The Bats have been attempting to really get a rally going during the later part of their season. An attempt that will continue with a new series that begins tonight against the Rochester Red Wings at 7:05, the home stand will continue until Friday night’s game. In between Wednesday and Thursday night’s games will both be held at 7:05.
It’s during this time in the season though, that the legends of America’s pastime start showing up and with that in mind, here is my own personal All-Bats team, taking the stars of the various incarnations of the Bats through the years; including the Redbirds and Riverbats, to produce one sensational team.
Outfield
The outfield is often where you’re offensive and defensive power resides, these players have to be quick, strong, and wield a strong bat. With that in mind; at left field Deion “Prime Time” Sanders; known more as a legendary football player.
Often ranked in the top ten of all time, Sanders, a natural athlete proved that he could be more than just the “Neon” cowboy when he took to the diamond, which he did with the Yankees, Braves, Reds, Giants, and for a brief time, while with the Reds organization the Bats.
Taking center; St. Louis Cardinals legend Willie McGee, this four time All-Star, and World Series champion got his start with the then Redbirds, where he proved quickly that he had quite the future on his horizon.
In right; current Reds slugger, Jay Bruce, before making his way to the Queen City fans in the Derby City saw this future MLB All-Star. By the way, it was Bats fans that started the Bruuuuuuuce chant, not Reds; just saying.
Infield
Suiting up at first base, current Reds star, Joey Votto. Since being called up to the bigs in 2007, Votto has won the Lou Marsh Trophy, Tip O’ Neil Award, NL MVP, NL USA Today MVP, and NL Hank Aaron Award. He’s also been invited to two all-star games in 2010 and 2011.
In the 80’s José Uribe was a major star for the Redbirds as a shortstop, in the all-bats team he’s been moved over to second though, as this would be an easy transition for Uribe and it works best for the complete team. After Louisville, Uribe became a major star for the Giants aiding them in their World Series victory in 1989.
Next to Uribe is another 80’s standout, Rafael Santana, who grabbed his own world series ring in 1986.
Across the diamond at third is the three time golden glove winner Terry Pendleton, after Louisville Pendleton was a standout with the Cardinals, Braves, Marlins, Reds, and Royals.
Rounding out the infield- is a current Bat- who is ranked as the number third Reds prospect, catcher Devin Mesoraco. It’s this spectator’s contention that Mesoraco is at the beginning of big things, and it’s really only a matter of time before he’s called to the majors.
Pitchers
Of course, what is a baseball team without a solid pitching staff and as such the team’s five pitcher rotation features, steady and reliable pitcher, Joe Magrane. In Magrane’s nine years in the major leagues he brought his dependability to the Cardinals, Angels, and White Sox before retiring in 1996.
The next spot is occupied by Matt Morris, perhaps the strength of this rotation, Morris was a two time all-star, and called the NL Comeback player of the year in 2001.
Up next Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman, who’s bounced back and forth between the Bats and Reds as of late. But, it’s hard to look past a pitcher who throws a hundred miler with seeming ease. He also led Cuba to the 2007 baseball world cup championship, where they took home the gold.
In the fourth position, fan favorite, Homer Bailey, during his time with the Bats and now as a Red he’s been a crowd favorite, and, for good reason, winning awards like the national league player of the week award in 2009. The guy they call Homer allows very few.
Wrapping up the rotation: Buddy Bat, that’s right, think about it, that would be an incredible advantage. Other batters would be so shocked to see Buddy out there as the actual pitcher they would be so confused they couldn’t hit whatever it is he threw. I don’t know if there’s some rule against it, but I say, get Buddy on the mound!
Then again, I could be wrong on my picks completely here, let me know where I went wrong in the comments section.
Information courtesy of Wikipedia
Edited Image: D. Rose/ Base Image courtesy of Montclair Public Schools
