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Hall of Names Reader Challenge: The Christmas "Presents"
Regular readers of Da Box may recall that we have introduced Hall of Names holiday themes before -- not just Christmas, either, as one of the very first Hall of Names entries was dedicated to (and published on) St. Patrick's Day. Other odes to Thanksgiving, the U.S. Independence Day, Canada Day, and several others, have also appeared.

And yes, we've tried Christmas -- like this less-than-successful group effort in 2003 and a rather better "ode" to Christmas Carols just last year, in '05. Earlier that same holiday season, we built a team called The Chrismas Presence made up of players born on Dec. 25 -- yes, including one guy born that day actually named "Jesus."

For this year, let's think a bit about those colourfully decorated boxes under the tree that get dismantled while the holiday turkey is in the oven. Yes, that's right, last year we met The Christmas Presence, and this year we're going for ...



The Christmas Presents

The rules here are simple -- nominate a player for the team based on his last name being a reference to something you'd like to find under the tree with your name on the gift card. Nominations for gifts more appropriate to Batter's Box wives, girlfriends, children, nieces and nephews are also welcome and invited.

Just provide the name, position and a few details about the nominee (and if you are so inclined, a link to his BaseballReference.com player page. (Oh, and identify Hall of Famers and All-Stars while you're at it!)

Also, if necessary, explain or be prepared to defend your gift wish -- for instance, sure, we'd love to have Johnny Bench, the greatest catcher of all time, behind the plate, but are you really hoping to find a bench under the tree for yourself? (Hey, maybe your grampa is a carpenter -- the wood-working kind not the Chris-pitching kind -- and has his eye on a new workbench. Just say so!)

Oh, and no nicknames -- in the examples below, for instance, Virgil Trucks over Truck Hannah and Jim Toy over Jimmy "The Toy Cannon" Wynn are good examples.

So, some example roster nominees to join The Christmas Presents (Misspellings are fine; keep the pronunciations close, though!):

  • LHSP Frank Viola*, for the musician in the family.
  • OF Chuck Carr -- sure, a new car doesn't fit under the tree, but who's complaining? And we can always gift-wrap the (LHSP Jimmy) Key* for effect.
  • RHSP Virgil Trucks* is a fine addition to the rotation and a fine toy for most mayhem-minded boys.
  • 19th-centurey 1B/C/OF Jim Toy is generic, but seems to fit the theme.
Anyway, there are a few starters ... be creative! And remember, the standard Hall of Names team is (Lineup) C/1B/2B/SS/3B/LF/CF/RF/DH; (Reserves) C/IF/IF/OF/OF/UTIL; (Rotation) RHSP/LHSP/RHSP/LHSP/5SP; and (Bullpen) CL/RH-SET/LH-SET/RH-LONG/LH-LONG.

So let's get cracking! Who's on the list of your Christmas Presents?

Posted by Mick Doherty on Saturday, December 23 2006 @ 05:28 PM EST.
Reader Challenge: The Christmas "Presents" | 9 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
Jordan - Saturday, December 23 2006 @ 08:24 PM EST (#161322) #
I could sure use a new set of Speakers.
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Smithers - Saturday, December 23 2006 @ 11:30 PM EST (#161324) #

Dear Santa,

This year for Christmas there are a number of things I would like to find under the tree.  First up, I would really like to get some smoked sockeye Salmon from my Dad in B.C.  As well, I could really use a nice new Lamp for my living room.  To escape from the cold winter on the prairies I would like a nice Halladay - er, Holliday - somewhere warm in Mexico or the Caribbean. 

You know Santa, a nice bottle of vintage Wine would really hit the spot during the holiday season too.  Throw in some good dark seasonal Beers and we're set. 

If you want to be lazy and take the easy way out, I can always use and appreciate Money - and don't worry, Cash (Norm or Dave - definitely not Kevin) would be fine.

Thank you,

Geoff

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zeppelinkm - Sunday, December 24 2006 @ 01:17 AM EST (#161325) #
It wouldn't be for me, but I'm sure grandma could use a new Walker and would love to see one under the Christmas tree!
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zeppelinkm - Sunday, December 24 2006 @ 09:34 AM EST (#161326) #
For Grandpa I'll get him some secured Bonds to help with retirement.

For dad, I'll get him that new Ford he keeps talking about.  And a box of Porter (Darrell of course, we need a good backup catcher!) to sip on in the evenings.

Now, what to get mom? How about a beautiful new Ring? (Made by Jimmy..)

For my niece, who's so young and little and loves to laugh, how about a Riddle book (Maybe even about cartoon characters like Elmer Fudd).

For my big brother, the stud musician that he is, I'll get him one of those sweet fancy Hammond organs.

For my little sister, I'll get her that pink Floyd cd she keeps talking about.

Help, I can't figure out what to get my older sister!

Now the team has (if any of these players aren't good enough gifts, take em out!)

RF - Larry Walker
LF - Barry Bonds
C - Darrell Porter
1B/backup outfielder - Cliff Floyd

SP - Whitey Ford
SP - Elmer Riddle
SP - Jimmy Ring

RP - Chris Hammond







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CeeBee - Sunday, December 24 2006 @ 01:37 PM EST (#161330) #
I've got lots of (J.T.) Snow to share though under the tree might be a bad idea. The wife would like a (Pete) Rose or two and for dinner maybe a (Tim) Salmon would be appropriate, at least on the west coast. The kids would like a pet, maybe a (Jim) Kaat and my guitar playing brother would love to have a (Bob) Gibson to replace the one he sold many years ago when raising kids was more important than having fun. Can't play it but I think a (Steve) Sax would be fun for the New Years party and if I found my (Ron) Darling under the tree I just might spend Christmas night there myself. :)
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Mylegacy - Sunday, December 24 2006 @ 02:11 PM EST (#161331) #

Slightly OT...

DaBox stuffs my stockings with tidings of great joy, not just at this time of year but all year round. I want to wish everyone in my family at DaBox the very, very best of the season to you and your families. I even include the Cabal! (Sorry, I forgot for a second...there is no Cabal.)  Now if only I get of those little baseball thingies by this post my Christmas will have been a success! 

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Smithers - Sunday, December 24 2006 @ 03:41 PM EST (#161333) #

"Can't play it but I think a (Steve) Sax would be fun for the New Years party and if I found my (Ron) Darling under the tree I just might spend Christmas night there myself. :)"

Well CeeBee, just don't try any hanky panky under that tree with your Darling.  This is a family-oriented website after all, and the last thing we want to see under the tree is a Concepcion!

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Mike Green - Sunday, December 24 2006 @ 06:36 PM EST (#161337) #
Anything Sweet would be good by me. Perhaps a Cookie. Maybe a Brownie. Candy would be dandy. Heck, I'd settle for raw sugar cane.

Merry Christmas to all Bauxites.

[ Reply to This ]
Mike Green - Wednesday, December 27 2006 @ 12:15 PM EST (#161371) #
And if, by chance, you received some Christmas Cash, may I suggest that you follow the advice of the late great Tug McGraw.  Don't waste your money on merchandise at the mall, spend it on Wine, Womack and Song.
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Reader Challenge: The Christmas "Presents" | 9 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.