SEATTLE — Mike Trout, for sure. Babe Ruth, sort of. Shoeless Joe Jackson, perhaps.
Extensive imaginary research by The Post (I just went through some of the most obvious guys) reflects how few rookie players soared to great heights and just stayed there. The above trio forms the tiny exception to the rule.
Drilling down to the modern-day Yankees, we saw this phenomenon last year with Aaron Judge, who dominated, faded and dominated once more. And now, to the Yankees’ delight, we’re seeing it with Gleyber Torres.
The rookie infielder blasted a second-inning, two-run homer to left field off Mariners ace James Paxton on Friday night, breaking a scoreless tie and propelling the Yankees to a 4-0 victory at Safeco Field.