(Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)
Do you ever have the feeling life is passing you by at a speed that prohibits real examination? I’m afraid I’m guilty of this lifestyle misdemeanor at times.
But every once in a while, I apply some brake pressure as a sporting crosswalk approaches. I have to remind myself that it’s worthwhile to stop and smell the pine tar.
One such crosswalk involves the hushed voices and polite applause of golf. Whenever I have the opportunity to watch Tiger Woods play, I thank my lucky stars.
Why? Because I’m playing witness to the greatest golfer of all time, playing a game at its highest level, ever.
I did the same thing when watching Jordan and Gretzky.
These days, I’m feeling my lucky stars are shining even brighter. You see, I call St. Louis home, as does a star by the name of Albert Pujols. This Pujols character seems to have a knack for the game that few others share.
Take any of the all-time greats of baseball and run a comparison. Bat for bat, run for run, Albert stacks up with any of the heavyweights.
Let’s take a look at a few.
Joe DiMaggio
The Yankee Clipper patrolled the lawn of Yankee Stadium with the grace of a butterfly while stinging balls with bee-like determination.
Joltin’ Joe spent 13 years in pinstripes, batting .325 with 361 home runs and 1,537 RBI. He won two batting titles (’39, ’40), three MVPs (’39, ’41, ’47), and showcased his talent in the All-Star game 13 times.
He finished with 2,214 hits and recorded the longest hitting streak in MLB history—56 consecutive games.
Them’s Hall of Fame numbers, fans...with a bullet.
Willie Mays
The "Say Hey" Kid gets the nod as an all-time great by many. And rightly so. His gaudy numbers span a 22-year career and set a bar that’s hard to put one’s chin over.
His lifetime batting average was .302, matched with 3,283 hits, 660 home runs (leading the league four times), 1,903 RBI, and a slugging percentage of .557.
He was Rookie of the Year in 1951, an MVP twice (’54, ’65), played in 24 All-Star Games, and won 12 Gold Gloves. Whew!
If you’re not aware he is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, please leave your credentials at the door.
The greatest hitter of all time, Ted Williams, said of Mays, “They invented the All-Star Game for Willie Mays.”
‘Nuff said.
Stan Musial
Stanislaw Franciszek Musial played 22 years with the redbirds sitting on a bat across his chest. That’s 3,026 games...and he was never tossed. Not once! Now that’s a real gentleman.
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