Over the years there have been several memorable names that have come and gone through the big leagues. While lots of these names are notable for the accomplishments that are tagged along with them, others are remembered for their unique connection to every day items. Salt, Strawberry’s, Lemon’s; each of these are common items, yet also last names of current and former MLB players. This leads us to the “All-Time MLB Food Team.” This team covers each position on the field and will display the years in which these players played in the big leagues. Hungry? Here we go.
Outfield:
Left Fielder – Jim Rice (1974-1989)
Rice played his entire career for the Boston Red Sox, finishing with a career average of .298 and adding 382 home runs. He was named AL MVP in 1978 and made the All-Star team 8 times. Rice is the captain of the all-time food team, as he is the only player on the squad that is in the Hall of Fame.
Center Fielder – Coco Crisp (2002-Present)
Crisp earns his spot on this team for his relation to the delicious cereal “Coco Krispies.” Besides his current team in the A’s, Crisp has spent time with the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, and Kansas City Royals during his 11 year Major League career. The highlight of Crisp’s career so far were his contributions as starting center fielder on the 2007 World Champion Boston Red Sox.
Right Fielder – Darryl Strawberry (1983-1999)
Strawberry was named to 8 All-Star teams during his 17-year career, but is best known for winning 4 World Series championships during that span. His first ring came with the New York Mets in 1986, with the last 3 coming in the Yankees late 90’s dynasty. Strawberry had several problems off the field, but his performance on the field, and fitting name, have placed him on the all-time food team.
Alternate – Tim Salmon (1992-2006)
Salmon played his entire career with the California/Anaheim/LA Angels (appearing with the team under all three of its recent names). He had a career batting average of .282 and is the Angels all-time home runs leader (299).
Infield:
1st Base – Jim Lemon (1950, 1954-1963)
In his 12-year career Lemon played with the Cleveland Indians, Washington Seantors/Minnesota Twins, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago White Sox. Lemon had a career average of .262, adding 164 home runs and 529 RBIs. While his stats were not hall of fame worthy, his name is definitely worthy of making the all-time food team.
2nd Base – Cookie Rojas (1962-1977)
Who doesn’t like cookies? Rojas was a 5-time All-Star and played on four different teams during his 16-year career. He had a career average of .263, but with a name this cool I could care less what his average was. He also managed for the California Angels and Florida Marlins after retiring as a player.
Shortstop – John McDonald (1999-Present)
While McDonald may be a stretch as a food name, we can’t deny the impact that McDonald’s has had on this fast-food crazy country. It was recently started that you can not go anywhere in the United States without being an hour and a half away from the farthest McDonald’s. So yes, while McDonald is a stretch for a food name, we’re bringing you on the squad, John. As a side note McDonald has a career batting average of .239, so it’s clear he didn’t make this team based on his numbers.
3rd Base – Pie Traynor (1920-1937)
Traynor’s playing days were back in the 1920s and 1930s, but his name has carried through the years as one of the best food names in the history of baseball. Traynor had a career average of .320 with 2,416 hits, so he was no slouch at the plate by any means. His stats were as American as…well, you know.
Catcher – Jarrod Saltalamacchia (2007-Present)
“Salty,” as his Red Sox teammates like to call him, has a career .242 batting average through his first 5-plus years in the big leagues. Along with his food styled nickname, he is also known for having the longest last name in the history of Major League Baseball. Congratulations Jarrod, on this somewhat meaningless “accomplishment."
DH - Chili Davis (1981-1999)
Chili Davis is surely remembered for his name but you can't forget his impressive career either. Davis was named to 3 All-Start teams and won 3 World Series titles in his 18-year career. He bounces around from team to team but posted a career average of .274 with 2,380 hits as well. These stats and fitting name have landed Chili the DH slot for the all- time food team.
Starting Pitcher – David Cone (1986-2001, 2003)
While cone bounced around the league during his career he had a very impressive 17 years in the big leagues. Among his accomplishments include 5 All-Star selections, the 1994 Cy Young Award winner, a perfect game, and oh yea, he won 5 World Series titles as well. Now all he needs is some ice cream to go with that Cone.
Relievers:
Jimmy Gobble (2003-2009)
While “Gobble” isn’t a food, Turkey's everywhere would agree that it's close enough. Gobble has a career record of 22-23, with a 5.29 ERA. While his stats have not been too impressive thus far, he is still in a big league organization as he currently plays for the Colorado Rockies minor league system. Gobble, Gobble on.
Tom Butters (1962-1965)
Butters had a brief career in the major leagues, but was still rather efficient with a career 3.10 ERA. He may be better known for his duties as head coach of Duke basketball from 1968-1970 and being responsible for the hiring of now basketball coaching legend, Mike Krzyzewski.
Art Herring (1929-1933, 1934, 1939, 1944-1947)
Herring spent time with 5 different organizations during his 11-year playing career. He has a career 34-38 record with a 4.32 ERA. Due to his average stats, we may give the fish form of herring the upper hand in this matchup.
Closer – Heath Bell (2004-Present)
There is no doubt that the all-time food team struggled to find a closer. We looked all over the league through the past few decades and had trouble finding the right fit for our shut-down man out of the bullpen. Then we decided to sign current Miami Marlins closer Heath Bell. Bell makes the all-time food team due to his relation to the candy bar (Heath Bar) and the fast-food restaurant (Taco Bell). While it may be a stretch, the all-time food team is happy with the addition of Bell, as we think a new change of scenery will turn his below average season with the Marlins around.
Manager – Dusty Baker (1993-2006, 2008-Present)
While a Baker may not be a food, you know they can put together any of the foods on this list and send you home satisfied with your meal. Dusty played in the majors for 19 seasons with the Braves, Dodgers, Giants, and A’s. He is now in his 19th year of coaching, as he currently manages the Cincinnati Reds. He was also a 2-time All-Star, the NLCS MVP, a World Series champion (1981), a Gold Glove Award winner, and 3-time NL Manager of the Year. Now that’s a Baker’s dozen.
GM - Billy Beane (1998-Present)
Now that the team is settled, it is time to pick a GM for the all-time food squad. The selection seemed to make perfect sense when you noticed the wide range of players that were selected for the team. The GM for the all-time food team is current A’s head man, Billy Beane. Beane is best known for his managing scheme of “Moneyball,” placing the best players on the field that he can find for the cheapest amount of money. This technique got Hollywood to tell his story through a film where he was played by star actor Brad Pitt. This is quite an accomplishment, but I’m sure Billy is more impressed with his selection as the GM of the one and only all-time food team.
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