Future Legends: Ken Griffey, Jr. (Mariners 1989-1999, Reds 2000-2008, White Sox 2008-present)

“If I’m compared to Babe Ruth or Willie Mays, that’s great. But I’m just going to go out there and be myself.” ~ Ken Griffey, Jr.

Ken Griffey, Jr. is one of the most charismatic baseball players ever to put on a major league uniform. Beginning his career in Seattle in 1989 as a 19-year old phenom, “The Kid” was immediately a national superstar. He finished his rookie season with 16 home runs and a .264 average in 127 games, then followed that with three straight seasons of 20+ home runs and a .300+ average. In 1993, Junior really took off, smacking 45 balls out of the park, just one less than Juan Gonzalez. In the strike-shortened 1994 season, he led the American League with 40 home runs, and two years later came up one short of 50 in 1996.

Baseball Legends: Hazen Shirley “Kiki” Cuyler (Pirates 1921-1927, Cubs 1928-1935, Reds 1935-1937, Dodgers 1938)

An outstanding hitter and the fastest player in the NL in his prime, KiKi Cuyler reached the majors in 1921 with the Pittsburgh Pirates and was a regular in the lineup in 1924, when he hit .354. In 1922, he hit .357 with 45 doubles, 26 triples, 18 homers, 102 RBIs, 144 runs scored, and 41 stolen bases.

In the 1925 World Series against the Washington Senators, he had a game-winning home run in the second game, and in game seven his 2-run double in the 8th defeated Walter Johnson and Washington 9 to 7, making it the only time in his career he would be part of a championship team.

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: Tom Seaver (Mets 1967-1977, 1983, Reds 1977-1982, White Sox 1984-1986, Red Sox 1986)

“He’s so good that blind people come to the park just to hear him pitch.”
—  Reggie Jackson

Tom Seaver is one of those guys that you knew early on was a lock for the Hall of Fame. He had a great control, and an overwhelming fastball.  He was also a very cerebral pitcher. That combination proved to be too much for most of his opponents. He pitched for 20 seasons in the Major Leagues piling up 311 wins and 3,640 strikeouts. He is one of 23 members of the 300 win club, and one of 15 members of the 3,000 strikeout club. During his career he was a 12 time All Star. He really was a dominant pitcher.

Baseball Legends: Johnny Bench (Reds 1967-1983)

Drafted in 1965. Callled up in August 1967 for a cup of coffee with the Cincinnati Reds. Hits a robust .163.

Ted Williams – “That kid is a Hall of Famer for sure.”

When one thinks of greatest of all time in the game of baseball by position there is always an argument about catcher. Yogi Berra or Johnny Bench. Was Yogi great? Yes. But he was born at the right time. Was Johnny great? Yes. He revolutionized the game as we see it played by catchers today.