The Best Defensive Outfielder In MLB History

That is an image of the best outfielder in MLB history, according to Rawlings.

Recently, Rawlings announced the Gold Glove All-Time Team. The mashup at the top of this post takes the 3 outfielders and makes one super baseball player. The three honorees are Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr. and Pittsburgh's own Roberto Clemente.

And now you can have night terrors about that image.

The Pirates are planning on celebrating Clemente's inclusion at this Saturday's home game against the Blue Jays. Pittsburgh will host Clemente's widow, Vera, as well as Roberto's sons Roberto Jr. and Luis. Roberto Jr. will throw out the first pitch.

Clemente was a 12-time Gold Glove recipient during his 18 years as a Bucco. He helped pave the way for the modern Latin ballplayer and became an inspiration to Pittsburgh kids of all generations. Though I come from a different age group, I was taught at an early age to respect and admire anything Clemente-related. This is why I've wanted the league to retire Clemente's #21 league-wide.

And in case you were wondering, I used these pictures of Mays, Grif (classic)and Clemente. Horrifying.

Griffey Hits His 600th

Congrats to Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey hit his 600th career home run earlier tonight.

I've told you before that Junior was one of my favorite players growing up, so I just wanted show my appreciation for all that Griffey has accomplished in his years in the MLB. The past few years have not been kind to The Kid, but 600 homers really defines a career. Injuries or not, Griffey was one of the most fun players to watch. And that swing...

Drinks are on the Donora boy tonight.

Congrats to George Kenneth Griffey Jr.

Junior moved past Frank Robinson and into sole possession of 6th place of the all-time home runs list last night with his 24 homer of the season and 587th of his career. Also, since Sammy Sosa recently hit his 600th, Junior is only 15 away from claiming his spot in the top 5. Oh what might have been...

His Mariners teams were a close second to the Buccos in my mind. I wore my aquamarine Mariners hat everywhere (aquamarine on top with a dark brim and the compass logo. I can't find a picture. Reverse of this). And this one looked exactly like my t-ball hats.

I get mad thinking about Griffey's tenure in Cincinnati. Without the injuries year after year, us baseball fans could have been witnessing something truly remarkable. Barry Bonds and Junior Griffey could have been fighting each other for the home run crown right now. Wouldn't that be something to see.

Griffey was always one of my favorite players when I was a kid. I'd open every pack of baseball cards just hoping that Junior would be in there.

Plus, he was born in Donora, Pa, which is only about 20 minutes or so from my house. Weird thing is, Junior was born on the very same day as Donora's other famous baseball-playing resident, Stan Musial. I'd always use that as a fun fact when I was growing up.

So a slow clap goes to Griffey, as he makes his way towards 600. If it wasn't for the knees and ankles and achilles and whatever else he blew out in Cincy, we could be watching a replay of the '98 home run assault. However, instead of McGwire and Sosa charging for the season record, we would've had Bonds and Griffey going after the all-time record.

Damn you again, Cincinnati...