They were the Greatest Generation’s Greatest Ballplayers, born within six years of each other in another time and place.
Nicknames are sufficient identification. Am talking about the Yankee Clipper/Joltin’ Joe (born Nov. 25, 1914), The Thumper/The Kid/Teddy Ballgame (born Aug. 30, 1918), Rapid Robert (born Nov. 3, 1918) and The Man (born Nov. 21, 1920). Throughout the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, they were the living icons carved into baseball’s mythical Mount Rushmore, the absolute créme de la créme of baseball players, each with a remarkable record and each with a specific persona.
Comments
I would have to add Warren Spahn to this list. He was certainly a much better pitcher than Feller. Feller's ERA+ was a bit better (122 vs. 119). They each played on good teams; Spahn won 363 while Feller won only 266. Lieutenant Warren Spahn was among the leading troops (along with Major Ralph Houk) who relieved Bastogne in the Battle of the Bulge. He was also among the first troops to cross the Rhine at Remagen Bridge. Spahn had a quote (I'm paraphrasing) that after facing the Germans in combat, Stan Musial didn't seem as scary to face on the baseball diamond.
I mentioned Stan Musial's death to some folks who had never heard of him. I could only explain, "He was the Ted Williams of St. Louis." That was enough for them to understand that Stan the Man was a very big deal. My apologies, Stan, if it's not an adequate comparison. RIP.
stick to basketball ..... seriously, what is the point of denegrating anyone's service time ....
I agree that Spahn belongs. I've often wondered what Robin Roberts career records would be like with the modern practice of taking a pitcher out after 100 pitches. Most of Roberts losses came on home runs in the 8th and 9th innings. If Roberts had been limited to 7 innings he would seldom have lost a game.
Great article Mr. Ryan. Please, do not go into full retirement. Been reading your articles for over 40 years. God bless. Ken Murphy
C'mon Bob! No Spahn! What are you thinking?
Unfortunately, the only one of these 4 that I saw play was Williams. But that was a treat -- knowing that I was watching one of the greatest ever. Bob, I'm surpised you left out his performance on the last day of the season in which he hit 406. He was given the opportunity to sit out the double-header (remember those?) to preserve his 400 average. Instead, Williams opted to play -- went 6 for 8 and ended the season at 406. How many of today's stars would do that?
I agree that Spahn was terrific, but the list has to end somewhere. I guess you could also make a case for Al Kaline.
Thanks for the article, Bob, from one who used to enjoy the Sox games while sitting in the bleachers for 25 cents. The team was usually terrible, but it was about the game and watching professional athletes perform.