Who is your favorite Baseball Player

[The Clk Man]

I like Dustin Padroia, he is a hard worker.

[Honus]

Current players: It's a tie at the moment between Ryan Zimmerman and Danny Hultzen, the best players to come out of my alma mater. Hultzen just got drafted by the Seattle Mariners. The first time I saw him during his first year at UVa, I thought to myself, "That's a ball player." One of the few times I've been right about that sort of thing.

Retired players: Ken Griffey, Jr. (great centerfielder, had the prettiest swing I've seen, and, AFAIK, did it all above-board during the steroid era) and Joe Pepitone (my first favorite player when I was a kid).

Dead players: Honus Wagner (incredible all-round player and a good guy); Mickey Mantle (would have been the greatest of all time, but for injuries and alcohol); and Babe Ruth (no explanation needed).

[The Clk Man]

On retired players, I like George Foster.

[SwampYankee]

Originally Posted by The Clk Man

I like Dustin Padroia, he is a hard worker.

He's the first name that popped into my head when I saw the question. There are bigger, faster, stronger and more raw talented players but nobody plays harder than Pedy.

[The Clk Man]

Originally Posted by SwampYankee

He's the first name that popped into my head when I saw the question. There are bigger, faster, stronger and more raw talented players but nobody plays harder than Pedy.

Agreed.

[tonkovich]

Jeter.

(and, of course, "the mick".)

[Honus]

Originally Posted by The Clk Man

I like Dustin Padroia, he is a hard worker.

I'm a life-long Yankee fan, so don't tell anyone I said so, but it's hard to argue with that choice. He's getting the most out of the gifts God gave him.

[tonkovich]

Originally Posted by Honus

I'm a life-long Yankee fan, so don't tell anyone I said so, but it's hard to argue with that choice. He's getting the most out of the gifts God gave him.

a pox on your house.

he's not fit to carry jeter's jockstrap.

(or bernie's, tino's, or paul o'neill's)

[t walgamuth]

I liked Nolan Ryan.

[dynalow]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I liked Nolan Ryan.

Seven No-hitters. That record will stand a looong, looong time!
Nolan Ryan for Jim Fregosi!

[Honus]

Originally Posted by tonkovich

a pox on your house.

he's not fit to carry jeter's jockstrap.

(or bernie's, tino's, or paul o'neill's)

I am so ashamed. I'm just glad that Mr. Steinbrenner wasn't around to read my Pedroia post.

Later this month I will make my annual trip to Baltimore to meet my sister and her husband for the Red Sox/Orioles game. Take it from me, you have not seen obnoxious until you have endured watching the Sox pound the Orioles in a stadium full of Veritek jerseys. At least I will get a pile of steamed crabs out of the deal.

[benhogan]

Kevin Costner

[lutzTD]

Johnny Bench, still havent seen too many guys that could throw out a runner at second from his knees

[cscmc1]

I'll go with a darkhorse and say Greg Maddux for recent players, or those who I watched. I always had great respect for Fregie Jenkins. I cried during "This Old Cub" (and when Ron Santo died).

I am more inclined toward benevolent or humble players than superior athletes, I suppose. Those who give quietly to charitable causes have my respect regardless of their uniform.

[Honus]

Originally Posted by cscmc1

...I am more inclined toward benevolent or humble players than superior athletes, I suppose. Those who give quietly to charitable causes have my respect regardless of their uniform.

Ryan Zimmerman, for example. http://www.masnsports.com/nationals_buzz/2011/07/dave-nichols-zimmerman-speaks-from-the-heart-at-night-at-the-park.html