MLB: Greatest Players From Alaska And Arizona

Continuing with the theme of the greatest Major League Baseball players in each state in alphabetical order.  While Alaska is the next state, there were only two notable athletes to make an appearance in the majors.

I've decided to combine Alaska and Arizona...so up next is The Last Frontier state followed by the Grand Canyon State:

Curt Schilling

While his career may be over, Schilling will go down as one of the greatest post-season pitchers who ever lived.  In 19 playoff games, he has an 11-2 record with a 2.23 ERA and 120 strikeouts.

If he never pitches again he will finish with 216 wins, a 3.46 ERA, 3,116 strikeouts, six All-Star selections, three World Series rings and a World Series MVP award in 2001.  He also led the National League in wins in 2001, led the American League in wins in 2004 and led the NL in strikeouts in two other seasons.  

Shawn Chacon

Chacon is the only other baseball player to be born in Alaska and started his career with the Colorado Rockies after being a third round selection in 1996. He made his big league debut in 2001 and has turned into a decent pitcher.

Chacon is known for his altercation with Houston Astros General Manager Ed Wade.  Chacon was suspended indefinitely for insubordination and is currently a free agent.  He has a 45-61 record with a 4.99 ERA and has played with four teams.

Bob Horner

Horner was a star the moment he stepped on a baseball diamond and set numerous records at each level.  He was awarded the 1977 College World Series MVP and the 1978 Golden Spikes award, which is given to the best amateur athlete.

Horner was the first pick in the 1978 draft and also made his debut that same year.  That year he was Rookie of the Year, in 89 games he hit 23 HRs and drove in 63 runs.  He finished his, injury plagued, 10 year career with 218 HRs and 685 RBI.

John Denny

Denny pitched in the Major Leagues from 1974 to 1986 and his career highlight came in 1983 when he won the National League Cy Young Award.  That year he went 19-6 with a 2.37 ERA.

Denny also won game one of the 1983 World Series for the Philadelphia Phillies against the Baltimore Orioles.  He compiled a career record of 123-108 with a 3.59 ERA. Along with his Cy Young Award, that same season Denny also won the Sporting News Pitcher of the Year and the Comeback Player of the Year.     

Hank Leiber

Leiber roamed the outfield for the Chicago Cubs and New York Giants from 1933 to 1942. His best season came in 1935 with the New York Giants when he hit 22 HRs, drove in 107 runs, hit .331 with a .389 on-base percentage and a .512 slugging percentage.

In 10 seasons he compiled 101 HRs, 518 RBI, .288 batting average, .356 on-base and a .462 slugging percentage.        

Ron Hassey

Hassey played for six different teams from 1978 to 1991. Hassey holds the distinction of being the only player to catch two perfect games in the major leagues. On May 15, 1981, Hassey caught Len Barker's perfect game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

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