Almost Cooperstown

We talked about the National League teams best player ever in the franchise in Ep. 20.  Since franchises can move around there are questions about teams like the A's (Philly, KC, and Oakland) and the 'new' Washington Senators (1961-71) who moved to Texas and the 'old' Washington Senators who moved to Minnesota in 1961 to become the Twins. Great players will always be great players in their era but it is challenging to compare players from the early 20th century to those in today's game since the game is played so differently.  

Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or visit the Almost Cooperstown Facebook page.  

Having the designation of being a MLB 'best player in the history of the franchise' is both a fun and dicey topic. Some of them are true no-brainers but others are not as crystal clear. Franchise length has something to do with as well since how to compare the Cubs (pre-dating 1900) franchise with the Marlins (1993)? To be a best player in franchise history means the player was there for at least 7 or 8 years at minimum.  We went deep and will cover the AL in Episode 121. 

Correction:  Billy Williams of the Cubs is of course in the HOF!  

Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or visit the Almost Cooperstown Facebook page.  

Great stretch runs like the ones we talked about in Episode 118 often have a corresponding team collapse that impacts the playoff race. There have been collapses over the years including our favorite team the #Mets in both 2007 & 2008. The Yankees-Red Sox race of 1978 - a great stretch run and a team collapse at the same time?  

Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or visit the Almost Cooperstown Facebook page.  

For baseball fans their favorite team's stretch run is something that lives on and on even through generations.  Starting with the Miracle Braves of 1914 (they were in Boston at the time), we talk about some of the most memorable stretch runs over the past 120 years.  A great stretch run should be combined with a World Series victory.  We did not adequately mention the 2008 Phillies who came from behind (again) to beat our choking Mets and went on to win their second World Series overall and their first in 28 years.  

Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or visit the Almost Cooperstown Facebook page.  

Sitting in the dugout for two hours, waiting for that tap on the shoulder, pinch hitters have always lacked job security. Now with the Universal DH it's a fair bet that there will be fewer pinch hitting appearances per game than any season in recent memory. We talk about the best PH's of all-time which isn't necessarily a list of players everyone will know.  

Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or visit the Almost Cooperstown Facebook page.  

Since 1900 there have been hundreds of no-hitters thrown in MLB.  The most recent 2020 no-hitter from Lucas Giolito of the White Sox puts the ChiSox in 2nd place all time for no hitters by a team.  Who do you think is #1?  And can you name the one team that does not have a no-hitter?  As Met fans thank you Johan Santana! 

Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or visit the Almost Cooperstown Facebook page.  

There are 333 individuals in the Baseball Hall of Fame 235 players, 35 Negro Leaguers, 31 executives but only 22 managers. Too few? Too many? Are there any current managers that are likely to be enshrined? This is probably the only time we will ever talk about managers as we like talking about players much more.  

Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or visit the Almost Cooperstown Facebook page.  

In the modern era (1900) there have been 14 triple crowns won by 12 players. None in the National League since 1937. 
It's surprising there have not been more but that's how difficult it is to achieve. There have been some near-misses as well as controversy since the RBI was not even an official statistic until 1920.  

Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or visit the Almost Cooperstown Facebook page.  

Over the years baseball has seen several significant rule changes that were instituted 'in the best interests of the game'.  MLB and the current commissioner Rob Manfred are concerned with all the strikeouts and have discussed the possibility of banning the infield shift. 

Spoiler alert - We don't agree.  

Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or visit the Almost Cooperstown Facebook page.  

Every baseball generation has its all-time greats. Today's players are no exception.  We talk about 9 'no doubters' playing today who will have their plaque and be enshrined in Cooperstown.  There are also a host of players who either have not quite done enough yet or who will most likely fall short and truly be a part of 'Almost Cooperstown'.  

Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or visit the Almost Cooperstown Facebook page.