The best Wide Receivers in Minnesota Vikings history

10) Percy Harvin: While better known as a kick returner, Harvin played 54 games at wide receiver in four seasons from 2009-2012, catching 280 balls for a 11.8 average and 20 touchdowns.

9) Hassan Jones: In seven seasons from 1986-1992 Jones played in 100 games, catching 222 passes for a 16.8 yards per catch average and 24 touchdowns.

 8) Jake Reed: Reed played in 134 games and started 83 during his 10 years with the team, 1991-1999, and 2001. His 413 catches rank fourth in team history, and his 33 touchdown receptions are good for sixth.

7) Gene Washington: Playing in 81 games in his six seasons with the Vikings from 1967-1972, Washington was named to the Pro Bowl twice and was the team's top receiver in the 1969 championship season, scoring 9 touchdowns and averaging 21.1 yards per catch.

6) John Gilliam: Named to the Pro Bowl after each of his four seasons with the team from 1972-1975, while playing in 56 games, Gilliam's 20 yard average-per-reception is by far highest among Viking players with at least 100 catches. He scored 27 touchdowns.

5) Ahmad Rashad: Selected to four Pro Bowls in his seven years with the team from 1976-1982, Rashad had 400 receptions and scored 34 touchdowns in 98 games. He was part of one of the most memorable plays in NFL history, catching a touchdown pass on the game's last play against the Browns in 1980.

4) Sammy White: A two time Pro Bowler, White played in 128 games, starting 118, from 1976-1985, averaging 16.3 yards per catch. His 50 touchdown receptions are fourth in team history.

3) Randy Moss: A five time Pro Bowl selection during his seven seasons and 113 games, 101 starts,  with Minnesota from 1998-2003 and 2010, Moss is second in team history in a number of receiving categories, including 587 receptions, 9,316 yards, and 92 touchdowns.

2) Anthony Carter: A dynamic game-changing receiver, Carter averaged 16 yards per catch and is third in team history with 478 receptions, 7,636 yards and 52 touchdowns. Selected to the Pro Bowl three times, he played in 133 games and started 125 in his nine years with the team from 1985-1993.

1) Cris Carter: Selected to 8 consecutive Pro Bowls in his 12 years with the team from 1990-2001, Carter played in 188 games, starting 177. He holds most Viking receiving records, including 1,004 receptions, 12,383 yards, and 110 touchdowns. He ranks fourth all-time in NFL history in receptions and touchdown catches, and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2013.

 

 

 

 

 

Source for statistics: www.pro-footballreference.com

The best running backs in Minnesota Vikings history

The Vikings have had several great running backs through the years, although the position has not seen as many strong players as other positions through the years.  Here are the ten best in franchise history.

10) Alfred Anderson: Anderson was a decent role player for the Vikings from 1984-1991, rushing for 2,374 yards in 108 games during eight seasons with the team.

9) Terry Allen: While only on the team’s active roster for 47 games in three seasons from 1991-1994, Allen rushed for over 1,000 yards in two of those years.

8) Chester Taylor: In four years and 61 games from 2006-2009, Taylor rushed for over 1,000 yards once and caught 160 passes out of the backfield.

 7) Tommy Mason: The Vikings’ first-ever draft pick, Mason played in 70 games in seven seasons from 1961-66, and is eighth in team history with 3,252 rushing yards. He was selected to three Pro Bowls.

6) Ted Brown: Brown played in 106 games during his eight year career with Minnesota from 1979-1986, ranking fifth on the team's rushing list with 4,546 yards and seventh in scoring with 53 touchdowns.

5) Dave Osborn: A tough runner and reliable receiver out of the backfield, Osborn's 4,320 rushing yards rank sixth in team history. He was named to one Pro Bowl during his 11 years and 137 games with the team from 1965-1975.

4) Robert Smith: A two time Pro Bowl selection, Smith played in 98 games during his eight seasons with the team from 1993-2000, rushing for 6,818 yards, second in team history.

3) Adrian Peterson: After eight seasons and 104 games from 2007-2014, Peterson holds the Viking record in rushing yards with 10,190 and is first in rushing touchdowns with 86. A six time Pro Bowl selection.

2) Bill Brown: A tough runner, he is in fourth place in rushing yards with 5,757 and second with 52 touchdowns. He added 286 receptions and another 23 TD's as a receiver out of the backfield. Brown played in 180 games during 13 seasons from 1962-1974 and was selected four times to the Pro Bowl.

1) Chuck Foreman: An exceptional runner and receiver who could turn around a game, Foreman was selected to the Pro Bowl five times in his seven seasons in Minnesota from 1973-1979. He rushed for 5,887 yards and 52 touchdowns, and caught 336 passes for another 23 scores.

 

 

 

source for statistics: www.profootballreference.com

 

Belleville, NJ: How Our Tax Money Is Wasted in the Municipal Court System

An experience with the municipal court system in Belleville New Jersey shows how time and tax money is wasted, and how a town mistreats its senior citizens

My father had always kept his car parked on the street in front of his house in Belleville, NJ. Not in front of anyone else's house, mind you. His second car was kept in the garage. When I visited recently I noticed the old car in front of the house was gone. I asked him what happened to it, and being 82 years old, he said to me, “They towed it away, they said I donated it." Of course, this is not what happened. Among some papers on his desk I found a parking ticket that read "abandoned motor vehicle."

I called the chief of police who said neighbors had complained that the car was parked in front of the house (his house, not theirs, I remind you. I guess some people have nothing better to do than look out their windows and get into other people's business). Then he said, "Well, the town has an ordinance that says a car can't be parked in the same spot for 48 hours." So I guess the cops in Belleville have too much time on their hands, being that they spent their time writing parking tickets to senior citizens. No wonder property taxes are so high in New Jersey. Too many cops doing nothing.

The chief said he was sent written warnings, about not moving the car. Well that isn't true. They sent nothing, because I went through my father's mail every day, and they never sent any warnings. Then the chief said, just go to court, and they'll dismiss the ticket. (Okay...but then why did you write it in the first place?)

So I went to the impound lot and had the car hauled away for $300, which I had to give to the impound lot owners, for their towing fee. The car was still running, but since my mother wasn't driving anymore, there was no need for my father to keep and maintain two cars. Then I scheduled a court date to contest the $260 abandoned motor vehicle ticket.

So I go to the municipal court in Belleville and meet with the prosecutor, who gives me a silly song and dance about how he can't recommend dismissing the ticket, blah, blah, blah. Nevermind that my father lived in Belleville, his entire life as a law abiding citizen, and paid thousands of dollars in property taxes during the past 50 years. Nevermind that there was no written warnings about the car, and nevermind that he's 82 and probably didn't comprehend that there was some obscure ordinance about not leaving a car in the same spot for longer than 48 hours. (By the way, there were no marks on the tires when I found it at the impound lot, so the cops had no proof that the car was parked there for a certain amount of time).

Finally I stood up and said to the wormy prosecutor, "Forget it, I'm just going to pay the ticket and go to the media with my story, about how Belleville treats their senior citizens." Of course, now the prosecutor says, "Don't do that, we'll call the cop and try to reach a settlement."

So we go in front of the municipal court judge to ask for a new date, and this judge rambles on about nonsense...where's your father, I don't know if we can do this, blah, blah, blah. This from a guy, like all municipal court judges in New Jersey, has his own private law practice but moonlights on the side as a judge in order to get into the state pension system and milk the taxpayers for money. Finally he relents and we have a new court date, three weeks later.

So I go to court on the new date - and there's a new prosecutor! I start to explain the situation, and after fifteen seconds he cuts me off with "I'm just going to ask the judge to dismiss this." He hustles into the courtroom, I follow him, he asks the judge to dismiss the ticket, and the same judge from the three weeks prior, the one who grumbled and groaned about setting a new date for a conference, says, "This is a minor issue. Case dismissed."

Wouldn't it have made more sense just to dismiss the ticket the first time? Wouldn't have made more sense for the cops to ask my father if there was anyone helping with things, and could you give them this warning letter about the car parked in front of the house? No. Instead these fools waste my time and tax money with their silly shenanigans. Political nonsense. Right wingers rage about too much government at the federal level, when the reality is there's too much government at the local level. Anyone who writes a parking ticket to senior citizen for a car parked in front of his own house ought to be ashamed of himself. All the problems in the world, and this is what cops, prosecutors, and judges are spending their time and our tax money on? It's a disgrace.

The best quarterbacks in Minnesota Vikings history

Unfortunately, the Minnesota Vikings have not had many good players at the quarterback position in their history. This due mainly to questionable draft selections and attempts at short-term patchwork at the position (see lousy head coaches Brad Childress and Dennis Green). Below are the top five players at the Vikings quarterback position.
 

5) Brad Johnson: Spent seven seasons with the team, playing in 68 games, and completed 62% of his passes.

4) Wade Wilson: Played 10 years and 76 games with the Vikings, 1981-1991, and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1988.

3) Joe Kapp: Kapp played for the team for only three years, 1967-1969, yet was instrumental in their 1969 Super Bowl season, so he deserves a mention. He was named the Vikes' MVP that year but refused the award, saying "there is no most valuable Viking" and noting the team's motto of "40 for 60" - 40 men playing together for every 60 minutes in a game.

2) Tommy Kramer: While injured often during his 13 years with the Vikes from 1977-1989, Kramer did play 128 games at quarterback and ranks second in most passing categories, including yards and touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1986.

1) Fran Tarkenton: The Vikings record holder in most passing categories, Tarkenton played in 177 games, starting 170, and was selected to five Pro Bowls in his 13 seasons with the team. Named the NFL Most Valuable Player in 1975, he is also among the leaders in league history for records among quarterbacks. Tarkenton was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.

Alan Trammell, Tim Raines, Lee Smith belong in Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame

With major league baseball's hall of fame voting for 2015 due out soon, there's a few first time nominees who are likely to earn enough votes to get inducted – such as pitcher Randy Johnson - three other former players also deserve to be enshrined -  Alan Trammell, Lee Smith, and Tim Raines.

Shortstop Alan Trammell played 20 years with the Detroit Tigers, and the six time all-star’s offensive and defensive numbers match up well with Larkin's. In 20 years Trammell hit .285 with 185 home runs, 1,003 RBI's, 236 stolen bases, and had a .977 fielding percentage. He also batted .333 in postseason games. Larkin played 19 years with the Reds, compiling a .295 batting average, 198 home runs, 960 RBI's, 379 stolen bases, and a .975 fielding percentage while hitting .338 in the postseason.

Relief pitcher Lee Smith, a seven time All Star, ranks third in major league history with 478 saves, behind only legends Trevor Hoffman and Mariano Rivera. Smith led the National League in saves in four seasons, and his career ERA of 3.03 compares well with Hall of Fame relievers Bruce Sutter's 2.83 and Rollie Fingers' 2.90.

Outfielder Tim Raines, also a seven time All Star selection, ranks fifth in baseball history with 808 stolen bases, but he also had a career batting average of .294 and an on base percentage of .385. He was a player who set the table for his teams, which included the Expos, White Sox, and Yankees, among others.

Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame is certain to be getting a lot of attention in the upcoming months and years. A number of outstanding former players will be listed on voters' ballots; some will certainly be inducted in their first year of eligibility.

An intriguing storyline involves four former players who all almost certainly would have been inducted in their first year - if they hadn't been implicated in the steroid investigation. For  Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, and Roger Clemens, it doesn't look good at this point.

The best individual seasons for Minnesota Vikings' defensive players

It can be difficult to measure a defensive player's season statistically, since a variety of factors can affect the numbers of a lineman, linebacker or defensive back. Also, some stats such as sacks were recorded by teams but not recognized as official by the NFL. So for this article available statistics, honors such as being named to the Pro Bowl, and the team's overall success during the season were considered. Since some players have had more than a few outstanding seasons, only one season has been included for each player.

10) Bobby Bryant, CB, 1973: A key player on a Vikings defense that dominated opponents, Bryant led the unit with 7 pass interceptions, returning them for 105 yards and one touchdown, plus returning another pick for a score in the NFC championship game that sealed a win against the Cowboys.

9) John Randle, DT, 1997: Constantly disrupting opponents, Randle's play helped shut down offense's running games and harassed quarterbacks. He led the NFL with 15.5 sacks, which was also his career high. Randle also forced two fumbles and recovered two while being named to the Pro Bowl and first team All-Pro.

8) Carl Lee, CB, 1988: Part of one of the best defensive units in franchise history, Lee intercepted 8 passes, returning them for 118 yards and two touchdowns. He was named first team All-Pro and was selected to the Pro Bowl.

7) Paul Krause, S, 1975: The NFL's career leader in interceptions, Krause picked off a career high 10 passes, returning them 201 yards for the NFL's number one ranked defense in 1975. He was selected to the Pro Bowl and first team All-Pro.

6) Jim Marshall, DE, 1969: Selected to the Pro Bowl as part of one of the best defenses in NFL history that shut down the run and hurried quarterbacks, Marshall registered 14 sacks in 14 games. He also recovered two fumbles and intercepted a pass.

5) Jared Allen, DE, 2011: The Vikings single season leader in sacks with 22, Allen also forced 4 fumbles, recovered 4, intercepted a pass and recorded a safety. What is most impressive is that he reached these numbers without a strong supporting cast around him, unlike most of the others on this list. Named first team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl.

4) Keith Millard, DT, 1989: Named the NFL's defensive player of year for this season, Millard stuffed the run and sacked the quarterback 18 times, to go along with an interception and fumble recovery. Among his many postseason honors was a selection to the Pro Bowl and first team All-Pro.

3) Chris Doleman, DE, 1989: A major piece of the Vikings strong defenses in the late 1980's, Doleman recorded 21 sacks from his right end position. He also forced 5 fumbles and recovered another 5 balls. Selected to the Pro Bowl and named first team All-Pro.

2) Carl Eller, DE, 1969: Eller had a number of great seasons for the Vikings so it's difficult to select one. He recorded double digit sack numbers five years in a row from 1973-1977; and in 1977 he had 86 total tackles and 17 sacks - his career high - in a 14 game season, plus three more in the NFC championship game against the Cowboys. But 1969 may have been his most dominant season. He had 15 sacks and was part of a defense that allowed only 133 total points. Eller was named to eight post-season first-team all star teams, including the Pro Bowl and All-Pro.

1) Alan Page, DT, 1971: Like Eller, it's difficult to pick any one best season for Page. In 1971 he became the first defensive player to win the NFL Most Valuable Player Award. To date only one other defender has won the MVP award - Lawrence Taylor. In 1969 Page was part of one of the best defenses in NFL history, pressuring quarterbacks and making tackles behind the line of scrimmage. In 1970 he recorded 10.5 sacks and recovered 6 fumbles; in 1974 he had 146 total tackles, impressive for an interior lineman, plus 13 sacks. In 1975 he also registered 13 sacks and forced 7 fumbles, the Vikings' single season record. In 1976 he recorded 19 sacks in a 14 game season to go along with 121 total tackles. So we'll go with his MVP season as his best.

sources for statistics: http://min.scout.com/
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/

The best seasons for players on offense for the Minnesota Vikings

Many players who have been a part of the of the Minnesota Vikings offense through the years have had spectacular statistical seasons. Since, for the average fan, it is difficult to measure how good a season a lineman has had, here we take a look at the "skill" positions on offense. Statistics, honors such as being named to the Pro Bowl, and the team's overall success during the season were considered. Also, since some players, such as Chuck Foreman, have had a number of great seasons, this article includes only one season for a player.

Here are the top ten:

10) Tommy Kramer, QB, 1981: The second-best quarterback in Vikings' history completed 322 passes in 593 attempts for 3,912 yards, and tossed 26 touchdowns, his career high.

9) Anthony Carter, WR, 1988: A.C. caught 72 balls for 1,225 yards, both career highs, for a 17 yard per catch average. He scored 6 touchdowns. 

8) Ahmad Rashad, WR, 1979: Catching 80 balls for 1,156 yards and 9 touchdowns, all career highs, Rashad was named to the Pro Bowl.  

7) Sammy White, WR, 1976: One of the few rookies ever to start for coach Bud Grant, White had 51 receptions for 906 yards, a 17.8 yard per catch average, and scored 10 touchdowns on his way to the Pro Bowl.

6) Fran Tarkenton, QB, 1975: Named the NFL's Most Valuable Player during this season, Tarkenton completed 273 passes in 475 attempts, a 64.2% completion rate. He threw for 2,994 yards and 25 touchdowns, and scored two rushing touchdowns as well.

5) Randy Moss, WR, 2003: With 111 receptions for 1,632 yards, both career highs, Moss averaged 14.7 yards per catch and scored 17 touchdowns while being selected to the Pro Bowl.

4) Cris Carter, WR, 1995: The Vikings' all-time best receiver caught 122 passes for 1,371 yards and 17 touchdowns, all career highs. This season included one of his nine Pro Bowls. 

3) Adrian Peterson, RB, 2012: On 348 carries Peterson ran through, over, around, and past defenders on his way to 2,097 yards, second best in NFL history. Peterson averaged an amazing 6.0 yards per carry and scored 12 touchdowns. He also had 40 receptions and another score while being named to the Pro Bowl and unanimous first team All-Pro. 

2) Bill Brown, RB, 1964: Rushing for a career high 866 yards on 226 carries Brown scored 7 touchdowns on the ground while being named to the Pro Bowl. He also caught 48 passes for 703 yards, a 14.6 yard average, pretty good for a running back, as well as taking 9 in for scores, giving him 16 total touchdowns in a 14 game season.  

1) Chuck Foreman, RB, 1975: Scoring 13 touchdowns while rushing for 1,070 yards on 280 carries, Foreman also caught 73 passes for 691 yards and another 9 scores, giving him 22 total touchdowns in a 14 game season. He was named first team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl.




source for statistics: www.pro-football-reference.com

Who were the most over-rated Minnesota Vikings of all time?

Sometimes coaches and general managers draft or trade for players who they think will put their team "over the top" and lead them to a Super Bowl. It doesn't always work out that way though. Here are some of the Vikings who were not worth the high draft pick or the trade that brought them to Minnesota.


10) Warren Moon, QB: Another one of Dennis Green's silly decisions, bringing in a washed up quarterback and the end of his career, in the hopes of catching lightning in a bottle. Didn't work out, as Moon's three years in Minnesota resulted in a big nothing.

9) E.J Henderson, LB: Started a lot of games for the Vikings but never really lived up to the hype that accompanied him coming out of college. Was basically an average linebacker, and never dominated opponents.

8) Randall Cunningham, QB: Only had a great year in 1998 because he was surrounded by other outstanding players on offense, and had coach Brian Billick calling the plays. Choked in the team's NFC championship game, and there's no way he should have been kept on for the 1999 season over QB Brad Johnson.

7) Darrin Nelson, RB: A much heralded first round pick in 1982, Nelson did not become a standout running back the team had envisioned. He never rushed for 1,000 yards in a season and wasn't very explosive, averaging only 8.8 yards per reception, 8.0 yards per punt return, and 22.4 yards on kick returns. The Vikings passed up Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen to take Nelson. Big mistake.

6) Mark Mullaney, DE: Although he played in 151 games and started 97 in his 12 years with the team, Mullaney didn't seem to learn much from playing behind great ends Carl Eller and Jim Marshall. He never came close to being even an average pass rusher, let alone one that was worth a first round selection. A symbol of the Vikes' mediocrity from 1979 through the mid-1980's.

5) James White, DT: Although a first round draft pick, White didn't exactly turn out to be the next Alan Page. Started 61 games for Bud Grant during his eight years with the team. Not sure why Grant cut Page, thus making White the regular RDT; Bud must have been an optimist. White didn't even make Les Steckel's 1984 mess of team, being waived at the end of training camp.

4) David Palmer, WR: Before the start of each season coach Dennis Green would rave about "his" 1994 second round pick Palmer. What did Palmer produce in his seven year career? A mere 9.9 yard average on punt returns, only 22.6 yards on kickoffs, and no more than 26 receptions in a season, with a career average of 8.6 yards per catch. Whee!

3) Duante Culpepper, QB: Culpepper only had two good years (2000 & 2004) but was still named to many "50 Greatest Vikings of All Time" lists. Why? He was mediocre most of the time and hardly worthy of a first round draft pick. He's just another one of Denny Green's "guys" who never panned out.

2) Bryant McKinnie, OT: Why was this guy named to some Greatest Vikings of All-Time lists? McKinnie was reliable but was never a standout. The team has had other offensive tackles who were much better players.

1) Herschel Walker, RB: Obviously wasn't worth what the Vikings gave up for him. Never even rushed for a thousand yards once in his three years with the team. What a disaster.

The 10 best teams/seasons in Minnesota Viking history

The Minnesota Vikings have had some dominating teams in their 54 year history. Let's take a look at the top ten seasons for the purple and gold.

Honorable mention:

1992: A 11-5 record and a trip to the playoffs.

1968: A 8-6 record and the team's first playoff appearance.

1989: While reaching the playoffs with a 10-6 record, the defense ranked number 1 in the NFL, giving up the least amount of yards of the 28 teams.

1977: While not a dominant team like in previous seasons the 1977 version finished with a 9-5 record and did make it all the way to the NFC championship game.

1986: Interestingly, while this team did not make make the playoffs with a 9-7 record they scored 398 points, the most in franchise history up until that point. The defense gave up 273 points, good for 5th in the NFL, and ranked 4th in takeaway/giveaway ratio.

The Top 10:

10) 2009: The Vikings rode Brett Favre's magic all the way to the NFC championship game, before losing excruciatingly to the Saints.

9) 1988: Although losing in the playoffs this team had a potent offense, scoring 406 points, good for 4th in the league. The defense was outstanding, coming in second in the NFL with 233 points allowed, first in yardage allowed, and first in takeaway/giveaway ratio.

8) 1971: An amazing defense allowed only 139 points, the second least amount in team history. A 11-3 season ended with a playoff loss.

7) 1974: The team compiled a 10-4 record en route to to its third Super Bowl appearance, and ranked in the top 3 in the NFL in several offensive and defensive categories.

6) 1970: This team steamrolled opponents with a 12-2 regular season record before losing in the playoffs. The offense was third in the NFL in points scored, and the defense was incredible coming in first the NFL in points and yards allowed and 4th in giveaway/takeaway ratio.

5) 1998: A dream season that ended with a nightmare. A 15-1 record and 556 points scored - the second most by any team in NFL history - couldn't stop an overtime loss in the NFC championship game.
 

4) 1976: The Vikes' last Super Bowl season, the team's veterans still dominated opponents and finished with an 11-2-1 record.

3) 1973: A 12-2 regular season ended with a Super Bowl loss. This team was well balanced, with a potent offense and strong defense.

2) 1975: The best Vikings team to not reach the Super Bowl, this squad sent 9 players to the Pro Bowl. A 12-2 record in the regular season and rankings in the top 3 in the NFL in most offensive and defensive categories makes this the second best team ever.

1) 1969: A Super Bowl loss doesn't discount this team from being the best in franchise history. They scored 379 points, which led the NFL. The defense allowed allowed a mere 133 points, which also led the NFL and is tops in team history - and second in NFL history. In addition, the defense allowed the least amount of yards in the NFL that year, was 3rd in takeaway/giveaway ratio, and won games by an average of 17.6 points. Two great playoff wins over the Rams and the Browns cement the 1969 team as the best in Vikings history.

New baseball book available at Amazon.com

New baseball book for middle grade readers: The Perfect Game

THE PERFECT GAME is a novel for middle grade readers. It is about a twelve year old boy’s roller coaster experience while playing one season of organized baseball.

It is available in Kindle at Amazon for 99 cents, as well as at Smashwords and Barnes & Noble.

Click here for details: http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Game-Christopher-J-ebook/dp/B007R8G6AG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1416258192&sr=1-1&keywords=the+perfect+game+christopher+j

Joey Coltasanti, nicknamed “the professor” by his father, is ambivalent about playing his last year in summer league. A shortstop, he loves baseball and longs to realize his dream of making the town’s all-star team, and then winning enough games to advance to the state’s world series. However to reach this goal he must overcome his own anxiety that blocks his talent from shining through on the field.

Internal concerns are not the only obstacles in Joey’s path. He also has to deal with Mr. K, the coach of his team for the past two years. Mr. K uses sarcasm and intimidation with his players, as well as favoring his own son over Joey and his teammates. Added to the mix is Joey’s new neighbor and friend, twelve year old Mindi. A saxophone-playing member of Mensa, she is also a pitcher in the summer league who mows down opposing hitters with a blazing fastball and pinpoint control.

Joey decides to play, with events during early season contests testing his will to continue. Eventually a tumultuous game involving adults who can’t seem to grow up leads to changes in the league. A benevolent new coach arrives in town, and things begin to turn around for Joey and his underdog teammates. Eventually joining forces with Mindi on the all-star team, Joey moves closer to fulfilling his dream.

Advancing to the state’s world series means finding innovative ways to win pressure packed games, which leads to Joey confronting his fears on the field. Ultimately he learns more about winning, losing, and the exciting game that is baseball.

The best Tight Ends in Minnesota Vikings history

Because of the hybrid nature of the position, the tight end's role in any given offense depends on the tactical preferences and philosophy of the team's coaches. In some systems, the tight end will act as a sixth offensive lineman, rarely going out for passes. Other systems use the tight end primarily as a receiver, taking advantage of the tight end's size to create mismatches in the defensive secondary. The Vikings have had a number of tight ends who have contributed to their teams' success through the years; here are the six best:

6) John Beasley: In his six years with the team from 1967-1973 Beasley played in 75 games, starting 48, and was the starting tight end on Minnesota’s 1969 championship team. He averaged 10.8 yards on 115 receptions, while scoring 12 touchdowns.

5) Joe Senser: A promising career cut short by a knee injury, Senser played in 49 games, starting 26, from 1980-1984, and was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1981 season, when he caught 79 passes for 1,004 yards, a 12.7 average, and 8 touchdowns. His career totals are 165 receptions with an 11.0 average and 16 touchdowns.

  

4) Visanthe Shiancoe:In the five years from 2007-2011 Shiancoe played in 80 games, starting 66. He caught 208 passes for a 11.7 yard per reception average and 24 touchdowns.

3) Jim Kleinsasser:Doing the dirty work as a blocker at tight end, Kleinsasser played in 181 games, starting 130, during 13 seasons with the team. He caught 192 balls for 8.8 yards average and scored 6 touchdowns.

2) Stu Voigt: Voigt was a steady tight end during his 11 years and 131 games, 80 starts, with the team. Contributing during the team's Super Bowl seasons in the mid-'70's, he caught 177 passes with a 10.8 average per catch and 17 touchdowns.

1) Steve Jordan: A six time Pro Bowl selection, Jordan was a consistent and durable tight end, appearing in 176 games and starting 149 in 13 seasons. He had 498 receptions, a 12.7 average yards per catch, and scored 28 touchdowns.

The best Tight Ends in Minnesota Vikings history

Because of the hybrid nature of the position, the tight end's role in any given offense depends on the tactical preferences and philosophy of the team's coaches. In some systems, the tight end will  act as a sixth offensive lineman, rarely going out for passes. Other systems use the tight end primarily as a receiver, taking advantage of the tight end's size to create mismatches in the defensive secondary. The Vikings have had a number of tight ends who have contributed to their teams' success through the years; here are the six best:

 

6) John Beasley: In his six years with the team from 1967-1973 Beasley played in 75 games, starting 48, and was the starting tight end on Minnesota’s 1969 championship team. He averaged 10.8 yards on 115 receptions, while scoring 12 touchdowns.

 

5) Joe Senser: A promising career cut short by a knee injury, Senser played in 49 games, starting 26, from 1980-1984, and was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1981 season, when he caught 79 passes for 1,004 yards, a 12.7 average, and 8 touchdowns. His career totals are 165 receptions with an 11.0 average and 16 touchdowns.

 

4) Visanthe Shiancoe: In the five years from 2007-2011 Shiancoe played in 80 games, starting 66. He caught 208 passes for a 11.7 yard per reception average and 24 touchdowns.

 

3) Jim Kleinsasser: Doing the dirty work as a blocker at tight end, Kleinsasser played in 181 games, starting 130, during 13 seasons with the team. He caught 192 balls for 8.8 yards average and scored 6 touchdowns.

 

2) Stu Voigt: Voigt was a steady tight end during his 11 years and 131 games, 80 starts, with the team. Contributing during the team's Super Bowl seasons in the mid-'70's, he caught 177 passes with a 10.8 average per catch and 17 touchdowns.

 

1) Steve Jordan: A six time Pro Bowl selection, Jordan was a consistent and durable tight end, appearing in 176 games and starting 149 in 13 seasons. He had 498 receptions, a 12.7 average yards per catch, and scored 28 touchdowns.

The best offensive tackles in Minnesota Vikings history

The Vikings have had some pretty good blockers manning the offensive tackle position through the years. Here is a look at the top players in team history at the position:

7) Korey Stringer - Playing in 93 games and starting 91 from 1995-2000, Stringer was slected to one Pro Bowl while at right tackle.

6) Todd Steussie - Starting all 111 games at left tackle from 1994-2000, Steussie was named to two Pro Bowls.

5) Steve Riley - A first round pick in 1974, Riley started 121 games at left tackle during his 11 year career, protecting the blind side of quarterbacks Fran Tarkenton and Tommy Kramer.

4) Gary Zimmerman - Named to three Pro Bowls in his seven years with the Vikings Zimmerman held down left tackle for 108 consecutive games during the late '80's and early 90's.

3) Tim Irwin - During his 13 years with the team he played in 188 games, starting 181 at right tackle. Standing at 6-7, he also blocked a few extra points and field goals while on the special teams unit.

2) Grady Alderman - Holding down left tackle on offense for 13 years - 1961-1973 - Alderman played in 193 games, starting 174, and was selected to the Pro Bowl six times.

1) Ron Yary - Selected to the Pro Bowl seven times in his 14 years with the Vikings, Yary played in 199 games and started 180 at right offensive tackle. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.




source for statistics: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/

How about a Detroit Lions - Cleveland Browns Super Bowl?

We’re ten weeks into the NFL season and some teams already are looking toward next year. Still, parity in the NFL has resulted in most teams reaching the Super Bowl at least one time. The Jacksonville Jaguars, in existence since 1995, have yet to make it. Nor have the Houston Texans, but they’ve been around for only 10 years.

On the other hand, two established franchises still have never been to a Super Bowl. The Detroit Lions formed in 1930 and the Cleveland Browns in 1946. Neither have been to a Super Bowl. The last NFL championship for the Browns was in 1964, just before the first Super Bowl. The Lions? A NFL title in in 1957. Since the Super Bowl began? Merely one appearance in the NFC championship game, in 1991. Whew.

Management of these two clubs need to put some extra effort into making their teams competitive. Manage your salary cap better, sign some quality free agents, don’t get cute in the college draft. Some teams may not have won a Super Bowl yet, but at least they’re contenders during most seasons. It must be tough to be a fan of a non-competitive team, sticking with them year after year. I give you all a lot of credit.

As of this writing both the Lions and Browns are in first place in their respective divisions, so here’s hoping they both find success for the rest of 2013 and are able to make the playoffs. They are certainly capable of putting a winning team on the field come January. Their fans deserve no less.

Jets quarterback Michael Vick a pussy, can't take a hit

Jets quarterback Michael Vick is a pussy, complaining about a couple of hits he took from the Pittsburgh Steelers defence during Sunday's game.

Here's a guy who tortured and killed innocent dogs with his bare hands, and never expressed any remorse for it, and now he's complaining about a couple of hard licks during a football game? What a wuss. This guy is a total loser. Not to mention a crappy quarterback. Hey Vick, stop being such a pussy. You're an animal yourself for what you did to the dogs, so how can you be crying about getting hit in a pro football game...

Vikings' Zimmer a much better head coach than pinhead Childress

The Vikings may have a mediocre 4-5 record at this point, but fans have reason to be optimistic.  Great players make great coaches - but on the other hand lousy coaches can screw up a good team.

Mike Zimmer seems to know what he's doing in his first year, and first opportunity, as a head coach.  Minnesota's defense is much better now than it was in the past few years. Part of that is because of the addition of several new players, but it is mainly because of Zimmer's scheme and style of coaching.

On offense the Vikings have struggled, but having to start a rookie quarterback due to an injury to a veteran quarterback hasn't helped. Nor has the absence of running back Adrian Peterson and tight end Kyle Rudolph. Still, Teddy Bridgewater has played reasonably well for a rookie, and again Zimmer's style will help.

Even with a few misses in the last few games, Zimmer said he believes Bridgewater is good at throwing the deep ball. In fact, he said the Vikings could open it up a little more often.

Zimmer was quoted as saying, "Even if you don’t hit them, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I mean, what’s the difference between just missing the 50-yard shot or you gain one yard? Second-and-9 or second-and-10, same deal. There’s a lot of strategy involved in some of those things we’re doing.”

This is quite different from former Vikings head coach Brad Childress, who may have been the worst head coach in the team's history. Childress believed that throwing a long ball that no one has a chance to catch does no good. He referred to his schemes as a "kick-ass" offense - but the only asses the Vikings kicked when Childress was in charge were their own.

Vikings owners the Wilfs made a big mistake when they hired Childress, but they seem to have made a good decision in hiring Mike Zimmer.

The best defensive tackles in Minnesota Vikings history

A defensive tackle in pro football may be called upon to fill several different roles, including holding the point of attack and stopping the run, or penetrating a certain gap between offensive linemen to break up a play in the opponent's backfield. A defensive tackle is an important pass rusher as well, since inside pressure may help to free the defensive ends or blitzing linebackers in their pass rush.

The Vikings have had a number of outstanding tackles during their seasons when they fielded dominant defenses. Here are the top seven at the position in franchise history:

7) Doug Sutherland: Sutherland played in 138 games during his 10 years with the Vikings, starting 90. He plugged the middle of the defensive line at left tackle during the mid 1970's when the team had highly rated defenses.

6) Keith Millard: Selected All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl twice, Millard was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1989 when he recorded 18 sacks. Millard was a key piece of the team's outstanding defenses in the late '80's, appearing in 75 games during his six years with the Vikes.

5) Kevin Williams: A six time Pro Bowl selection, Williams started all 171 games he appeared in during 11 seasons with the Vikings. He ranks eighth with 60 QB sacks,  knocked down 66 passes, forced 8 fumbles, and recovered 13, returning two for touchdowns. Williams has also intercepted 5 passes, bring back two for scores.

4) Henry Thomas: Selected to two Pro Bowls while appearing in 118 games and starting 117 in eight seasons, Thomas ranks sixth in tackles-for-loss with 62. He is eleventh with 56 sacks, forced 12 fumbles, and recovered 8, returning two for touchdowns. He also had two interceptions and notched a safety.

3) Gary Larsen: A member of one of the best front fours in NFL history,  Larsen  was a crucial part of the team’s dominant defenses in the late ‘60’s and early ‘70’s. He played in 135 games, starting 107, in 10 seasons for the Vikings. He recorded 37 sacks, recovered 10 fumbles, and was named to two Pro Bowls.

2) John Randle: A standout defensive tackle who played in 176 games and started 150, Randle was named to six Pro Bowls in his 11 seasons with the Vikings. He recovered 9 fumbles, ranks third in forced fumbles with 25, and is third in QB sacks with 114. He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2010.

1) Alan Page: A defensive tackle who changed the game in the late 1960's and early 1970's, Page was named the NFL Most Valuable Player in 1971. Selected to the Pro Bowl nine times in his 12 years with the Vikings, he played in 160 games and started 157. He is fourth in team history with 108.5 sacks, fourth with 18 fumble recoveries, third with 77 tackles-for-loss, and second with 28 forced fumbles. Page was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1988.

NFL protecting its Golden Boy Griffin

Based on the calls made by the refs during Sunday's game, the NFL is doing its best to protect its Golden Boy, Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin. A few questionable roughing calls against the Minnesota Vikings' defense means the NFL badly wants Griffin to succeed, as a successful black quarterback is important to marketing the game. Let's be honest though, what's the point if he can't be successful on his own?  He's certainly way better than Michael Vick ever was, or is. I'm not sure why the league would want or need to protect him. Guys get injured in football even when they don't get hit, so why worry about it? Just let him, and the defense, play the game.

The best defensive ends in Minnesota Vikings history

NFL defensive ends have varied responsibilities on the field; they have to contain runners with the ball to the inside - no one should get to their outside. They must be able to shed blockers to get to the ball and make tackles behind the line, as well as shut down screen passes. Most importantly they have to pressure quarterbacks on passing plays, either sacking them for a loss or hurrying them into throwing an incompletion or interception.

Some of the Vikings' defensive ends have been the best in NFL history. Here are the top five:

5) Doug Martin: A former first round pick, Martin started and ended his career with the team on controversial notes, but was a pretty good player on the field during the early and mid-1980's. He played in 126 games, starting 94, and his 60.5 sacks rank seventh in team history.

4) Jared Allen: Named to the Pro Bowl four times in his six years with the team, Allen's 88.5 sacks place him sixth in team history. He also intercepted 4 passes, forced 16 fumbles, recovered 9, and registered 4 safeties while starting all 96 games he appeared in at right end.

3) Chris Doleman: A six time Pro Bowl selection, Doleman played in 154 games, starting 142, in 10 seasons with the Vikings. He leads the team with 33 forced fumbles, fifth in sacks with 96.5, sixth in fumble recoveries with 16, and seventh in tackles-for-loss with 60. He also intercepted five passes, scored two touchdowns, and recorded two safeties.

2) Jim Marshall: Starting all 270 games in which he played as a Viking at right defensive end from 1961-1979, Marshall is second in team history with 127 QB sacks, first with 29 fumble recoveries, and fourth in tackle-for-loss with 74. A two time Pro Bowl selection, he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

1) Carl Eller: The team's all-time leader in QB sacks with 130, Eller was selected to six Pro Bowls. He ranks second in tackles-for-loss with 87, second in fumble recoveries with 23, and seventh in forced fumbles with 15. He also blocked 15 kicks. Eller played in 209 games, fourth in team history, and started 201 from 1964-1978. He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2004, an honor that was long overdue. Eller is the best defensive end in Vikings' history as well as one of the NFL's all time bests.



source for statistics: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/

The best linebackers in Minnesota Vikings history

The Vikings have had some outstanding linebackers who played important roles in the team's dominant defenses through the years; here are the ten best.

10) Jack Del Rio: Selected to one Pro Bowl in four seasons, Del Rio started all 57 games he played in from 1992-95. He intercepted 10 passes, returning one for a touchdown; recorded 7.5 QB sacks; forced three fumbles, and recovered five.

9) Mike Merriweather: Starting each of the 63 games he appeared in from 1989-92, Merriweather registered 10 sacks and intercepted 7 passes, returning two for touchdowns. He also recovered 7 fumbles, taking one back for a score. Remembered for blocking a punt in an overtime game against the Rams that bounced out of the end zone for a safety, winning the game for the Vikes.

8) Lonnie Warwick: Warwick played in 92 games and started 75. The middle linebacker in a defense that dominated opponents' offenses in 1968, 1969, and 1970, he intercepted 12 passes, recorded 7.5 sacks and recovered 6 fumbles in his eight year career with the Vikes.

7) Fred McNeil: Playing in 167 games and starting 122 at outside linebacker during his 12 years with the team, McNeil recovered 16 fumbles, intercepted 7 passes, and recorded 13 quarterback sacks.

6) Ed McDaniel: The team leader in tackles for loss with 90.5, he ranks second among Viking linebackers with 20.5 sacks. McDaniel is also sixth on the team with 17 forced fumbles. He has 5 fumble recoveries, intercepted 4 passes and was named to the Pro Bowl once during his nine seasons and 125 games, 109 starts, with the Vikings.

5) Wally Hilgenberg: A tough outside linebacker on the Vikings' great defenses of the late 60's and throughout the 70's, Hilgenberg played in 158 games, starting 118, in 12 seasons. He recovered 13 fumbles, recorded 8 sacks, picked off 8 passes and scored two touchdowns.

4) Roy Winston: In 15 seasons Winston played in 191 games, starting 158 at outside linebacker on dominant Viking defenses in the late '60's and early '70's. A playmaker, he had 16 sacks and 14 fumble recoveries, both third among linebackers, and 12 interceptions, second among linebackers, and scored 3 touchdowns. He also is fifth all-time with 68 tackles-for-loss.

3) Scott Studwell: Fifth in team history with 201 games played, Studwell started 161 at middle linebacker and was selected to the Pro Bowl twice in his 14 year career. He forced 12 fumbles, recovered 15, intercepted 11 passes, and had 9 QB sacks. He ranks ninth with 46 tackles-for-loss.

2) Jeff Siemon: A key player as the middle linebacker on the team's top defenses in the mid-1970's, Siemon played in 156 games, starting 123, and was selected to four Pro Bowls during his eleven year career with the Vikings. He is ninth in team history with 14 forced fumbles; he recovered 11, had 6 QB sacks, and 11 interceptions.

1) Matt Blair: Selected to six Pro Bowls in his 12 seasons, Blair played in 160 games, starting 130. He is fourth in forced fumbles with 19, third in fumble recoveries with 20, and tenth in tackles-for-loss with 44. His 23 sacks and 16 interceptions are first among Vikings linebackers. He also blocked 20 kicks in his career. Blair is the best linebacker in Minnesota's history.


sources for statistics: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/
www.scout.com

The best cornerbacks in Minnesota Viking history

With rules regarding the passing game changing through the years in the NFL, favoring offensive players to a great degree, the position of cornerback may have become the most difficult position to play in pro football. Cornerbacks have to cover wide receivers, who are often the best athletes on the field. They also have to be sure tacklers. The Vikings have had some good corners who were important parts of dominant defenses; here are the top eight in franchise history.

8) Wille Teal: A second round draft pick in 1980, Teal played in 80 games and started 61 in seven years with Minnesota. He intercepted 15 passes, returning one for a touchdown, and recovered 5 fumbles.

7) Earsell Mackbee: In five years with the Vikings in the late 1960's Mackbee played in 66 games, starting 56, including the team's dominant 1969 season. He picked off 15 passes, taking one back for a touchdown, and recovered 4 fumbles.

6) Audray McMillian: In five years with the team in the late '80's and early '90's, McMillian played in 79 games, starting 43, and was selected to one Pro Bowl. He intercepted 19 passes and returned three for scores.

5) Nate Wright: A steady cornerback during the mid-1970's when the team led the league each year in many defensive categories, Wright played in 129 games in his 10 years with the team and ranks fifth in Viking history with 31 interceptions.

4) Ed Sharockman: A consistent defensive back on Minnesota's great defenses of the late '60's and early '70's, Sharockman played in 142 games, starting 121, during his 12 years with Minnesota. He ranks third with 40 interceptions, returning four for touchdowns, and also recovered 9 fumbles.

3) Antoine Winfield: Selected to three Pro Bowls during his nine years with the Vikings, he played in 119 games, starting 115. Of Winfield's 21 interceptions two have been returned for touchdowns. He defensed 73 passes, which is fourth in team history, recorded 6.5 QB sacks, forced 11 fumbles and recovered 9, returning two of those for touchdowns as well.

2) Carl Lee: Selected three times to the Pro Bowl, Lee played in 169 games, starting 144, during 11 seasons with the team. A key player at cornerback on Minnesota's great defenses in the late 1980's, he is the Vikings all-time leader in passes defensed with 128, recovered 6 fumbles, and is sixth with 29 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.

1) Bobby Bryant: A playmaker at cornerback, Bryant was selected to two Pro Bowls in 13 seasons, playing in 161 games and starting 121. He is second in team history with 51 interceptions and second in passes defensed with 77. He also recovered 14 fumbles and scored four touchdowns, in addition to coming up with a number of big plays in playoff games during the 1970's.

The best Offensive Guards in Minnesota Vikings history

Guards on NFL offensive lines are often overlooked but play key roles in a team's offense. They have to block quick defensive players trying to get to the quarterback on passing plays as well as move big defensive tackles out of the way on running plays. The Vikings have had some steady players at the position in franchise history.

8) Jim Hough: Played in 111 games and started 75 from 1978-86. Bud Grant said Hough should have been selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1983 season.

7) Wes Hamilton: From 1976-84 Hamilton played in 116 games, starting 92. He blocked for QB's Fran Tarkenton and Tommy Kramer and led the way for RB's Chuck Foreman and Ted Brown.

6) Charles Goodrum: Playing in 95 games and starting 72 from 1973-79, Goodrum opened holes for Foreman and protected Tarkenton during the team's dominant seasons.

5) Steve Hutchinson: Named to four Pro Bowls during his six years with the team from 2006-11, Hutchinson started all 89 games that he played in during his tenure with the Vikings.

4) David Dixon: Dixon played in 152 games during eleven seasons for the Vikings. He started 134 of those games at right guard, clearing the way for runners such as Robert Smith, Leroy Hoard, and Michael Bennett.

3) Milt Sunde: A former 20th round pick, Sunde played in 147 games at left guard and right guard, starting 106, including the team's dominant season in 1969.

2) Ed White: Selected to three Pro Bowls in his eight years with the team, White played in 122 games and started 94 at guard during the team's dominant run in the early and mid 1970's.

1) Randall McDaniel: Selected to the Pro Bowl a record 12 times in his 12 years with the Vikings, he played in 190 games, starting 188 at left guard. McDaniel was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.

Where does Derek Jeter rank among the best New York Yankees of all time?

The best 50 New York Yankees in history

 

Trying to rank the best Yankee players in franchise history isn't easy. The top four are pretty obvious, but placing the others is not. There are a number of variables to look at, including length of service, career statistics, single season records, individual awards, and contributions to championship teams.

Taking all those factors in account, below are the best fifty players to wear the pinstripes:

50) Allie Reynolds, P: "SuperChief" had a 131-60 record, a .686 winning percentage, with a 3.30 ERA and 27 shutouts during his eight years with the team, 1947-1954.

49) Frank Crosetti, SS: Crosetti played 1,516 games at shortstop in 17 years. A member of six World Championship teams in the 1930's and early 1940's, he led American League shortstops with .968 fielding percentage in 1939. His 792 walks rank tenth all-time on the Yankees.

48) Clete Boyer, 3B: An excellent fielder who led the American League's third basemen in range factor each season from 1961-66, Boyer appeared in 1,068 games during eight years with the Yankees.

47) Robinson Cano, 2B: During nine years and 1,374 games in pinstripes Cano hit .309 with  204 homers and 822 RBI's. He was five time All Star and a Gold Glove winner in 2010.

46) Reggie Jackson, OF: In 653 games in his five years with the team Jackson batted .281 with 144 home runs and 461 RBI's, although his true value was in October when he batted .328 with 12 homers and 29 RBI's in 34 post season games, contributing to world championships in 1977 and 1978.

45) Red Rolfe, 3B: Playing his entire ten years, 1,175 games, in the majors with the Yankees, Rolfe was a member of five world championship teams in the 1930's and batted .289 with an on-base percentage of .360 during his career. His fielding average of .956 was higher than the league average of .943.

44) Waite Hoyt, SP: A 157-98 record - a .616 winning percentage - and 15 shutouts as a starter from 1921-1930 lands Hoyt among the best Yankees of all time.

43) Bob Shawkey, P: A 168-131 record with a 3.12 ERA and 26 shutouts from 1915-1927 places Shawkey among the best Yankee starting pitchers in their history.

42) Dave Righetti, P: The American League Rookie of the Year in 1981 and two time All Star during eleven seasons, Righetti tossed a no-hitter in 1983 but was then converted into a closer. He ended up second in team history in saves with 224.

41): Bobby Richardson, 2B: Winner of five Gold Gloves and named to seven All Star teams, Richardson played in 1,412 games during his 12 seasons, contributing to three world championships in the late '50's and early '60's.

40) Roger Maris, OF: A three time All Star and a Gold Glove winner in 1960, in 850 games during seven years with the Yanks Maris batted .265 with 203 home runs and 547 RBI's. He won two American League MVP awards and contributed to two World Championships.

39) Joe Gordon, 2B: Gordon played 1,000 games at second base from 1938-1946, contributing to four World Championships. Named an All Star for six consecutive years, Gordon won the MVP award in 1942. He averaged .271 and hit 153 home runs and drove in 617 runs during seven seasons with the Yanks.

38) Mel Stottlemyre, P: In eleven years Stottlemyre tossed 40 shutouts, good for second in team history. A five time All Star, he compiled a 164-139 record with an outstanding 2.97 ERA while pitching for some not so good teams.

37) Herb Pennock, SP: From 1923-1933 Pennock posted a 162-90 record, a .643 winning percentage, along with 19 shutouts as a starting pitcher. He also had a 5-0 record with a 1.95 ERA in five World Series games.

36) Bobby Murcer, OF: Playing in 1,256 games during 13 seasons with the team, Murcer won a Gold Glove as a centerfielder in 1972, and was named to four All Star teams. He batted .278 with 175 home runs and 687 RBI's in his Yankee career.

35) Rich Gossage, P: In seven years with the Yanks Gossage had a 42-28 record with 151 saves and a 2.14 ERA. A four time All Star, he struck out 512 batters in 533 innings and held opponents to a .207 batting average.

34) Sparky Lyle, P: Winner of the 1977 Cy Young award, Lyle saved 141 games and had a 2.41 ERA in his seven years with the team. A three time All Star, he was an important contributor to the team's championship seasons in the 1970's.

33) Hank Bauer, OF: Appearing in 1,196 games in right field during his 12 years with the team, Bauer hit .277 with 158 home runs and 654 RBI's in his Yankee career. He was a three time All Star, and contributed to seven World Series titles in the 1950's.

32) Bill Skowron, 1B: A five time All Star, Skowron appeared in 1,087 games during nine years with the Yankees, contributing to four championship titles in the 1950's and 1960's. He batted .294 with 165 homers and 672 RBI's.

31) Tino Martinez, 1B: Playing in 1,054 games in seven years, Martinez drove in over 100 runs in five of those seasons. A key member of four World Championship teams, he averaged .276, hit 192 home runs, and drove in 739 runs in his Yankee career.

 

30) Alex Rodriguez, 3B: Rodriguez has put up big numbers even during what were considered down years for him. Winner of three MVP awards during ten seasons and 1,293 games with the Yankees, he has a .291 batting average, 309 home runs, and 979 RBI’s.

29) Dave Winfield, OF: Playing in 1,172 games during nine years in New York, Winfield was named to eight All Star games and won five Gold Gloves. He batted .290 with 205 home runs and 818 RBI's in his Yankee career.

28) Tommy Heinrich, OF: A five time All Star, contributing to four World Series championships in the late 1930's and 1940's, Heinrich batted .282 with 183 homers and 795 RBI's in 1,284 games during his eleven year Yankee career.

27) Charlie Keller, OF: A five time All Star, Keller played in 1,066 games during eleven seasons with the Yankees, from 1939-1949. Batted .286 with 184 homers and 723 RBI's. His on-base percentage of .410 ranks fourth in team history, and he is eighth with a .518 slugging percentage. Keller also drove in 18 runs in 19 World Series games, contributing to three titles.

26) Paul O'Neill, OF: Playing in 1,254 games during his nine years with the Yankees, O'Neill batted .303 with 185 home runs and 858 runs batted in. A four time All Star, he was a key member of four World Championship teams.

25) Elston Howard, C: A nine time All Star and winner of the 1963 American League MVP award, Howard played in 1,492 games in 13 years with the Yanks. He batted .279, hitting 161 home runs and driving in 733 runs while contributing to four World Championships in the 1950's and 1960's.

24) Bob Meusel, OF: Playing in a total of 1,294 games in ten years Meusel contributed to three World Series titles in the 1920's. He ranks eighth all time on the Yankees with a .311 batting average; is tenth with 338 doubles; and twelfth with 1,005 RBI.

 

23) Lefty Gomez, P: A seven time All Star, Gomez had a 189-102 record in 13 years with the Yankees, for a winning percentage of .649. He is fourth among pitchers with 28 shutouts. Gomez shined in the World Series, with a 6-0 record and 2.86 ERA., contributing to five World Championships in the 1930's.

22) Andy Pettitte, P: Ranking first in team history among pitchers with 2,020 strikeouts, Petitte's Yankee career record of 219-115 gives him a winning percentage of .633. A three time All Star in 15 seasons, he was a member of five world championship teams.

21) Ron Guidry, P: A four time All Star, winner of the 1978 Cy Young Award, and recipient of five Gold Gloves, Guidry is third among Yankee pitchers in strikeouts with 1,778 and sixth in shutouts with 26. In 14 seasons he compiled a 170-91 career record for a winning percentage of .651 and was a key member of two World Championship teams.

20) Willie Randolph, 2B: Appearing in 1,694 games during his 13 seasons with the team, Randolph's batting average was .275 and his on-base percentage was .374. He ranks fifth in team history with 1,005 walks and third in stolen bases with 251. Contributing to the team's championship years in the late 1970's and early 1980's and a five time All Star, Randolph was also a steady defender.

19) Roy White, OF: A two time All Star, during his fifteen years with the team White delivered a number of key hits and was an important contributor to the Yankees' championship teams of 1976, 1977, and 1978. On the all-time records' lists for the Yankees White ranks seventh in games played with 1,881, eighth in walks with 934, fifth in stolen bases with 233, second in sacrifice flies with 69, and fourth in the power-speed category with a number of 189.7, behind only Jeter, Mantle, and Williams.

18) Jorge Posada, C: A five time All Star, Posada played in 1,829 games while contributing to four Yankee World Championships. In a 16 year career he batted .273 with 275 homers and 1,065 RBI's, and is seventh in Yankee history with 379 doubles.

17) Graig Nettles, 3B: A five time All Star who drove in more than 90 runs for four consecutive seasons, Nettles played in 1,535 games with the Yankees. He won two Gold Gloves for his defensive excellence, and also hit for power, belting 250 home runs with 834 RBI's during his eleven year Yankee career.

16) Phil Rizzuto, SS: The 1950 American League MVP was selected to five All Star teams. Rizzuto played in 1,647 games in 13 seasons with the Yankees. The shortstop on seven World Championship teams, he has a career batting average of .273 with an on base percentage of .351 and 149 stolen bases.

15) Tony Lazzeri, 2B: Lazzeri appeared in 1,659 games during his 12 seasons with the Yanks, averaging .293 with an on base percentage of .379. He drove in more than 100 runs in seven seasons and his total of 1,154 RBI's place him ninth on the Yankees all time list in that category. Lazzeri was a key player on five World Championship teams from 1926-1937.

14) Red Ruffing, P: A six time All Star, Ruffing's career record with the Yanks was 231-124 for a winning percentage of .651. He is second in team history with 40 shutouts, second with 3,168 innings pitched. and fourth with 1,526 strikeouts. In ten World Series games he was 7-2 with a 2.63 ERA, contributing to six World Championships in the 1930's.

13) Earle Combs, OF: Ranks third in Yankee history with a .325 batting average, and his outstanding .397 career on base percentage is eighth all time. Ranks second all time in team history with 154 triples as well as seventh in runs scored with 1,186. Combs led the American League in hits with 231 in 1927, which is second in team history for a single season. Batting .350 in 16 World Series games and a member of three world championship teams, he played in 1,455 games during his 12 year career.

12) Don Mattingly, 1B: A six time All Star, awarded nine Gold Gloves for defensive excellence, and winner of the 1985 American League MVP award, Mattingly played in 1,785 games in his 14 year career, all with the Yankees. His .307 batting average ranks ninth on the Yankees all time list. He holds the team record for sacrifice flies with 96, is fourth in doubles with 442, seventh in hits with 2,153, eighth in total bases with 3,301, tenth in runs scored with 1,007, and tenth in RBI's with 1,099.

11) Thurman Munson, C: Winner of the 1970 Rookie of the Year Award, and named the American League MVP in 1976, Munson led the Yankees to three pennants and two World Championships. A seven time All Star selection as a catcher and winner of three Gold Gloves, in his career Munson threw out 44% of baserunners attempting to steal (better than Johnny Bench's 43% and Carlton Fisk's 34%). He also hit .373 and drove in 12 runs in 16 World Series games. Munson had a .292 career batting average while playing in 1,423 games in eleven seasons, and was recognized by pitchers for his ability to call a great game.

10) Bill Dickey, C: An eleven time All Star, Dickey's .313 batting average places him seventh in Yankee history. His 1,209 RBI's rank eighth and 1,969 hits are good for ninth. In 17 years Dickey caught 1,708 games, the most in team history, while contributing to seven world championships in the 1930's and early 1940's.

9) Bernie Williams, OF: A five time All Star and winner of four Gold Gloves while playing 1,857 games in center field, Williams contributed to four World Championship titles. In Yankee history he ranks third in doubles with 449, fifth in hits with 2,336, sixth in runs scored with 1,366, sixth in RBI's with 1,257, and seventh in home runs with 287.

8) Mariano Rivera, P: The all time major league leader in saves with 652, Rivera was 82-60 with a 2.21 ERA during the regular season. A 13 time All Star and member of five World Championship teams, he has pitched 141 innings in 96 post season games, with an 8-1 record, 42 saves and 0.70 ERA.

7) Yogi Berra, C: Selected to the All Star team 15 times in his 18 years with the Yankees, Berra contributed to 10 World Championships in the late 1940's, 1950's and early1960's. He caught 1,699 games, and his 358 home runs and 1,430 RBI's each rank fifth in team history. Berra also won three American League MVP awards.

6) Derek Jeter, SS: A fourteen time All Star, winner of five Gold Gloves, and a member of five World Championship teams, Jeter is the only Yankee with at least 3,000 hits,  totaling 3,465.  He also holds Yankee records in games played with 2,747 and stolen bases with 358. Jeter's 544 doubles rank second in team history; 1,923 runs scored are third; 1,082 walks are fourth; 1,311 RBI’s are sixth; and 310 career batting average places him eighth.

5) Whitey Ford, P: With a 236-106 record - a .690 winning percentage - Ford is not only the Yankees all time leader in wins, but also innings pitched with 3,170, games started with 438, and second in strikeouts with 1,956. An eight time All Star and winner of the 1961 Cy Young award, he had a 2.75 ERA in the regular season and 2.71 ERA in 22 World series games, contributing to six World Championships.

4) Mickey Mantle, OF: A 16 time All Star selection, the American League Triple Crown winner in 1956, a three time league MVP, and winner of a Gold Glove in 1962, Mantle played 2,401 games. He led American League centerfielders in assists with 14 in 1952 and 20 in 1954, and his .995 fielding percentage led all centerfielders in 1955 and 1959. Mantle hit .298 with 536 home runs and 1,509 RBI's in 18 years with the Yankees, contributing to seven World Championships. The Hall of Famer holds a number of World Series batting records including the most home runs with 18, RBI's with 40, runs scored with 42, and walks with 43.

3) Joe DiMaggio, OF: Despite missing three seasons while serving in the military during World War II, DiMaggio still ranks in the Yankees' top ten in most batting categories. He is third with a .325 batting average, third in RBI's with 1,537, third in triples with 131, third in slugging percentage at .579, fourth in home runs with 361, fifth in runs scored with 1,390, and seventh in on base percentage at .398. Playing in 1,736 games, DiMaggio's .997 fielding percentage in 1947 led all American League centerfielders, and he also led in assists with 21 in 1937, 20 in 1938, and 15 in 1946. An All Star in each of his 13 seasons with the team, DiMaggio won three league MVP awards and contributed to nine Yankee World Championships.

2) Lou Gehrig, 1B: Named the American League MVP in 1927 and 1936, and winner of the Triple Crown in 1934, Gehrig played in 2,164 games during 17 years with the Yankees, leading the team to six World Championship titles in the 1920's and 1930's. In 34 World Series games he hit .361 with 10 homers and 35 RBI's. He is first in Yankee history with 534 doubles, first in triples with 163, first in RBI's with 1,995, and second in hits with 2,721. His .340 batting average, .447 on-base percentage, .632 slugging percentage, and 1,888 runs scored are second in team history.

1) Babe Ruth, OF: Playing in 2,084 games during 15 years with the Yankees (he played right field, left field, and pitcher) Ruth is first in Yankee history in a number of hitting categories, including: batting average, .349; on base percentage, .484; slugging percentage, .711; runs scored, 1,959; total bases, 5,131; home runs, 659; and walks, 1,852. He is second in RBI's with 1,971. In 36 World Series games with the team Ruth batted .348, hit 15 home runs, and had 30 RBI's. What else can you say about someone who may be the game's greatest player ever?