July 2024 – Teagan Newsom, Sagle, ID
Our July Contest Winner is Teagan Newsom of Sagle, ID!
July Contest Question
It’s All-Star Season! Select the ultimate All-Star team by submitting a 9-player roster, specifying each starting position, plus an all-star manager, and tell us why this would be the GREATEST team. The twist? Players can be from any era of baseball, and can combine NL and AL stars.
BONUS: Include a team name, uniform ideas, and any other details….GOOD LUCK!
Winning Answer
Team Name: The Oldies But Goodies (The OBG for short)
Logo: A golden baseball bat crossed with a laurel wreath, symbolizing victory and excellence, with “OBG” in the center.
Uniform: Classic white with navy blue pinstripes for Home games, and a sleek navy blue with white and gold accents for Away games. Cap is navy blue with a golden “OBG” logo.
Roster:
1. Starting Pitcher (SP): **Sandy Koufax**
– 1955-1966
-One of the most dominant pitchers in history, known for his incredible fastball and devastating curveball. His peak performance in the early 1960s is unmatched.
2. Catcher (C): **Johnny Bench**
– 1967-1983
– Widely regarded as the greatest catcher of all time, Bench combined power hitting with exceptional defensive skills and game-calling ability.
3. First Base (1B): **Lou Gehrig**
– 1923-1939
– Known as the “Iron Horse,” Gehrig was a consistent powerhouse at the plate and a reliable defensive first baseman.
4. Second Base (2B): **Jackie Robinson**
– 1947-1956
– Beyond breaking the color barrier, Robinson was an exceptional player with great speed, hitting ability, and defensive prowess.
5. Shortstop (SS): **Honus Wagner**
– 1897-1917
-Often considered the greatest shortstop in baseball history, Wagner was a phenomenal hitter and fielder.
6. Third Base (3B): **Mike Schmidt**
– 1972-1989
– Schmidt was known for his power hitting and strong defensive skills, winning multiple MVP awards and Gold Gloves.
7. Left Field (LF): **Ted Williams**
– 1939-1960
-One of the greatest hitters in baseball history, Williams had an extraordinary eye for the strike zone and incredible power.
8. Center Field (CF): **Willie Mays**
-1951-1973
-Mays combined power, speed, and defensive excellence, making him one of the most well-rounded players ever.
9. Right Field (RF): **Babe Ruth**
-1914-1935
-Ruth revolutionized the game with his home run hitting, and he was also an excellent pitcher early in his career.
All-Star Manager: **Joe Torre**
-1977-2010
-Torre’s managerial success, particularly with the New York Yankees, where he won four World Series titles, makes him an ideal leader for this team. His ability to manage star players and get the best out of them is legendary.
Why This Team is the Greatest:
-Balance of Power and Defense: This team has a perfect blend of power hitters and defensive stalwarts. Each player was a standout in their era, dominating in their respective roles.
-With players like Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays, the team has incredible speed and versatility, making them a threat on the base paths and in the field.
-Managed by Joe Torre, who has a proven track record of success, this team is bound to have excellent chemistry and strategic acumen.
-Each player on this roster is a Hall of Famer and a legend in their own right, making this team a collection of the best of the best.
This lineup, combined with the iconic uniforms and the leadership of Joe Torre, would undoubtedly make “The Oldies But Goodies” the greatest baseball team ever assembled!