 World Series with the Yankees. He pitched a 9 inning No Hitter against the Red Sox on September 18, 1934, but lost 2-1 after surrendering a game winning Single in the 10th. Newsom is one of two pitchers, Jack Powell, to win 200 games and post a career losing record. 

Bobo Newsom served more time in Washington than most politicians. (www.baseballhall.org)

The best season of Newsom’s career came with the 1940 Detroit Tigers. He pitched in 36 Games, made 34 Starts, Finished 1 Game, threw 20 Complete Games, including 3 Shutouts, 264 Innings Pitched, allowed 235 Hits, 110 Runs, 83 Earned Runs, 19 Home Runs, 100 Walks, 164 Strikeouts, posted a 21-5 record, with a 2.83 ERA, 1.269 WHIP, and 168 ERA+. Newsom led the Junior Circuit in ERA+. Detroit won the American League Pennant by a single game over Cleveland before losing the World Series to the Cincinnati Reds in seven games. 

Newsom pitched in the Fall Classic twice, 1940 with the Tigers and 1947 with the Yankees. He pitched in 5 World Series Games, made 4 Starts, threw 3 Complete Games, including 1 Shutout, 28.1 Innings Pitched, allowed 24 Hits, 9 Runs, 9 Earned Runs, 0 Home Runs, 6 Walks, 17 Strikeouts, posted a 2-2 record, with a 2.86 ERA, and 1.059 WHIP. Winning the 1947 World Series was a reward for a long career on bad teams. Newsom was an odd but solid Major League pitcher. 

Willie Randolph never gets the respect he deserves from New York fans. The Holy Hill native grew up in Brownsville Brooklyn before escaping poverty to reach the Majors. Randolph was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 7th round of the 1972 Draft. He moved quickly through the Minor Leagues to reach Pittsburgh in 1975. The Pirates played their young Second Baseman sparingly in his lone season at Three Rivers Stadium. He was traded to the Yankees with Ken Brett and Dock Ellis for Doc Medich in December 1975. Randolph played for six teams during his 18 seasons career: Pittsburgh Pirates (1975), New York Yankees (1976-1988), Los Angeles Dodgers (1989-1990), Oakland Athletics (1990), Milwaukee Brewers (1991), and New York Mets (1992). 

After changing teams Willie Randolph had a long and productive career. He played in 2,202 career Games, scored 1,239 Runs, collected 2,210 Hits, 316 Doubles, 65 Triples, 54 Home Runs, 687 RBI, 271 Stolen Bases, 1,243 Walks, 675 Strikeouts, with a .276 BA, .373 OBP, .351 SLG, .724 OPS, and 104 OPS+. He won a Silver Slugger and was a six time All Star. 

Willie Randolph has done it all on a baseball diamond in new York. (T.G. Higgins/ Getty Images)

Randolph’s best season came with the 1980 Yankees. He played in 138 Games, scored 99 Runs, collected 151 Hits, 23 Doubles, 7 Triples, 7 Home Runs, 46 RBI, 30 Stolen Bases, drew 119 Walks, 45 Strikeouts, posted a .294 BA, .427 OBP, .407 SLG, .834 OPS, and 133 OPS+. He led the American League in Walks. Randolph set a career high in Runs scored and tied his career highs in Home Runs, Walks, OBP, OPS, and OPS+. He was an All Star, won a Silver Slugger, and finished 15th for the American League MVP. 

Randolph made it to the Fall Classic four times, but only the 1977 Yankees came away victorious. In 47 Postseason Games, he scored 19 Runs, collected 36 Hits, 6 Doubles, 1 Triple, 4 Home Runs, 14 RBI, 3 Stolen Bases, drew 20 Walks, 15 Strikeouts, with a .222 BA, .304 OBP, .346 SLG, and .650 OPS. On defense, Randolph never committed a Postseason error. He played on several good teams, but never found much success with the bat in October. 

After a year in the Front Office, Randolph returned to the field as a coach for the Yankees and Brewers. He won three more World Series in the Bronx before the opportunity to manage his favorite team from childhood, the Mets, arrived in 2005. Randolph led the Amazins from 2005 to 2008, posting a 302-253 record. His .554 winning % is the second best in franchise history behind Davey Johnson’s .588. Ultimately, Randolph, Pitching Coach Rick Peterson, and First Base Coach Tom Nieto were fired while in California on a road trip at 3:15 AM EST. The fires happened following a Mets victory, and winning three of their last four games. The dismissal was strange then and remains so a decade and a half later. Willie Randolph has not received another opportunity to manage despite his success in Queens. 

The Palmetto State has sent three players to the Hall of Fame: Larry Doby, Jim Rice, and Ben Taylor. There should be a fourth in Shoeless Joe Jackson, but that is an argument for another day. Next, the United States of Baseball heads west to the Mount Rushmore State. South Dakota is next.

DJ

Mr. 3,000

The 3,000 Hit Club has a new member. Miguel Cabrera is among the greatest Right Handed hitters ever. Reaching 3,000 hits is the culmination of a career spent consistently putting the ball in play. Even in the early years of his career with the Florida Marlins, Cabrera did not possess blazing speed. Few of his hits were him legging out an infield hit. Cabrera is a pure hitter. Perhaps his swing is natural, if not as elegant as Ken Griffey Jr. or Barry Bonds. 

Miguel Cabrera is an all time Detroit Tiger great. The Motor City faithful have welcomed him into the inner circle that includes Ty Cobb, Charlie Gehringer, Hank Greenberg, and Al Kaline. In addition to 3,000 hits, Cabrera has launched 500 Home Runs. He is just the seventh player to join the 3,000 Hit and 500 Home Run Club. He joins three Hall of Famers (Henry Aaron, Willie Mays, and Eddie Murray), two players caught up in the Steroid Era (Alex Rodriguez and Rafael Palmeiro), and one active, future Hall of Famer (Albert Pujols). Rodriguez and Palmeiro had Hall of Fame talents but are paying the price for foolish mistakes. Cabrera will enter Cooperstown five years after he retires. He is a clear cut first ballot Hall of Famer. 

Getting on base helps a team win. Miguel Cabrera reached 3,000 hits by collecting 1,882 Singles, 599 Doubles, 17 Triples, and 502 Home Runs. He is a feared slugger who takes what the defense gives him, dropping in a Single or a Double in the gap. Cabrera is Venezuela’s all time leader in Runs, Hits, Doubles, Home Runs, RBI, Batting Average, and WAR. He will be the second Venezuelan elected to the Hall of Fame after Luis Aparicio. 

A common sight as Miguel Cabrera annihilates another pitch with his Hall of Fame swing. (Al Tielemans/ Sports Illustrated)

Miguel Cabrera always exudes joy when he is on the diamond. The smile never leaves his face as he torments pitchers while climbing the baseball record book. Reaching 3,000 hits is the culmination of a career spent hitting any and everything. Pure hitters are rare, as is the ability to stay healthy. Miguel Cabrera has stayed consistent with the bat and healthy. 

The next member of the 3,000 Hit Club will take awhile. No player has the hits and age in their favor to reach 3,000 in the next several seasons.  Cabrera has kept the joy of the game alive in Detroit through many tough seasons. His talents are undeniable. 3,000 hits, 500 Home Runs, a Triple Crown, two MVPs, and four Batting Titles. Cabrera will waltz into the Hall of Fame. 

Congratulations on 3,000 Hits Miggy!!!

DJ

United States of Baseball: Oklahoma

Once the face of the Dust Bowl, Oklahoma is now thriving. The Sooner State also continues building its baseball legacy. 297 Oklahomans have played in the Major Leagues. The greatest pitcher born in Oklahoma is Harry Brecheen. His 42.23 career WAR is the 38th highest among pitching state and territory leaders. The greatest position player from the Sooner State is among the greatest ever. Mickey Mantle’s 110.17 career WAR is the 10th highest among position player leaders. Combined Oklahoma has 152.40 WAR, ranking the Sooner State 19th in the United States of Baseball. 

Harry Brecheen earned the nickname Harry The Cat for his quick reflexes, pouncing on balls hit up the middle. The Broken Bow native pitched 12 seasons in the Majors with 2 teams: St. Louis Cardinals (1940, 1943-1952) and St. Louis Browns (1953). Brecheen claimed to have turned down the Yankees and Cardinals because he made more playing semi-pro before signing in 1935. He spent eight seasons in the Minors, mastering the Screwball along the way. Brecheen made his Major League debut in 1940, pitching 3 ⅓ innings before returning to the Minors. He could have languished in the Minors had MLB not needed to fill rosters due to World War II. Brecheen was ineligible for military service due to a childhood broken ankle and spinal malformation. These physical issues did not stop him on the mound. He pitched in 318 career Games, made 240 Starts, 53 Games Finished, throwing 125 Complete Games, including 25 Shutouts, 1,907.2 Innings Pitched, allowed 1,731 Hits, 701 Runs, 618 Earned Runs, 116 Home Runs, 536 Walks, 901 Strikeouts, posted a 133-92 record, 2.92 ERA, 1.188 WHIP, and 133 ERA+. Harry the Cat committed just eight career Errors. The Lefty was twice an All Star and won the 1948 National League ERA title. Brecheen spent his final season as a player serving as a pitcher-coach with the St. Louis Browns. His coaching success led to a long career with the Browns/ Orioles. The pitching of Jim Palmer, Dave McNally, Hoyt Wilhelm, and Robin Roberts was elevated under the tutelage of Breechen. He spent seven years on the Hall of Fame ballot, peaking with 2.6% in 1960. Brecheen’s success as a pitcher and coach led to his induction into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. 

Harry Breechen could do it all on the mound, helping the Cardinals win two World Series. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

The best season of Brecheen’s career was with the 1948 Cardinals. He pitched in 33 Games, made 30 Starts, 1 Game Finished, threw 21 Complete Games, including 7 Shutouts, 233.1 Innings Pitched, allowed 193 Hits, 62 Runs, 58 Earned Runs, 6 Home Runs, 49 Walks, 149 Strikeouts, posted a 20-7 record, 2.24 ERA, 1.037 WHIP, and 182 ERA+. He earned his second and final All Star appearance. Brecheen led the National League in ERA, Shutouts, Strikeouts, WHIP, and ERA+. He finished second in Wins and Complete Games behind Johnny Sain of the Boston Braves. Entering 1948, Brecheen had elbow issues. The Cardinals decided to give him extra rest between starts, pitching every fifth day. He responded with a 5-0 record to begin the season. Brecheen also put together a 32 scoreless innings streak, the best of his career. He set career bests in Wins, ERA, Complete Games, Shutouts, Innings Pitched, Strikeouts, and ERA+. He allowed just 6 Home Runs. Brecheen finished fifth for the National League MVP. 

Brecheen reached the World Series three times with the Cardinals, winning twice. After losing to the Yankees in 1943, the Cardinals won in 1944 and 1946. In three World Series, he pitched in 7 Games, made 3 Starts, 4 Games Finished, threw 3 Complete Games, including 1 Shutout, 32.2 Innings Pitched, allowing 28 Hits, 3 Runs, 3 Earned Runs, 0 Home Runs, 12 Walks, 18 Strikeouts, posting a 4-1 record, 0.83 ERA, and 1.224 WHIP. Brecheen saved his best for his last Fall Classic, in 1946 he became the first Lefthand Pitcher to win three games in a single World Series. He pitched 20 innings against the Red Sox, posting a 0.83 ERA in 2 Starts, both Complete Games and a Game 2 Shutout. 

Mickey Mantle is a legend. His exploits on and off the diamond could fill a library. The Spavinaw native, named after Hall of Fame catcher Mickey Cochrane, almost had his Hall of Fame career derailed multiple times. After Mantle was kicked by a teammate during a high school football game, he nearly died from Osteomyelitis. Doctors were afraid they would have to amputate his leg to save his life. Luckily penicillin saved his leg and life. Mantle’s life took a turn for the better when he launched two Home Runs as a Yankees scout was watching teammate Billy Johnson play. The 16 year old Mantle was too young to sign, so the scout said he would return when he was eligible. Once he signed with the Yankees, Mantle shot through the Minor Leagues, reaching the Bronx in late 1950 to sit on the bench late in the season. Yankees Clubhouse Manager Pete Sheehy gave Mantle #6, expecting him to be the next great Yankee, following Babe Ruth #3, Lou Gehrig #4, and Joe DiMaggio #5. 

Mantle enjoyed early success in 1951, but this was fleeting. He was sent back to the minors for more seasoning by manager Casey Stengel. After a tongue lashing from his father for wanting to quit, Mantle caught fire in Kansas City. On his return to the Bronx, Mantle received his familiar #7. He was the heir apparent to Joe DiMaggio in Centerfield. Mantle played 18 seasons with the New York Yankees (1951-1968). He played in 2,401 career Games, scored 1,676 Runs, collected 2,415 Hits, 344 Doubles, 72 Triples, 536 Home Runs, 1,509 RBI, 153 Stolen Bases, 1,733 Walks, 1,710 Strikeouts, .298 BA, .421 OBP, .577 SLG, .977 OPS, and 172 OPS+. Mantle led the American League in OPS+ eight times, OPS six times, Runs scored, Walks and Strikeouts five times, Home Runs and SLG four times, and OBP three times. He had a .500 SLG 13 times, drew 100 Walks and .300 BA ten times, .400 OBP and 100 Runs nine times, 100 Strikeouts and 1.000 OPS eight times, hit 20 Doubles eight times, and 40 Home Runs and 100 RBI four times. His lowest season OPS+ was 117, his rookie season, Mantle topped 200 OPS+ three times. He was in a class by himself. He was a 20 time All Star, won a Gold Glove in 1962, American League batting Title and the Triple Crown in 1956, and three American League MVPs in 1956, 1957, and 1962. He retired with 536 career Home Runs, the then third most ever. 

Mickey Mantle is among the great baseball player’s ever and yet injuries rob him of his peak seasons. (Sports Illustrated)

Mantle and Roger Maris both took aim at Babe Ruth’s single season Home Run record of 60 in 1961. The fans wanted Mantle to break Ruth’s record, but his body let him down. Late in the season Mantle fell behind Maris due to muscle strains and sickness, forcing him to miss several games in the final weeks of the season as Maris set the new record with 61. Despite his body rebelling many times, Mantle received many honors. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 1964. In 1969, Mantle became the fourth Yankee to have his number retired. He joined Gehrig, Ruth, and DiMaggio in receiving the Yankees highest honor. Baseball’s highest honor in baseball came in 1974. In his first year of eligibility, Mantle was elected to the Hall of Fame with 88.2% of the vote. Almost a decade later, Mantle was back in the news. In 1983, Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn banned Mantle and Willie Mays from baseball for working with a casino. This idiotic decision was reversed in 1984 by Peter Ueberroth’s first action as baseball’s new Commissioner. 

Like many Hall of Famers, especially the elite of the elites, it is difficult to pick Mantle’s best season. His 1956 and 1957 seasons were both otherworldly, but 1956 has a slight edge. In 1956, Mantle played in 150 Games, scored 132 Runs, collected 188 Hits, 22 Doubles, 5 Triples, 52 Home Runs, 132 RBI, 10 Stolen Bases, 112 Walks, 99 Strikeouts, .353 BA, .464 OBP, .705 SLG, 1.169 OPS, and 210 OPS+. He won the American League Triple Crown. He led the Junior Circuit in Batting Average, Home Runs, RBI, Runs scored, SLG, and OPS. He set career highs in Runs scored, Hits, RBI, and SLG. A career year in an all time great career. 

The Yankees were dominant during Mantle’s career. He played in 12 World Series, winning seven titles. Mantle played in 65 Games, scored 42 Runs, collected 59 Hits, 6 Doubles, 2 Triples, 18 Home Runs, 40 RBI, 3 Stolen Bases, 43 Walks, 54 Strikeouts, .257 BA, .374 OBP, .535 SLG, and .908 OPS. Sadly Mantle’s most memorable World Series moment was in Game 2 of the 1951 World Series. The Giants’ Willie Mays lifted a flyball into Right Center Field. Mantle and Joe DiMaggio converged on the ball, when DiMaggio called off the rookie. As Mantle gave way, his spikes caught on a sprinkler, tearing ligaments in knee. Surgery repaired the injury, but Mantle was never the same. Despite a Hall of Fame career, Mantle’s injuries prevented him from playing to his full potential. 

Oklahoma is well represented in Cooperstown. There are currently 7 Oklahomans in the Hall of Fame: Johnny Bench, Bobby Cox (Manager), Mickey Mantle, Bullet Rogan, Willie Stargell, Lloyd Waner, and Paul Waner. The Sooner State may have the best overall Hall of Fame contingency of any state or territory. Next week the United States of Baseball heads to the West Coast and the Beaver State. Oregon is next. 

DJ

Game 26- Los Angeles Angels

Game 26 was a short walk from one side of the ball park to the other. We moved from the First Base foul line to deep Centerfield. Angel Stadium receives the least love of all of the older stadiums. It is a great place to watch a game in Southern California. The rocks and water are a nice touch, much like the trees in Colorado. The Angels hosted the Toronto Blue Jays in the second game of a split city Doubleheader. We watched Shohei Ohtani continue to do MVP type things. We have driven 12,347 miles. 30 Games in 30 Days continues.

DJ

United States of Baseball- Michigan

The Great Lakes dominate the landscape of Michigan. The Wolverine State is an outdoor playground in every season. While the snow piles up in Winter, it has not prevented Michigan from sending 444 players to the Majors. The greatest pitcher born in Michigan is John Smoltz. His 68.96 career WAR ranks 17th highest among state and territory leaders. The greatest Michigan born position player is Charlie Gehringer. His 83.75 career WAR ranks 19th highest among state and territory leaders. The Wolverine State has a combined 152.71 WAR, ranking Michigan 18th highest. 

John Smoltz is forever tied to Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine as they led the Atlanta Braves to an unprecedented stretch of dominance in the 1990’s. The Detroit native pitched 21 seasons with three teams: Atlanta Braves (1988-2008), Boston Red Sox (2009), and St. Louis Cardinals (2009). Despite missing all of 2000 due to Tommy John Surgery, Smoltz pitched in 723 career Games, made 481 Starts, Finished 204 Games, threw 53 Complete Games, including 16 Shutouts, 154 Saves, Pitched 3,473 Innings, allowed 3,074 Hits, 1,391 Runs, 1,284 Earned Runs, 288 Home Runs, 1,010 Walks, 3,084 Strikeouts, posted a 210-147 record, 3.33 ERA, 1.176 WHIP, and 125 ERA+. Originally drafted in the 22nd Round by his hometown Detroit Tigers in 1985, he was traded to Atlanta for Doyle Alexander two years later. Smotz’s skills on the mound allowed him to lead the National League in Wins at age 29 and 39, and Saves at age 35. He was an eight time All Star. He was named the 1992 National League Championship Series MVP and won the 1995 World Series with the Braves. Smoltz won the Cy Young award in 1996 and the Silver Slugger award in 1997. After transitioning to the Closer role, he won the 2002 Rolaids Relief award. Smoltz received the 2005 Roberto Clemente Award. In 2015, Smoltz was elected to the Hall of Fame, becoming the then lowest drafted Hall of Famer.

John Smoltz helped the Braves win 14 consecutive division titles. (www.georgiasportshalloffame.com)

Smoltz helped Atlanta reach the Postseason and continued his success in October. In 41 career Postseason Games, he made 27 Starts, Finished 11 Games, threw 2 Complete Games, including 1 Shutout, 4 Saves, Pitched 209 Innings, allowed 172 Hits, 67 Runs, 62 Earned Runs, 17 Home Runs, 67 Walks, 199 Strikeouts, posted a 15-4 record, 2.67 ERA, and 1.144 WHIP. Smoltz gave the Braves an opportunity to win every time he took the mound. 

Smoltz’s best season was 1996. He made 35 Starts, threw 6 Complete Games, including 2 Shutouts, Pitched 253.2 Innings, allowed 199 Hits, 93 Runs, 83 Earned Runs, 19 Home Runs, 55 Walks, 276 Strikeouts, posted a 24-8 record, 2.94 ERA, 1.001 WHIP, and 149 ERA+. He led the National League in Wins, Winning Percentage, Innings Pitched, and Strikeouts. He was named an All Star, finished 11th in MVP voting, and won the Cy Young. Pure dominance. 

Detroit fans voted Charlie Gehringer as the greatest second baseman in the storied history of the Tigers. Fan chose Gehringer over the beloved Lou Whitaker. Gehringer played 19 seasons for the Detroit Tigers (1924-1942). The Fowlerville native played in 2,323 Games, collected 2,839 Hits, 574 Doubles, 146 Triples, 184 Home Runs, 1,427 RBI, scored 1,775 Runs, 181 Stolen Bases, 1,186 Walks, 372 Strikeouts, .320 BA, .404 OBP, .480 SLG, .884 OPS, and 125 OPS+. Gehringer hit over .300 13 times in 14 seasons, with his .298 BA in 1932 as the lone exception. He was named to the first six All Star games, helped the Tigers win the 1935 World Series, and won both the American League Batting Title and MVP in 1937. Gehringer was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1949 in a special runoff election, but was unable to attend as the ceremony coincided with his own wedding. He served on the Hall of Fame’s Veterans Committee from 1953 to 1990. The Tigers retired his #2 in 1983.

The Mechanical Man was consistently brilliant for the Tigers. (Getty Images)

Gehringer’s success helped the Tigers reach the World Series three times (1934, 1935, and 1940), winning in 1935. In the World Series, Gehringer played in 20 Games, collected 26 Hits, 4 Doubles, 1 Home Runs, 7 RBI, scored 12 Runs, 2 Stolen Bases, 7 Walks, 1 Strikeout, .321 BA, .375 OBP, .407 SLG, and .782 OPS. Detroit twice lost Game 7, the Tigers were close to dominating all of baseball not just the American League. 

The best season of Gehringer’s career was 1934. He played in 154 Games, collected 214 Hits, 50 Doubles, 7 Triples, 11 Home Runs, 127 RBI, scored 135 Runs, 11 Stolen Bases, 99 Walks, 25 Strikeouts, .356 BA, .450 OBP, .517 SLG, .967 OPS, and 149 OPS+. He led the Junior Circuit in Games played, Hits, and Runs scored. Gehringer finished second in MVP voting while leading the Tigers to the American League Pennant.  

Michigan’s proud baseball legacy continues to grow. The Wolverine State has sent seven native sons to Cooperstown: Kiki Cuyler, Charlie Gehringer, Larry MacPhail (Executive), Hal Newhouser, Ted Simmons, John Smoltz, and Tom Yawkey (Executive). More will surely follow. Next week the United States of Baseball continues it’s exploration of the water in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Minnesota is next. 

DJ

United States of Baseball- Maryland

Baseball has a long and proud history. There are legends from every American state and territory. The best pitcher born in the Old Line State is Lefty Grove. His 113.31 career WAR ranks fifth among pitching leaders. The best Maryland born position player is arguably the greatest player of all time. Babe Ruth’s 182.47 career WAR is the highest for any player ever. Maryland’s combined 295.78 WAR ranks first among all states and territories. 

Robert Moses “Lefty” Grove was born in the west Maryland town of Lonaconing. He pitched for 17 seasons with the Philadelphia Athletics (1925-1933) and Boston Red Sox (1934-1941). Grove began his professional career in Martinsburg before the Minor League Baltimore Orioles bought him in exchange for an outfield fence. Grove spent five years in Baltimore before Connie Mack paid $100,600 for the future Hall of Famer. Once in the Majors, Grove was electric. In 616 career Games, he made 457 Starts, threw 298 Complete Games, including 35 Shutouts, pitched 3,940.2 Innings, allowed 3,849 Hits, 1,594 Runs, 1,339 Earned Runs, 162 Home Runs, 1,187 Walks, 2,266 Strikeouts, posting a 300-141 record, 3.06 ERA, 1.278 WHIP, and 148 ERA+. Grove led the American League in Strikeouts in his first seven seasons. He was named to six All Star teams, won nine ERA Titles, and back to back Pitching Triple Crowns in 1930 and 1931. Grove’s .680 Winning Percentage is the best of any 300 Game winner. He was elected to Cooperstown in 1947. 

Left Grove dominated the American League all the way to Cooperstown. (www.bostonmagazine.com)

Grove led the Athletics pitching to three consecutive American League pennants between 1929 and 1931. Grove pitched in all three World Series, appeared in 8 Games, made 5 Starts, threw 4 Complete Games, pitched 51.1 Innings, allowed 46 Hits, 12 Runs, 10 Earned Runs, 0 Home Runs, 6 Walks, 36 Strikeouts, posted a 4-2 record, 1.75 ERA, and 1.013 WHIP. The Athletics won the World Series in 1929 and 1930. 

Unquestionably the best season of Grove’s career was with the 1931 Athletics. He pitched in 41 Games, made 30 Starts, threw 27 Complete Games, including 4 Shutouts, pitched 288.2 Innings, allowed 249 Hits, 84 Runs, 66 Earned Runs, 10 Home Runs, 62 Walks, 175 Strikeouts, posted a 31-4 record, 2.06 ERA, 1.077 WHIP, and 217 ERA+. He led the Junior Circuit in Wins, Winning Percentage, Complete Games, Shutouts, Strikeouts, ERA, WHIP, and ERA+. He won the Pitching Triple Crown and the American League MVP. 

Easily the most written about baseball player ever, there is little left unsaid about Babe Ruth. George Herman Ruth was born in Baltimore. The elite pitcher and all time great hitter played 22 seasons with three teams: Boston Red Sox (1914-1919), New York Yankees (1920-1934), and Boston Braves (1935). Fully appreciating Ruth’s greatness means examining his pitching and hitting. On the mound, Ruth appeared in 163 Games, made 147 Starts, threw 107 Complete Games, including 17 Shutouts, pitched 1,221.1 Innings, allowed 974 Hits, 400 Runs, 309 Earned Runs, 10 Home Runs, 441 Walks, 488 Strikeouts, posted a 94-46 record, 2.28 ERA, 1.159 WHIP, and 122 ERA+. At the plate, Ruth played in 2,503 Games, collected 2,873 Hits, 506 Doubles, 136 Triples, 714 Home Runs, 2,214 RBI, scored 2,174 Runs, 123 Stolen Bases, 2,062 Walks, 1,330 Strikeouts, .342 BA, .474 OBP, .690 SLG, 1.164 OPS, and 206 OPS+. He was twice an All Star. Ruth was the American League MVP in 1923 and won the Batting Title in 1924. He remains the all time leader in SLG, OPS, and OPS+. Ruth was among the five members of the Baseball Hall of Fame’s first class in 1936. 

Babe Ruth is arguably the greatest baseball player ever. (Trenton Daily)

The Great Bambino appeared in 10 World Series. He won seven championships, three with the Red Sox and four with the Yankees. On the mound, Ruth pitched in 3 Games, made 3 Starts, threw 2 Complete Games, including 1 Shutout, pitched 31 Innings, allowed 19 Hits, 3 Runs, 3 Earned Runs, 1 Home Run, 10 Walks, 8 Strikeouts, posted a 3-0 record, 0.87 ERA, and 0.935 WHIP. His record 29.2 scoreless World Series innings was later broken by Whitey Ford. At the plate, Ruth played in 41 World Series Games, collected 42 Hits, 5 Doubles, 2 Triples, 15 Home Runs, 33 RBI, scored 37 Runs, 4 Stolen Bases, 33 Walks, 30 Strikeouts, .326 BA, .470 OBP, .744 SLG, and 1.214 OPS. In 1926, he became the first player to hit three Home Runs in a World Series game. Ruth repeated the feat two years later. 

Ruth’s career on the mound was cut short because of his bat. His best season pitching was 1916 with the Red Sox. Ruth pitched in 44 Games, made 40 Starts, threw 23 Complete Games, including 9 Shutouts, pitched 323.2 Innings, allowed 230 Hits, 83 Runs, 63 Earned Runs, 0 Home Runs, 118 Walks, 170 Strikeouts, posted a 23-12 record, 1.75 ERA, 1.075 WHIP, and 158 ERA+. He won the American League ERA Title. Ruth’s best season at the plate was not his MVP season, but two seasons before. In 1921, coming off his record shattering first season in the Bronx, Ruth playing in 152 Games, collected 204 Hits, 44 Doubles, 16 Triples, 59 Home Runs, 168 RBI, scored 177 Runs, 17 Stolen Bases, 145 Walks, 81 Strikeouts, .378 BA, .512 OBP, .846 SLG, 1.359 OPS, and 239 OPS+. He broke his own Home Run record set the season prior. He led the American League in Home Runs, RBI, Runs scored, Walks, OBP, SLG, OPS, and OPS+. He hit more Home Runs than five American League teams. He passed Roger Connor’s 139 career Home Runs to become the Home Run King. Ruth set single season records for Extra Base Hits (119) and Total Bases (457). There was little Ruth could not do on a baseball field.

Maryland has given more to baseball than just Grove and Ruth. The Old Line State has 11 native sons in the Hall of Fame: Harold Baines, Frank Baker, Jimmie Foxx, Lefty Grove, Judy Johnson, Al Kaline, Bowie Kuhn (Commissioner), Cal Ripken Jr., Babe Ruth, John Schuerholz (Executive), and Vic Willis. Maryland reigns supreme as the state with the highest combined WAR from its best pitcher and position player. Next week the United States of Baseball returns to New England. The Bay State is next, Massachusetts. 

DJ

United States of Baseball- Maine

Everyone needs a vacation from time to time. Few states can compete with the beauty of Maine. Vacationland is a natural playground from the sea to the mountains and forests. Major League Baseball has seen 78 Mainers take the field. The greatest pitcher born in Maine is Bob Stanley. His 23.86 career WAR is the 48th highest among pitcher state and territory leaders. George Gore is the greatest position player born in Maine. His 39.94 career WAR is 41st highest among state and territory leaders. Maine has a combined 63.80 WAR, ranking Vacationland 46th among states and territories. 

Bob Stanley was a critical part of Boston’s attempt to break the Curse of the Bambino. The Portland native played 13 seasons with the Red Sox (1977-1989). Stanley pitched in 637 career Games, made 85 Starts, 377 Games Finished, threw 21 Complete Games, including 7 Shutouts, 132 Saves, 1,707 Innings Pitched, allowed 1,858 Hits, 797 Runs, 690 Earned Runs, 113 Home Runs, 471 Walks, 693 Strikeouts, posting a 115-97 record, 3.64 ERA, 1.364 WHIP, and 118 ERA+. He was twice an All Star. Stanley was the American League Pitcher of the Month in August 1980. His 115 Wins are the most for a pitcher born in Maine. Stanley’s 33 saves in 1983 and 132 career Saves set then Red Sox records. He retains the Boston record for most career pitching appearances. 

Bob Stanley took the mound more than any pitcher in Red Sox history. (Associated Press)

In the 1986 World Series, Stanley did his best to break the Curse. He pitched in 5 Games, Finished 4 Games, with 1 Save, Pitched 6.1 Innings, allowed 5 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 Earned Runs, 1 Walk, 4 Strikeouts, posting a 0-0 record, 0.00 ERA, and 0.947 WHIP. Boston was close to ending its World Series drought before the team collapsed.

Stanley’s best season was his sophomore season. In 1978 he pitched in 52 Games, made 3 Starts, 35 Games Finished, including 10 Saves, Pitched 141.2 Innings, allowed 142 Hits, 50 Runs, 41 Earned Runs, 5 Home Runs, 34 Walks, 38 Strikeouts, posted a 15-2 record, 2.60 ERA, 1.242 WHIP, and 160 ERA+. He finished 7th for the American League Cy Young and 25th for the MVP. While Stanley never surpassed 1978, he was a key arm in Boston for another decade. 

George Gore was one of baseball’s earliest stars. The Saccarappa native patrolled Centerfield for 14 seasons with four teams: Chicago White Stockings (1879-1886), New York Giants (1887-1889, 1891-1892), New York Giants of the Players League (1890), and St. Louis Browns (1892). He was a feared presence at the plate. In 1,310 career Games, Gore collected 1,612 Hits, 262 Doubles, 94 Triples, 46 Home Runs, 618 RBI, scored 1,327 Runs, 170 Stolen Bases, 717 Walks, 332 Strikeouts, .301 BA, .386 OBP, .411 SLG, .797 OPS, and 136 OPS+. His career began by conducting baseball’s first holdout, A.G. Spalding offered Gore $1,200 to sign with the White Stockings. He countered with $2500. The sides eventually agreed to $1900. It was money well spent as Gore led the National League in Runs scored twice (1881-1882) and Walks four times (1882-1884, and 1886). His career 1.01 Runs scored per Game far exceeds many Hall of Famers including Henry Aaron and Ted Williams. Gore brought excitement to every game he played.

Gore played in four World Series. He lost in 1885 and 1886 with the White Stockings and won in 1888 and 1889 with the Giants. In his four trips to the Fall Classic, Gore collected 16 Hits, 2 Doubles, 1 Triple, 1 Home Run, 3 RBI, scored 15 Runs, 4 Stolen Bases, 9 Walks, 5 Strikeouts, .276 BA, .373 OBP, .397 SLG, and .770 OPS. He helped lay the groundwork for the World Series we know today.

George Gore was one of baseball’s first stars. (www.SABR.org)

Gore’s best season was 1880 with the White Stockings. He played 77 Games of a 82 Game season, collected 116 Hits, 23 Doubles, 2 Triples, 2 Home Runs, 47 RBI, scored 70 Runs, 21 Walks, 10 Strikeouts, .360 BA, .399 OBP, .463 SLG, .862 OPS, and 185 OPS+. He led the National League in BA, OBP, SLG, OPS, and OPS+. Gore is the only Mainer to win a Batting Title, which came in a season so dominated by pitchers that the Pitcher’s Box was moved from 45 to 50 feet after the season.  

Maine does not have a representative in Cooperstown. However, Vacationland has contributed greatly to the growth of baseball. Next week the United States of Baseball heads down the Atlantic coast to the Old Line State. Maryland is next. 

DJ