Baseball Legends: Tony Perez (Reds 1964-1976, 1984-1986, Expos 1977-1979, Red Sox 1980-1982, Phillies 1983)

“When there’s a runner in scoring position, I can’t think of any batter I’d rather have at the plate than Perez.” ~ Sparky Anderson

Impressive words about Tony Perez, considering Anderson could have chosen Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Pete Rose, or George Foster, some of the most prolific hitters of the era. Perez was overshadowed by these players on the Big Red Machine, but he was a consistent producer, driving in over 100 runs seven times in his career. He ranks 24th on the all-time RBI list with 1652 ribbies.

Though some argue that Perez does not belong among the Baseball Legends because he was not the dominant player at his position or even on his own team, his consistency and the respect he was given by opposing pitchers attest to his right to be included.

Baseball Legends: Gary Carter (Expos 1974-1984, 1992, Mets 1985-1989, Giants 1990, Dodgers 1991)

Gary Carter stands as one of the prime examples of what happens when you play in Canada: you are largely ignored. Carter’s best years came while wearing a Montreal uniform, as he spent his first eleven seasons there. However, he was overshadowed by Johnny Bench’s play in Cincinnati as the best catcher in the National League in the 1970s, and it was not until the 1980s that he began to receive the recognition he deserved.

After being selected as a reserve catcher for the All-Star team in 1975, 1979, and 1980, Carter received the fan vote to start 1981-1984 and 1986-1988. In 1981 and 1984 he was honored as the All-Star Game MVP. He was also named to the roster in 1985, but did not play that year.