Ladies and gentleman, we stand on the precipice of baseball season. By the way, I just really wanted to use the word precipice to be honest I’m not even sure that applies here.
In any case in honor of the nation’s pastime, and local college play heating up I thought I’d piece together a team of alumni from area colleges. And, with that we begin with the infield—
At 1st base, Louisville’s Fred Koster; playing in the major leagues for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1931, Koster brings that baseball tradition that’s so important for the game. In addition, he adds an all-important steadiness to the first base position.
Next to him playing second is Indiana’s Mickey Morandini , who ironically enough also suited up for the Philadelphia Phillies; for him though it was a seven year stint from 1990 to 1997. Following his time in Pennsylvania Morandini was a standout with the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays.
Closing up the bases is Kentucky’s Doug Flynn- a utility infielder Flynn is suiting up at third due to his arm. For a ten year span Flynn played with the Reds, Mets, Rangers, Expos and Tigers.
In between Flynn and Morandini is another Kentucky alum, Jeff Abbott who played in the majors from the late 90’s to the early ‘00’s for the White Sox and Marlins.
Rounding out the infield is Marv Foley also a former Wildcat. Starting in the late ‘70’s Foley played for the Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers.
Meanwhile in the bullpen: Louisville’s Sean Green who also pitched for the Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, and Milwaukee Brewers. Second in the rotation is Kentucky’s Cotton Nash- whose credits include stints with the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins. Third in the rotation is James (Jim) Park who played for both Kentucky as well as Eastern Kentucky, in addition after college Park played for the St. Louis Browns in professional baseball. Coming out of Northern Kentucky taking the next spot in the rotation is Chris Hook who also played for the New York (baseball) Giants. Concluding the rotation is Morehead State’s Pete Center who pitched for the Cleveland Indians throughout the 40’s.
Tomorrow I’ll take a look at the outfield.
Initial image courtesy of Find Free Graphics
Additional information courtesy of Baseball Almanac
