What MLB Throwback Would You Want (NL Edition)?
Written by Big Poppa TC, Monday August 17 2009
I went to a Giants game recently, where Will Clark caught the first pitch from cancer-survivor and former Giant pitcher Dave Dravecky. It was a touching story, and I thought of how cool it would be to wear the throwback jerseys for both players. So I tried to think of what throwback I would want for each Major League Baseball team. I came up with a diverse list, with a million different reasons ranging from player popularity, personal memories, irony, contributions to the game, and overall radness. I started with the National League teams, and will post the American League throwbacks later in the week. Obviously we can’t/won’t all agree on everything, so please note that I started watching baseball in the 1980’s.
Atlanta Braves – Hank Aaron, OF
Not old enough to have seen him play, but I absolutely recognize his importance and stature. Nothing smart or witty here, just pure reverence. Honorable Mention: Dale Murphy
Arizona Diamondbacks - Byun-Yung Kim, Closer
Never has any promising young pitcher blown up his entire career in two games the way Kim did in the World Series against the Yankees. He blew two saves and was never the same, and the result was Randy Johnson coming in for the uber-memorable Game 7 save to win the World Series, one of the great anti-Yankee moments of all time. Honorable Mention: Matt Williams.
Chicago Cubs – Ryne Sandberg, 2B
I really liked this guy’s name, Ryne the Rhino. He was a solid All-Star player for a long time for one of the more popular franchises, and I have his autographed rookie baseball card. He was also a part of my favorite NLCS, the 1989. Honorable Mention: Greg Maddux
Cincinnati Reds – Pete Rose, OF
No surprise here, as he’s one of the most popular and controversial players in history. I’m one of the people who thinks he should not be let into the Hall of Fame. Betting on a team your managing is purely unacceptable, period. When players’ health and livelihoods are at stake, it’s wrong and can’t be condoned under any circumstances. Like what if you saved a reliever for tomorrow’s game cause you were betting on it? Or gave a good player the dayoff before the bet game? That completely ruins the integrity of the game. Honorable Mention: Eric Davis, Dave Concepcion
Colorado Rockies – Todd Helton, 1B
He’s just been a great, solid player for a very long time. He’s not flashy, he finally got rewarded with a trip to the World Series two years ago. He hits for average, occasionally for power, plays good defense without a hint of PED allegations or clubhouse trouble. I just like the guy, although I guess I could buy the jersey now and the jerseys haven’t changed much. Honorable Mention: None.
Florida Marlins – Kevin Brown, SP
I’ve always loved how he won the World Series then proceeded to bilk the Yankees out of zillions of dollars. He’s like the good version of Carl Pavano. But with more steroids involved (allegedly). He’s also on my all-time list of players who should be thankful that the injuries resulting from steroid use ironically ended their careers before steroid questions could be asked. Honorable Mention: None
Houston Astros – Nolan Ryan, SP
I love the classic shooting-star jerseys with orange and yellow stripes, and I love the strikeout/no-hitter king. He has more than 5,000 strikeouts and threw SEVEN no-hitters. Think about it. And he destroyed a mound-charging Robin Ventura worse than the Yankees destroyed Byun-Yung Kim’s career. Honorable Mention: Mike Scott
Los Angeles Dodgers – Jackie Robinson, OF
He went to UCLA, he ushered in a new, more equal era of professional sports. A true American hero, his UCLA throwback jersey would be the number one throwback I would want. I can’t say enough about this guy, and neither can you. Honorable Mention: Fernando Valenzuela, Orel Hershiser
Milwaukee Brewers – Gary Sheffield, SS
Believe it or not, Gary Sheffield debuted in the major leagues as a highly-touted shortstop. He’s been an exciting player for a long time, and the only friend of Barry Bonds. And he I love the Brewer jerseys with the blue baseball glove on it. He is a lot more interesting as a player and person than most people realize. Having this jersey shows that you have some knowledge. Honorable Mention: Paul Molitor
New York Mets – Darryl Strawberry , OF
It was extremely close between him and Dwight Gooden, but I like having “Strawberry” written on the back of a jersey. If him and Doc Gooden could have stayed clean, I think the Mets could have had a dynasty, considering their support players of Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, David Cone and others. Just say no to drugs. Honorable Mention: Dwight Gooden.
Philadelphia Phillies – Mike Schmidt, 3B
Love the old blue jersey with the big ‘P’. Love the Mike Schmidt mustache. ‘Nuff said. Honorable Mention: Lenny Dykstra
Pittsburgh Pirates – Andy Van Slyke, OF
I thought it would be Barry Bonds, but I really liked Andy Van Slyke growing up. I didn’t grow up knowing any Dutch people, and I really like the “Van” surname prefix. I would also go for the striped hat given the option. Honorable Mention: Barry Bonds, Bobby Bonilla
San Diego Padres – Tony Gwynn, OF
The most popular Padre ever, a great player with a fantastic even swing. Tony Gwynn played at San Diego State, played in San Diego his entire Hall of Fame career, and now he coaches for San Diego State and his kid plays for the Padres. And the 80’s Padres jersey’s are entertaining, rife with brown and orange trim. Honorable Mention: Steve Garvey
San Francisco Giants – Will Clark, 1B
He’s the reason I watch baseball, and one big reason I love the Giants. One of my fondest memories is Will Clark decimating the Cubs in the 1989 NLCS. I have every Giants Will Clark baseball card, and his beautiful swing is still etched in my mind. And yes, I know any normal person would prefer Willie Mays or Willie McCovey. Honorable Mention: Willie Mays, Dave Dravecky, Kevin Mitchell
St. Louis Cardinals – Vince Coleman, OF
Vince Coleman was the absolute fastest player in the original RBI Baseball on Nintendo (think Bo Jackson on Tecmo Bowl). With Willie Mcgee (ugliest baseball player ever) and Ozzie Smith on the team, it was by far the fastest team in the game. Love Vince Coleman. Honorable Mention: Stan Musial, Ozzie Smith.
Washington Nationals – Randy Johnson, SP
The Montreal Expos had beautiful jerseys, and Randy Johnson rookied in the Great White North. His nickname is the Big Unit, and he killed a bird with a pitch. He’s won multiple Cy Young’s, and had the best mullet in baseball for ten years. He used to throw 100mph SLIDERS. Honorable Mention: Pedro Martinez
Tune in next later this week for the American League throwbacks! Feel free to leave suggestions below, especially for less …ummm…. Popular teams (I’m looking at you Rays!).
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8 comments
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Only you could nominate Will Calrk over a couple of legends of the game Homer. I love it! I take issue with Sheffield only because of the steriod stain on him. Robin Yount IS the Brewers. As for my Phillies, you can't go wrong with Schmidt although in typical Philly fashion Mike was Booed during most of his career. He seemed very aloof until he did an unfortunate interview ripping the fans while on a road trip. When he returned he knew he was going to get it, so he borrowed a giant afro wig and sunglasses from RP Larry Anderson and went out in them to warm up at 3B. From that moment on, he was a fan favorite. The World Series Championship didn't hurt either. May favorite old-time Phillie was Bob Boone because of his name and that incredible catch he made in the World Series that popped out of Pete Rose's glove.
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Elston Howard's No. 32 for the New York Yankees and Willie Mays's No. 24 for the New York Giants.
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Good work TC, I enjoy you're article ideas. Keep it up.
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I think most giants fans younger than 50 would go with Will the Thrill. Does a 2007 Tim lincecum jersey count as throwback? When he's done, I know I will consider myself, -self, -lf, the luckiest man, on the face of the earth, earth, earth, to have gotten to watch him every fifth day. Giants fans are spoiled by it. You should have gone Nolan Ryan with the Rangers ('cause he's about it, unless you're going with Juan Gonzalez) and either Bagwell or Biggio for the 'Stros.
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Yah I do actually like Ernie Banks, one of the few SS/1B, I just wasn't feeling the Cubs when I made the list. The Rays were one of the harder teams to do. And Bmaiz, Robin Yount I think is in a class above the rest of those guys and prolly should have warranted a look. Luis Gonzalez and Larry Walker are likely on a certain other 'list' though. I like Marvin Benard more than Dave Roberts though.
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My favorite all time Ray is Jimmy Morris, but he probably would not fit what you are going for here... still trying to figure out how they retired Wade Boggs number??? Good job...
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i was thinking of some additional ones as i read the article: Arizona = Luis Gonzalez Colorado = Larry Walker Florida = Jeff Conine Astros = Jeff Bagwell Milawaukee = Robin Yount San Francisco = Marvin Benard ok, that last one was a joke...
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These are great and I will be the first to add my two cents. Ryno was a great choice for the Cubs, but I can't believe you didn't have an honorable mention for Mr. Cub himself, Ernie Banks SS/1B!