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Post by Hiram on Aug 15, 2010 0:33:00 GMT -5
Harmon Killebrew...hands down. In an era where pitchers dominated the big leagues, Harmon put up a lot of crooked numbers. His MVP season of 1969 was amazing. Played in 162 games, scored 106 runs, knocked in 140 runs, hit 49 home runs, walked 145 times, and had an OPS of 1.011. Killebrew hit 40 or more home runs eight times in his career, knocked in 100 or more RBI nine times. He was an All-Star at three different positions, and oh yeah, the epitome of a baseball gentleman, cut from the mold of players like Stan Musial.
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Post by Allen Wiener on Aug 15, 2010 9:57:47 GMT -5
Agree 100%; was delighted to have seen him play several times and, as posted elsewhere, slam a huge homer off Whitey Ford at Yankee Stadium. Back then, it was all about playing in New York. For decades guys like him, Ernie Banks, Roberto Clemente, Al Kaline, Ralph Kiner, et al, although well-known as superstars in their time, did not get the press or status that the NY players did, largely because the Yankees won year after year, they were in the biggest media market, got more endorsements (appearing on more cereal boxes than anyone else), and were spotlighted in the World Series every year. At the same time, the Giants and Dodgers dominated the National League, also benefiting from the NY press exposure. I wonder how these guys would rank in popular memory if they had all played for the Yankees in those days? It was like a breath of fresh air when the Yankees finally declined into insignificance after 1964 and a lot of these guys got to shine, play in a World Series or two, etc. I'm not thrilled that the Yankees are back either.
Allen
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Post by Hiram on Aug 16, 2010 13:43:19 GMT -5
Allen,
I literally laughed out loud (laughed and agreed) when I read your quote about being none too thrilled that the Yankees are at it again (in terms of domination.)
I might be wrong, but I think the Rangers will give the Yankees a run for their money come post-season. I think they can match them in every area, excepting media hype and team salary.
Hiram
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Post by Allen Wiener on Aug 16, 2010 15:12:01 GMT -5
Hiram -- I DO hope you are right!! Now that the Sox are clearly dead for the time being, I'll be rooting for Texas in the postseason.
Allen
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Post by Paul Sylvain on Aug 22, 2010 6:35:18 GMT -5
Well, the Sox can't be expected to do much when basically they've been fielding a Triple-A team (thanks to an ever-growing list of injured players). I sat through four 100-plus-degree days/nights at Rangers' Ballpark in Arlington last weekend and caught the second of two games against the Yankees and all three games against the Sox. The Yanks rallied in a game the Rangers should have won. The Sox were another matter, with Lester's game the only highlight.
Unfortunately, the Rangers haven't won a game since Boston limped out of Texas last Sunday. I believe it now is six straight losses. Hopefully the Rangers pick it back up and are able to whoop some butt on the Yankees.
Paul
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Post by Hiram on May 13, 2011 12:35:24 GMT -5
Harmon Killebrew...hands down. In an era where pitchers dominated the big leagues, Harmon put up a lot of crooked numbers. His MVP season of 1969 was amazing. Played in 162 games, scored 106 runs, knocked in 140 runs, hit 49 home runs, walked 145 times, and had an OPS of 1.011. Killebrew hit 40 or more home runs eight times in his career, knocked in 100 or more RBI nine times. He was an All-Star at three different positions, and oh yeah, the epitome of a baseball gentleman, cut from the mold of players like Stan Musial. Harmon entered hospice care today. Here is his statement. It illustrates the depth of his character. mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110513&content_id=19005980&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
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Post by Allen Wiener on May 13, 2011 15:39:36 GMT -5
Harmon Killebrew...hands down. In an era where pitchers dominated the big leagues, Harmon put up a lot of crooked numbers. His MVP season of 1969 was amazing. Played in 162 games, scored 106 runs, knocked in 140 runs, hit 49 home runs, walked 145 times, and had an OPS of 1.011. Killebrew hit 40 or more home runs eight times in his career, knocked in 100 or more RBI nine times. He was an All-Star at three different positions, and oh yeah, the epitome of a baseball gentleman, cut from the mold of players like Stan Musial. Harmon entered hospice care today. Here is his statement. It illustrates the depth of his character. mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110513&content_id=19005980&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlbVery sad day; I'm really sorry to hear this. He is exactly as you have described him and I'm glad I had a chance to see him play.
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Post by Chuck T on May 13, 2011 20:32:37 GMT -5
Sad Indeed, and I am not much of a baseball fan. He was a bright light in DC.
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Post by Paul Sylvain on May 16, 2011 23:04:24 GMT -5
Dayum. That is sad. I, too, had the good fortune of seeing him play "back in the day."
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Post by Allen Wiener on May 17, 2011 11:51:22 GMT -5
I just read a few minutes ago that Harmon Killebrew has passed away.
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Post by Chuck T on May 17, 2011 12:47:06 GMT -5
A sad day indeed. Allen I don't know if you remember Ron Menchen (sp) the onetime voice of the Senators. He passed away a few months ago. He was a good buddy of a friend of mine from grade school, who now lives in Mount Pocono, PA. Spent many a Saurday afternoon in those days of youth watching the likes of Mickey Vernon, Bob Porterfield and Eddie Yost. Good days.----------------------Chuck
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Post by Allen Wiener on May 17, 2011 16:07:14 GMT -5
Yes, they were, Chuck. I don't go back that far, but I sure will never forget the voice of Chuck Thompson, my all-time favorite baseball announcer and the best baseball teacher I ever listened to. When he and Brooks Robinson co-ancored the Orioles (especially on radio), it was a constant series of lessons in the fine points of the game. From them I learned that, whenever I'm at a game or watching one at home, no end of things are going on on the field and in the managers' minds than the quiet, seemingly static setting would suggest. The wheels are always turning.
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Post by Chuck T on May 17, 2011 17:53:47 GMT -5
Chuck Thompson and National Bo. One a legend and the other brewed swill.. Those were the days.
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Post by Paul Sylvain on May 17, 2011 18:36:27 GMT -5
I just read a few minutes ago that Harmon Killebrew has passed away. Same here. It seems way too young .....
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Post by Hiram on May 17, 2011 20:31:09 GMT -5
I feel a profound sadness with the passing of Harmon Killebrew, but find comfort in the knowledge that he went out on his own terms. Hospice care is a wonderful thing and helps prepare the patient as well as family and friends.
Harmon was a great ballplayer, and the epitome of what a sports hero should be. It's nice remembering that there was a time in this country when the youth of America could have a hero and not be disappointed later on. I think that's why I feel extra sad about Harmon's passing. I felt the same way when Fess died. Our heroes are dying off in rapid succession, but we still have the memories. So thanks for the memories Harmon!
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