How about some predictions on any of the big football games this weekend … college or pro. I’ll start:
Notre Dame 24 Meechigan Skunkbears 20
USC 28 The Ohio State Penitentiary 17
Packers 24 Bears 17
Here’s another topic that intrigues me … Derek Jeter is about to become the all-time Yankee hit leaders when he gets number 2,722 and breaks Lou Gehrig’s long-standing record. What intrigues me is that “only 2,722 hits” is the all-time record for the
Wallysays
(cont’d)
NEW YORK YANKEES!!! That’s just baffling given all the GREAT players and success they’ve had since the 1920’s. Not having had a player get 3,000 hits would’ve surprised me, but to break the record under 2,800 is amazing in many respects … again because it’s the Yankees. I woulda thought a great average hitter like DiMaggio (.325) would’ve sniffed 3,000, but he served in the war for 3 full years and fell well short at 2,214. Even if he plays those years, he’s still probably short. Anyway, 27 players have reached 3,000 hits and none of them played the majority of their career with the Yankees, the most storied and successful franchise of them all.
I have thought about that as well – with all of the great players the Yankees have had – 2,722 hits was the all-time mark for 70 years? I think we have to keep in mind that Gehrig was forced to retire. If healthy, he certainly would have played 3 or 4 more years – at least.
DiMaggio – obviously the years lost to WWII have an impact on his hits, – didn’t he have various injuries to his legs? Jeter who right now has more then 2,000 ABs then DiMaggio ever had – has remained remarkably durable throughout his career.
But I think it makes you appreciate the offensive explosion we have witnessed over the last 15-20 years in baseball. Whether it was chemically enhanced is another story.. But new ballparks certainly have helped a lot of offensive numbers.
That being said, as much as I don’t like the Yankees – Derek Jeter has been exactly what MLB baseball has needed. A class act and a great baseball player.
Story I had to share – A colleague at work made the comment at lunch that Pete Rose was the greatest hitter of all time. I quickly talked him down from that perch. I have to say, this website has certainly trained me well.. 🙂
I don’t understand what you are trying to say with: But I think it makes you appreciate the offensive explosion we have witnessed over the last 15-20 years in baseball. Whether it was chemically enhanced is another story.. But new ballparks certainly have helped a lot of offensive numbers.”
Chassays
I think it’s only a little surprising that no career Yankee has reached 3000 hits. As you guys have pointed out, health and other factors are big reasons why Gehrig, DiMaggio and Mantle didn’t get there. Babe Ruth walked too much and spent a number of years as a Red Sox pitcher before coming to the Yanks.
Did you know, though, that there are only 13 players in history who’ve reached 3000 hits with one team: Ty Cobb, Stan Musial, Hank Aaron, Carl Yastrzemski, Pete Rose, Willie Mays, Cal Ripken, George Brett, Robin Yount, Tony Gwynn, Craig Biggio, Al Kaline and Roberto Clemente. Jeter should become the 14th on the list in two years.
Does that make it any less surprising? Also, Dave Winfield is one of the 27 to reach 3000 and he had more hits with the Yankees than any other team, although only 1300.
Wally says
How about some predictions on any of the big football games this weekend … college or pro. I’ll start:
Notre Dame 24 Meechigan Skunkbears 20
USC 28 The Ohio State Penitentiary 17
Packers 24 Bears 17
Here’s another topic that intrigues me … Derek Jeter is about to become the all-time Yankee hit leaders when he gets number 2,722 and breaks Lou Gehrig’s long-standing record. What intrigues me is that “only 2,722 hits” is the all-time record for the
Wally says
(cont’d)
NEW YORK YANKEES!!! That’s just baffling given all the GREAT players and success they’ve had since the 1920’s. Not having had a player get 3,000 hits would’ve surprised me, but to break the record under 2,800 is amazing in many respects … again because it’s the Yankees. I woulda thought a great average hitter like DiMaggio (.325) would’ve sniffed 3,000, but he served in the war for 3 full years and fell well short at 2,214. Even if he plays those years, he’s still probably short. Anyway, 27 players have reached 3,000 hits and none of them played the majority of their career with the Yankees, the most storied and successful franchise of them all.
Smitty says
Wally,
I have thought about that as well – with all of the great players the Yankees have had – 2,722 hits was the all-time mark for 70 years? I think we have to keep in mind that Gehrig was forced to retire. If healthy, he certainly would have played 3 or 4 more years – at least.
DiMaggio – obviously the years lost to WWII have an impact on his hits, – didn’t he have various injuries to his legs? Jeter who right now has more then 2,000 ABs then DiMaggio ever had – has remained remarkably durable throughout his career.
But I think it makes you appreciate the offensive explosion we have witnessed over the last 15-20 years in baseball. Whether it was chemically enhanced is another story.. But new ballparks certainly have helped a lot of offensive numbers.
That being said, as much as I don’t like the Yankees – Derek Jeter has been exactly what MLB baseball has needed. A class act and a great baseball player.
Story I had to share – A colleague at work made the comment at lunch that Pete Rose was the greatest hitter of all time. I quickly talked him down from that perch. I have to say, this website has certainly trained me well.. 🙂
Casey says
Smitty
I don’t understand what you are trying to say with: But I think it makes you appreciate the offensive explosion we have witnessed over the last 15-20 years in baseball. Whether it was chemically enhanced is another story.. But new ballparks certainly have helped a lot of offensive numbers.”
Chas says
I think it’s only a little surprising that no career Yankee has reached 3000 hits. As you guys have pointed out, health and other factors are big reasons why Gehrig, DiMaggio and Mantle didn’t get there. Babe Ruth walked too much and spent a number of years as a Red Sox pitcher before coming to the Yanks.
Did you know, though, that there are only 13 players in history who’ve reached 3000 hits with one team: Ty Cobb, Stan Musial, Hank Aaron, Carl Yastrzemski, Pete Rose, Willie Mays, Cal Ripken, George Brett, Robin Yount, Tony Gwynn, Craig Biggio, Al Kaline and Roberto Clemente. Jeter should become the 14th on the list in two years.
Does that make it any less surprising? Also, Dave Winfield is one of the 27 to reach 3000 and he had more hits with the Yankees than any other team, although only 1300.
Casey says
Chas – great to see you back on the pine. Way to bring some levity to the discussion.