It's been awhile since we built an all-birthday team here on Da Box, but if we were ever going to get back into it, today would be tthe day. You see, perhaps the most influential shared birthday in MLB history is today, Jan. 31.
How so? Well ...
- Ernie Banks, arguably the best shortstop (although for this team, he might have to move to 1B, as he did for the Cubs) of all time, is 80;
- Nolan Ryan, arguably the most dominant pitcher of all time -- and now one of the best MLB executives in the game -- is 64; and
- Jackie Robinson, arguably the most important player of all time, would be 92.
Actually, though, I have to admit, I have kind of severe tired-head from some work-related projects and am not personally up to building a complete lineup, much less a full roster.
There are some other intriguing names, though none nearly of the level of this day's HOF Triplets, but for instance the active crowd includes RHSP Josh Johnson (45-22 through 2011) and SS Yuniesky Betancourt, who probably necessitates the aforementioned Banks move.
Ted Power's not a bad closer for any team, he of the 70 career saves, while Duke Maas and Charlie Roberson were moderately successful starting pitchers in their own rights. And for a Hall of Names team like this one, there's Honey Barnes, Webb Schultz, Steamboat Williams, Goat Cochran, Rip Williams and Jot Goar among others. And for comedic effect, let's (Oh, God!) draft OF George Burns, who rang up more than 2000 hits in his 16-year career. So let's all join Mr. Cub on The Ryan Express to see about breaking down some barriers ...
Can you build a lineup or even a full roster that would just dominate the modern-day Phillies? Test yourself out in the comments area below .... and of course, see this page from our friends at BaseballReference.com to consider alternatives ...