Edward Andrew Karpus, a lifelong devotee of baseball, carries an unwavering passion for the sport in his heart. In the following article, Edward Karpus highlights the monumental figures who graced the hallowed grounds of the baseball diamond, leaving an indomitable imprint on the annals of the sport’s history.
Since baseball’s founding in the 1870s, the American sport has seen its fair share of phenomenal players. But there are a singular few who reached legendary status thanks to their innovative technique, sportsmanship, and exceptional talent.
Edward Karpus Highlights Roger Clemens
Despite a somewhat tarnished record following questions about his possible steroid use, pitcher Roger Clemens remains one of the greatest baseball players of all time, smashing records in the process. Throughout his 24-year-career, much of which was played with the Boston Red Sox, he threw 4,672 strikeouts, the third most of all time, and received a record seven Cy Young Awards. It’s rare for a pitcher to win a league MVP Award – but Clemens did it in 1986.
Ty Cobb
Edward Karpus says that one of the earliest players on this list, Cobb was also one of the greatest, with major-league history’s the greatest lifetime batting average at .366. He even batted over .400 in three seasons! When he retired the 1928, he held the records for career runs scored (2,246), hits (4,189), and stolen bases (892). Those records weren’t broken until the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Cobb is, however, not the best human on this list – known unfortunately for his racism as well as his ruthless sharpening of the spikes on his cleats to cause injury.
Hank Aaron
“Hammerin’ Hank Aaron had another nickname: “The Home Run King!” And that he was. For 33 years, he held the record for career homers (755). Edward Andrew Karpus says that wasn’t his only batting legacy. Aaron also boasted an impressive 6,856 total bases and 2,297 runs batted in, and when he retired in 1976, he held the records for both second most runs scored at 2,174 and hits at 3,771. He also, of course, made history as one of the earliest Black players in Major League Baseball.
Mickey Mantle
Edward Karpus explains that switch hitter Mickey Mantle was popular in his day for his winning personality, good looks, and general showmanship as part of the New York Yankees. It wasn’t, perhaps, until after his career ended that true appreciation for his talent also gained recognition – particularly for his post-season triumphs. He was the best player of his era, appearing in 12 World Series, where he still holds records for several “most’s” and “bests” performed during the World Series: 40 RBI’s, 18 homers, 123 total bases, 26 extra base hits, 43 walks, and 42 runs.
Willie Mays
Edward Andrew Karpus notes that Willie Mays is often the name that comes to mind when thinking of the best of the best in baseball, as does one particular moment: his remarkable eighth inning over-the-shoulder catch during a tied 1954 World Series game. Even though that was the only time his team (the New York Giants) actually won the World Series, his record as an individual player still lends him icon status. Unlike others on this list, he is known equally for his work on defense as on offense. In fact, he won the Golden Glove Award 12 times in a row from 1957 through 1968. As a batter, he hit 660 home runs, 3,283 hits, and 1,903 RBI’s. Quite the record indeed.
Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth is known as much for his homespun philosophizing (think, “When you come to the fork in the road – take it”) as for his baseball prowess, making him the first real sports celebrity. Edward Andrew Karpus notes that Ruth made history when he joined the league in 1914, quickly setting the standard for achievement and smashing records. When he joined, the American League record for home runs per season was 27. He had it up to 59 by 1921, eventually hitting 60 in 1927 and leading the league in home runs 12 times. His astonishing career slugging percentage of .690 is still the greatest ever, and his talents weren’t limited to batting – in his early days, he also was an impressive pitcher.
Final Thoughts
Edward Karpus says that over its long history, baseball has seen many standout players on the field, the pitching mound, and at the plate. But a few stand apart from the rest thanks to their personality, record breaking, and exceptional talent, including Roger Clemens, Ty Cobb, Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Babe Ruth.
