As we reach the All-Star Break, I think it may be the right time to step out on the ledge and make some bold claims that I would be more than happy to defend.
These are the greatest players to ever be members of the American League Central Division. Again, I know there was no AL Central before 1994, but let’s just pretend it has always been there.
With the following claims, I must note: Some of the players on the list are in lesser positions; not because they are lesser players, but because of their limited playing time in the AL Central. Boston Red Sox superstar and Hall of Famer Joe Cronin and Philadelphia Athletics Hall of Famer Mickey Cochrane are the two most notable examples of this.
This list of incredible players is created for the sole purpose of stating a claim that hopefully catches the reader’s interested enough to call me an idiot, argue their opinions of this list and maybe even learn new names, stats and stories about some of the greatest ballplayers to ever lace up spikes – who have also graced the AL Central.
Please enjoy, and let the arguing begin!
The Best in AL Central History
Outfielders:
Starting OF:
Ty Cobb* – Tris Speaker* – Al Kaline*
Reserves:
Joe Jackson – Sam Rice* – Sam Crawford*
Additional OF:
Manny Ramirez – Minnie Minoso – Tony Oliva – Larry Doby*
Harry Heilmann* – Kirby Puckett* – Heinie Manush – Grady Sizemore
Rocky Colavito – Earl Averill* – Elmer Flick*
Willie Wilson – Doc Cramer – Willie Horton – George Case
First Base:
Starting 1B: Hank Greenberg*
Reserves: Rod Carew*
Additional OF:
Frank Thomas – Jim Thome – Norm Cash – Rudy York
Second Base:
Starting 2B: Napoleon Lajoie*
Reserves:
Charlie Gehringer* – Eddie Collins*
Additional OF:
Nellie Fox* – Lou Whitaker
Shortstop:
Starting SS: Louis Aparicio*
Reserves:
Omar Vizquel
Additional SS:
Luke Appling* – Lou Boudreau* – Joe Sewell*
Alan Trammel – Joe Cronin*l
Third Base:
Starting 3B: Harmon Killebrew*
Reserves:
George Brett*
Additional 3B:
George Kell* – Al Rosen
Catchers:
Starting C: Joe Mauer
Reserves:
Carlton Fisk*
Additional SS:
Mickey Cochrane* – Ray Schalk*
Pitchers:
Starting Rotation:
Walter Johnson* – Bob Feller* - Ed Walsh* – Addie Joss* – Bob Lemon*
Bullpen:
Satchel Paige* – Early Wynn* – Hoyt Wilhelm* - Hal Newhouser*
Ted Lyons* – Stan Coveleski* – Mickey Lolich
Additional P:
Tommy John – Denny McLain – Frank Lary
Billy Pierce – Eddie Cicotte – Jack Morris
Bert Blyleven – Bret Saberhagen – Jim Kaat
Jim Perry – Dennis Leonard – Joe Nathan
Manager and Coaches:
Manager: Al Lopez*
Pitching Coach: Bob Lemon*
Hitting Coach: Michey Cochrane*
Coach: Hughie Jennings*
Coach: Sparky Anderson*
*= Member of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame
