So since I done the last article, I keep getting asked who got drafted first? Plenty asked if it was either Babe Ruth or Ty Cobb? Those two have always been named in a debate, and I'm sure some will question the order of some of these picks, but I was really pleased with the final product for these 12 teams.
The first overall pick was the Louisville Colonels of the American Association, it was a difficult choice, but you couldn't pick a better clean-cut superstar in MLB history than ...
Lou Gehrig, he was everything that a manager could ever have wanted in a player. He was of course, best known on the playing field for his magnificent consecutive games streak that stretched for 2,130 games. He scored 100+ runs & drove in 100+ runs for 13 consecutive seasons. Louisville fans were ecstatic when it was announced he was taken #1 overall, printing out corny T-Shirts, "Gehrig puts the LOU in Louisville".
When people speak of best all-around player, greatest athlete the sport may have seen, most often Willie Mays' name comes up. That is why the Indianapolis Federals made him their top choice with the 2nd Overall Pick in the HOFL Draft. The 20-time All-Star had 3,283 hits & 660 home runs in his illustrious career, not to mention he missed most of 1952 & all of 1953 due to his time with the United States Army.
With the 3rd pick overall, the Washington Potomacs select Babe Ruth, it's pretty fitting when you think about it, Ruth wore #3 and usually batted 3rd in the lineup during his career (or at least while Gehrig played with him). Babe will also be very close to his home town of Baltimore. He was most definitely the biggest iconic superstar the game has ever witnessed, he was the all-time HR king (714) until Hank Aaron came around, while he logged 2,214 RBI; His ridiculous career .690 OPS & 1.164 OPS is tops.
The Chicago Grays selected SS-Honus Wagner for the 4th Selection, I felt it was a strong fit for the team; Easily one of the best ever, and he heads the shortstop crop, although he can play numerous positions such as the outfield & third as well. Plus it's hard to argue with 8 batting titles.
Nothing says New York like the greatest switch-hitter in Baseball history, such as Mickey Mantle, he will bring life to the Big Apple for the New York Gothams.
The Cincinnati Outlaws would take the biggest outlaw of them all in Ty Cobb, he brings the attitude & swagger that the Outlaws are looking for. They would also add "Shoeless Joe" Jackson in the 2nd Round.
The St. Louis Maroons picked Rogers Hornsby to lead the pack, they would also select numerous players with St. Louis / Missouri connections via geography or Cardinals/Browns.
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| Outlaws: Cobb & "Shoeless" |
The Cincinnati Outlaws would take the biggest outlaw of them all in Ty Cobb, he brings the attitude & swagger that the Outlaws are looking for. They would also add "Shoeless Joe" Jackson in the 2nd Round.
The St. Louis Maroons picked Rogers Hornsby to lead the pack, they would also select numerous players with St. Louis / Missouri connections via geography or Cardinals/Browns.
Here is a list of 17 players with the above-mentioned connections...
- Ken Boyer (3B/CF)
- Roger Bresnahan (C/CF)
- George Brett (3B/1B) [Royals]
- Orlando Cepeda (1B/LF)
- Dennis Eckersley (RP)
- Bob Gibson (SP)
- Jesse Haines (P)
- Keith Hernandez (1B)
- Rogers Hornsby (2B/SS/3B)
- Tony La Russa (2B) [Maroons' Farm Roster]
- Roger Maris (RF)
- Johnny Mize (1B)
- Red Schoendienst (2B/LF)
- Ozzie Smith (SS)
- Joe Torre (C/1B/3B)
- Rube Waddell (SP)
- Larry Walker (RF)
More to come in future posts about this current project...
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