George Sisler Was a Man

Just some kind words for George Sisler, whose record Ichiro is menacing (this is a great article). As every schoolchild knows, Sisler was not only a devastating hitter, but the finest defensive first baseman of his generation. And he led the league in stolen bases four times. Lots of guys have won the AL MVP Award, of course, but Sisler won the first one, so extra credit there.

When the original Bill James Historical Abstract came out (a book which he, Wittgenstein-like, revisited and largely recanted in a later edition), James rated Sisler as the only legitimate challenger to Gehrig's status as the greatest first baseman of all time. He reasoned that since all other great first basemen were one-dimensional power hitters, and since Gehrig was obviously the greatest of that type, if it were going to be anyone but Gehrig, it would have to be a completely different type of ballplayer, like Sisler. In the later book, Sisler dropped out of the top 100, without explanation.

Sisler's always been on my shadow Hall of Fame team. This team is designed to beat a team of the best players ever. My theory is that in any game of immortals, it's going to be close. And what wins close games? Pitching and defense. So my team can pitch, field and scratch out runs (and has plenty of power, too):


Mickey Cochrane, c (best player: probably Johnny Bench)
Catcher is the toughest position on this team, because we really don't know who was the greatest at calling games, and in my opinion that's the catcher's most important function. Bench and Cochrane are pretty interchangeable, so whichever one's the greatest, I'll take the other.

George Sisler, 1b (best player: Gehrig)
Gehrig's not going to stop that hard grounder in the gap. Sisler's nickname was "Gorgeous George".

Bill Mazeroski, 2b (best player: Joe Morgan)
Greatest double-play pivot of all time. But gives up a lot offensively to Morgan.

Graig Nettles, 3b (best player: Mike Schmidt)
Killer D, and did it in big games. Brooks Robinson's on the bench.

Ozzie Smith, ss (best player: Honus Wagner)
Wagner was probably the best player of his generation, so Ozzie's got to bring his A game.

Stan Musial, lf (best player: Babe Ruth or Ted Williams or Barry Bonds)
Remembered as a power hitter, which of course he was, but he was also known as the "Donora Greyhound" for his speed.

Tris Speaker, cf (best player: Mickey Mantle)
"The Gray Eagle" played shallower than anyone else, and holds the record for most double plays by an outfielder.

Dwight Evans, rf (best player: ???)
Great arm, great instincts, played Fenway like a Stradivarius. To those who disagree I say DEWIE!!!! DEWIEEEEEE!!!! DEWIEEEEEEEE!!!


Carl Hubbell, control pitcher (best pitcher: Walter Johnson or Sandy Koufax)
"The Meal Ticket" struck out five Hall of Famers to start the 1934 all-star game, including Ruth and Gehrig.

Lefty Grove, power pitcher
Battery-mate with Cochrane, the two of them would have mutual tantrums and tear up the clubhouse when they lost. If you think Grove is the best pitcher ever, replace with Koufax.

Satchel Paige, secret weapon pitcher
He really should be the starter, but I'm saving him for long relief.