This was a good converstation topic for a few of us at FF14. Obviously, G. Brett is the guy for Kansas City, and he's quite possibly the closest to unanimous in the game. Anyway something to chat about.
This is what we perceive as the truth, not who my favorite is.
My list, I'll go by current division.
AL EAST
Baltimore - Cal Ripken, pretty unanimous. Brooks Robinson and to a lesser extent Eddie Murray get some love.
Boston - Ted Williams. Also, some love for Yaz, Nomar, Fisk, Papi.
New York - Mickey Mantle. I was convinced of this at FF14. I originally said Babe Ruth. Too many to choose.
Tampa Bay - Probably Longoria. No history and boring team for this discussion.
Toronto - Joe Carter. Also consideration for Molitor, Alomar, Olerud. I really liked Olerud as a kid, because of his hat.
AL CENTRAL
Chicago - Frank Thomas, but he gets a lot of pressure from Carlton Fisk, Paul Konerko, and to a lesser extent Robin Ventura. Shoeless Joe?
Cleveland - I think Jim Thome. They loved Sandy Alomar. Albert Belle was great, but not beloved. Shoeless Joe's best year were with Cleveland.
Detroit - Al Kaline is probably the guy. Miggy may be the best. Kirk Gibson might be more beloved than either of them. Hank Greenburg. Cobb? No.
Kansas City - George Brett.
Minnesota - Kirby Puckett imo. Harmon Killebrew was an all-timer. They boo Mauer now.
AL WEST
Angels - Vlad Guerrero. Edmonds, Tim Salmon. I think real Angels fans really like Garret Anderson, he may be the one. Wally Joyner.
Houston - Pitchers dominate, but for position players it's Jeff Bagwell. Biggio is nipping at his heels, but it's all Bagwell.
Oakland - Reggie Jackson. Most think of him as a Yankee, but it's Oakland imo, who love him the most. Also, Rickey Henderson. Lesser McGwire.
Seattle - Really? It's Ken Griffey Jr. Ichiro stops this from being close to Brett/ KC in terms of lopsidedness.
Texas - Tough one. Juan Gone? Ruben Sierra? Pudge Rodriguez? I really don't know. Palmeiro?
NL EAST
Atlanta - Chipper Jones. I don't think this is close. Hank Aaron was the greatest. Dale Murphy was beloved, but I think it's Chipper. This on had much debate at FF14.
Florida - Such an enigma. No consistency. Mike Lowell and Jeff Conine were good, liked, not the best. Stanton will be it if they can keep him.
Mets - My first was guess Darryl Strawberry. They loved Mike Piazza, but I think their guy is David Wright.
Philadelphia - Mike Schmidt, and I don't think this is close.
Washington - See Tampa Bay. Bryce Harper. Washington doesn't really count.
NL CENTRAL
Chicago - It's "Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks, but the Cubbies have a lot to love. Ron Santo. Andre Dawson, Ryne Sandberg, and Mark Grace come to mind.
Cincinnati - Pete Rose. Frank Robinson was a big timer, but not loved like Rose. I liked Eric Davis, but Rose is close to Brett status.
Milwaukee - Paul Molitor. This one is close to Brett Status. Braun could have been the guy, but 'roids.
Pittsburgh - Roberto Clemente, a true statesman. They loved Bill Mazeroski's HR. Bonds? No. Andrew McCutchen may overtake Clemente.
St. Louis - Stan Musial is probably the guy. Albert Pujols? McGwire? Ozzie Smith, man they loved him. I liked Ray Langford.
NL WEST
Arizona - Sort of like FLA and Wash, but I think Luis Gonzalez is the guy with that WS moment. Pretty unanimous.
Colorado - Gut reaction is Todd Helton, but man did Rockies fans love Andres Galarraga and Larry Walker.
Los Angeles - Kirk Gibson had a big moment, but was really a Tiger. Piazza is probably the guy. Brooklyn is the home of Dodger stars.
San Diego - Tony Gwynn. Brett Status.
San Francisco - Prob Willie Mays, but SF only fans love them some McCovey. Bonds was the guy at one time, they still love him. Will Clark was a thrill.
Others:
Brooklyn - Jackie Robinson and Duke Snyder. History remembers Robinson and for good reason, but Duke was a huge fan fave and great. Campy too.
Montreal Expos - A surprising lot to choose from. Larry Walker, hands down. Not only great but Canadian. Andre Dawson. Tim Raines might be close to Walker in hero status.
Anyway, what do you guys think?
