The best Right Fielders in Major League Baseball history

10) Dwight Evans – Owner of one of the strongest throwing arms among outfielders in baseball history, eight time Gold Glove winner and three time All Star Evans saved 71 runs while playing 2,092 games in right field, mainly with the Red Sox for 20 seasons from 1972-1991. His fielding average of .987 is higher than the league average of .978 for right fielders during that time period. “Dewey” batted .272 with 385 home runs and 1,384 RBI’s.

 

9) Ichiro Suzuki – Playing 1,954 games in right field in 17 years from 2001-2017, mainly with the Mariners, “Wizard” has saved 123 runs defensively and his .991 fielding percentage is higher than the league average of .983. Winner of 10 Gold Gloves and a 10 time All Star, Suzuki has batted .312 with 3,034 hits and 508 stolen bases.

 

8) Dave Winfield – A 12 time All Star and winner of five Gold Gloves, Winfield played 1,882 games in right for 22 years from 1973-1995, for the Yankees, Padres, Angels, Blue Jays, and Twins. His .984 fielding percentage was above the league average of .977. Winfield hit .283 with 465 home runs, 1,833 RBI’s, and 223 stolen bases.

 

7) Reggie Jackson – “Mr. October” played 1,942 games in right field for 21 years from 1967-1987, twice leading AL outfielders in assists. The 1973 AL MVP and 14 time All Star batted .262 with 563 home runs, 1,702 RBI’s, and 228 stolen bases for the A’s, Yankees, Angels, and Orioles. In 27 World Series games Jackson hit .357 with 10 homers and 24 RBI’s.

 

6) Tony Gwynn – A 15 time All Star Gwynn led the NL in batting average for eight of his 20 years with the Padres from 1982-2001. “Captain Video” hit .338 with a .388 on base percentage, 3,141 hits, and 319 stolen bases. He won five Gold Gloves while playing 2,144 games in right field.

 

5) Roberto Clemente – “The Great One” was named to 15 All Star teams, won 12 Gold Gloves, and was selected as the 1966 NL MVP. Clemente played 2,305 games in right for the Pirates for 18 years from 1955-1972, and is credited with saving 205 runs defensively. He batted .317 with 3,000 hits, 240 homers, and 1,305 RBI’s.

 

4) Al Kaline – An 18 time All Star and winner of 10 Gold Gloves, “Mr. Tiger” played 2,031 games in right field for Detroit for 22 seasons from 1953-1974. Kaline batted .297 with 399 home runs, 1,582 RBI’s, and 3,007 hits. His .985 fielding percentage was higher than the league average of .978 and he is credited with saving 155 runs defensively.

 

3) Paul Waner – “Big Poison” played 2,250 games in right field for 20 seasons from 1926-1945, primarily with the Pirates. Waner batted .333 with a .404 on base percentage, 605 doubles, 191 triples, and 3,152 hits. He was named the 1927 NL MVP.

 

2) Mel Ott – A 12 time All Star, “Master Melvin” played 2,161 games in right field during 22 seasons from 1926-1947, all with the New York Giants.  Ott hit .304 with 511 home runs, 1,860 RBI’s, with a .414 on base percentage and .533 slugging percentage. His fielding percentage of .980 was higher than the league average of .971 for right fielders during that time period.

 

1) Hank Aaron – “Hammerin’ Hank” played 2,174 games in right, mainly with the Braves, during 23 seasons from 1954-1975. His .980 fielding percentage was higher than the league average of .976 and he is credited with saving 98 runs as a right fielder. Aaron batted .305 with 755 homers, 2,297 RBI’s, 240 stolen bases, and a .555 slugging percentage. He was selected to 25 All Star teams, won three Gold Gloves, and was named the 1957 NL MVP.

The best Left Fielders in Major League Baseball history

The best Left Fielders in Major League Baseball history

 

10) Ralph Kiner – A six time All Star, Kiner played 1,307 games in left field in 10 seasons from 1946-1955, primarily with the Pirates. He batted .279 with a .398 on base percentage, 369 homers and 1,015 RBI’s.

 

9) Ed Delahanty – “Big Ed” played 1,346 games in left for 16 seasons from 1888-1903, mainly with the Phillies. He had a career batting average of .346 with a .411 on base percentage, .505 slugging percentage, and 455 stolen bases.

 

8) Jim Rice – An eight time All Star and the 1978 AL MVP, Rice played 1,503 games in left field for the Red Sox for 15 years from 1974-1989. He batted .298 with 382 home runs and 1,451 RBI’s.

 

7) Billy Williams – “Sweet Swingin’” played 1,738 games in left during 17 seasons with the Cubs from 1959-1976. A six time All Star, Williams hit .290 with 426 home runs and 1,475 RBI’s.

 

6) Goose Goslin – Playing 1,948 games in left field for 18 seasons from 1921-1938, mainly with the Washington Senators, Hall of Famer Goslin batted .316 with a .387 on base percentage, 248 home runs, 1,612 RBI’s, and 176 stolen bases.

 

5) Al Simmons – “Bucketfoot Al” played 1,372 games in left for seven teams, mostly with the A’s, for 20 years from 1924-1944. A three time All Star, he also played centerfield. Simmons hit .334 with 307 home runs and 1,828 RBI’s.

 

4) Lou Brock – “The Rocket” spent 19 seasons with the Cubs and Cardinals from 1961-1979. Playing 2,161 games in left field Brock amassed 3,043 hits while batting .293. A six time All Star, he is second in baseball history with 938 stolen bases.

 

3) Rickey Henderson – “Man of Steal” played 2,421 games in left in 25 years for nine different teams, 14 seasons with the A’s, from 1979-2003. Henderson holds the MLB stolen base record with 1,406; he batted .279 with a .401 on base percentage, 3,055 hits, 2,295 runs scored, and 2,190 walks. A ten time All Star selection and winner of the 1990 AL MVP, he won one Gold Glove and is credited with saving 58 runs in left field.

 

2) Carl Yastrzemski – An 18 time All Star in 22 years from 1961-1983 for the Red Sox, “Yaz” won seven Gold Gloves and is credited with saving 134 runs defensively while playing 1,912 games in left field. The 1967 AL MVP totaled 3,419 hits while batting .285 with a .379 on base percentage, 452 home runs, 1,844 RBI’s, and 168 stolen bases.

 

1) Ted Williams – In 19 seasons from 1939-1960 “The Splendid Splinter” had a career batting average of .344, on base percentage of .482, slugging percentage of .634, 521 home runs, 1,839 RBI’s, and 2,021 walks.  Williams played 1,982 games in left field for the Red Sox, was a 19 time All Star, and won the AL MVP in 1946 and 1949.

The best Third Basemen in Major League Baseball history

The best Third Basemen in Major League Baseball history

10) Pie Traynor – A two time All Star, Traynor played 1,863 games in 18 years at third for the Pirates from 1920-1937. He had a career batting average of .320, drove in 1,273 runs and stole 158 bases. His .947 fielding percentage equaled the league average for that time period.

9) Graig Nettles – In 21 seasons from 1968-1988 “Puff” played 2,412 games at third base mainly for the Yankees, Indians, Twins, and Padres. A six time All Star and two time Gold Glove winner his fielding percentage of .961 was higher than the league average of .952, and he saved 134 runs at the hot corner. Nettles batted .248 with 390 home runs, and 1,314 RBI’s.

8) Scott Rolen – From 1996-2012 Rolen played 2,023 games at third base for the Phillies, Cardinals, Blue Jays, and Reds. A seven time All Star and eight time Gold Glove winner, his fielding percentage of .968 was higher than the league average of .954, and he saved 150 runs at third base. Rolen had a career batting average of .281, with 316 home runs, 1,287 RBI’s and 118 stolen bases.

7) Ron Santo – A five time Gold Glove winner and nine time All Star, Santo played 2,130 games at third for the Cubs in 15 seasons from 1960-1974. He had a .954 fielding percentage, with the league average being .948, and saved 27 runs in his career. Santo had a .277 batting average, 342 home runs, and 1,331 RBI’s.

6) Chipper Jones – Winner of the 1999 National League MVP award Jones played 1,992 games at third base for the Braves in 19 seasons from 1993-2012. He also played the outfield. An eight time All Star, Jones batted .303, with a .401 on base percentage, 468 home runs, 1,623 RBI’s, and 150 stolen bases. His .954 fielding percentage was close to the league average of .953.

5) Wade Boggs – “Chicken Man” played 2,215 games in 18 seasons at third base from 1982-1999 for the Red Sox, Yankees and Rays, and was selected to 12 All Star teams. He won two Gold Gloves, saved 95 runs, and his fielding percentage of .962 was higher than the .951 league average.  Boggs batted .328 with a .415 on base percentage in his career, and won five American League batting titles.

4) Eddie Mathews – “Cap’n Eddie” was a 12 time All Star during 17 seasons, mainly with the Milwaukee Braves. He batted .271 with a .376 on base percentage, .509 slugging percentage, 512 home runs, and 1,453 RBI’s. Mathews played 2,181 games at third base, is credited with saving 40 runs defensively, and his .956 fielding percentage was higher than the league average of .950.

3) George Brett – “Mullet” was named to 13 All Star teams while playing 1,692 games at third in 21 seasons from 1973-1993 for the Royals. Brett collected 3,154 hits while batting .305 with 317 home runs, 1,596 RBI’s and 201 stolen bases. He won the 1980 AL MVP and a Gold Glove in 1985, and is credited with saving 54 runs on defense in his career.

2) Brooks Robinson – Perhaps the best defensive baseball player of all time, winning 16 Gold Gloves and credited with saving an amazing 293 runs in 2,870 games at third base for the Orioles in 23 seasons from 1955-1977, the “Human Vacuum Cleaner” was named to 18 All Star teams. Robinson’s fielding percentage of .971 was higher than the league average of .953 for third basemen. He batted .267 with 268 home runs and 1,357 RBI’s in his career, and was named the American League MVP in 1964.

1) Mike Schmidt – A 12 time All Star and 3 time National League MVP, “Schmitty” played 2,212 games at third base for the Phillies in 18 years for the Phillies from 1972-1989. Schmidt hit .267 with a .380 on base percentage, 548 home runs, 1,595 RBI’s, and 174 stolen bases. He won 10 Gold Gloves; his .955 fielding percentage is higher than the league average of .949, and he saved 129 runs defensively during his career.

 

 

The 10 best Shortstops in major League baseball history

The 10 best Shortstops in major League baseball history

10) Phil Rizzuto – winner of the 1950 American League MVP award and a five time All Star, “Scooter” played 1,647 games in 13 seasons for the Yankees in the 1940’s and 1950’s, contributing to 7 World Championship teams.  He had a fielding average of .968, higher than the league average of .959. Rizzuto had a career batting average of .273 with an on-base percentage of .351 and 149 stolen bases.

9) Robin Yount – in a twenty year career from 1974 -1993 “The Kid” played 1,479 games at shortstop for the Milwaukee Brewers with a .964 fielding percentage, equal to the league average during that time. Winner of a  a Gold Glove in 1982, as well as the AL MVP in 1982 and 1989, he batted .285 with 3,142 hits, 251 home runs, 1,406 RBI’s, and 271 stolen bases. A three time All Star, Yount played centerfield for the latter half of his career.

8) Pee Wee Reese – in sixteen seasons in the 1940’s and 1950’s “The Little Colonel” played 2,014 games at shortstop for the Dodgers and was named to 10 All Star teams. His fielding average was .962, higher than the league average of .958, and his career totals include .269 batting average with a .366 on base percentage and 232 stolen bases.

7) Barry Larkin – Winner of the 1995 NL MVP award, Larkin was a 12 time All Star in a 19 year career and 2,085 games with the Reds, from 1986-2004. His .975 fielding percentage was above the league average of .968, and he led the league in range factor per game for three seasons. Larkin had a career batting average of .295, an on base percentage of .371, and 379 stolen bases.

6) Luke Appling – In 20 years from 1930-1950 “Luscious Luke” played 2,218 games at shortstop for the White Sox, and was named to seven All Star teams. He had a career batting average of .319 with an on base percentage of .399. Appling led American League shortstops in range factor per game for three seasons.

5) Luis Aparicio – “Little Louie” played 2,599 games at shortstop in 18 years from 1956 to 1973 for the White Sox, Orioles, and Red Sox. He saved 149 runs in his career, had a fielding percentage of .972, higher than the league average of .963, won 9 Gold Gloves, and was named to 10 All Star teams. Aparicio batted .262 with 506 stolen bases in his career.

4) Derek Jeter – “Captain Clutch” played 2,674 games at shortstop for 20 seasons from 1995-2014 for the Yankees, and was named to 14 All Star teams. He won five Gold Gloves and his .976 fielding percentage was higher than the league average of .972. Jeter finished his career with a .310 batting average, .377 on base percentage, 3,465 hits, 1,923 runs scored, 358 stolen bases, 260 home runs, and 1,311 RBI’s.

3) Honus Wagner – In 21 years from 1898-1917, “The Flying Dutchman” played 1,887 games at shortstop for the Pirates. He led the league in fielding percentage four seasons, with his .940 career mark higher than the league average of .927. He also played the outfield and the three other infield positions.  Wagner batted .328 with a .391 on base percentage, 3,420 hits, 1,739 runs scored, 723 stolen bases, and 1,732 RBI’s.

2) Cal Ripken Jr. – The “Iron Man,” was a 19 time All Star, won two Gold Gloves, and winner of the AL MVP in 1983 and 1991. He played 2,302 games at shortstop in a 21 year career from 1981-2001 for the Orioles. His fielding percentage of .979 was higher than the league average of .969, and he is crediting with saving 176 runs at shortstop. Ripken batted .276 with 431 home runs and 1,695 RBI’s.

1) Ozzie Smith – Playing 2,511 games at shortstop in 19 years from 1978-1996 for the Padres and Cardinals, “The Wizard of Oz” saved an astounding 239 runs during his career. He is baseball’s all-time leader, at any position, in career Defensive Wins-Above-Replacement with 43.4. A 13 time Gold Glove winner, his fielding percentage of .978 was higher than the league average of .966. Named to 15 All Star teams, Smith batted .262 with 580 stolen bases.

The 10 best second basemen in Major League Baseball history

The 10 best second basemen in Major League Baseball history

10) Tony Lazzeri – Playing in 1,760 games from 1926-1939, primarily for the Yankees, “Poosh’em Up Tony” batted .292, with 178 home runs, 1,194 RBI’s, 148 stolen bases, and a .380 on base percentage.

9) Craig Biggio – From 1988-2007 Biggio played 1,989 games at second base for the Astros; he also played catcher and centerfield. His career totals included a .281 batting average, 3,060 hits, 291 homers, 1,175 RBI’s, 414 stolen bases, and a .363 on base percentage. His .984 fielding percentage was higher than the league average of .982 for secondbasemen; he won four Gold Gloves and was named to seven All Star teams. 

8) Bill Mazeroski – From 1956-1972, “Maz” played in 2,163 games for the Pirates and had a fielding average of .983, higher than the league average of .976 at the time. Defensively he saved 148 runs in his career and won eight Gold Gloves. Named to seven All Star teams, Mazeroski had a career batting average of .260.

7) Ryne Sandberg – A ten time All Star and winner of the 1984 National League MVP, “Ryno” played in 2,164 games from 1981-1997, all but thirteen with the Cubs. He batted .285 with 282 home runs, 1,061 RBI’s, and 344 stolen bases. Sandberg’s fielding average of .989 was higher than the league average of .981, and he saved 57 runs in his career, winning nine Gold Gloves.

6) Joe Morgan – Morgan played 2,527 games at second base from 1962-1984, primarily for the Astros and Reds.  He batted .271, with a .392 on base percentage, 268 home runs, 1,133 RBI’s, 689 stolen bases, and a .981 fielding percentage, compared to the league average of .977. Morgan was a ten time All Star, won five Gold Gloves, and was named the National League MVP in 1975 and 1976.

5) Frankie Frisch – Playing in 2,311 games from 1919-1937 for the Cardinals and Giants, “The Fordham Flash” had a career batting average of .316, with 2,880 hits and 419 stolen bases. His fielding average of .974 was higher than the league average of .965. Frisch was selected as the 1931 National League MVP.

4) Charlie Gehringer – “The Mechanical Man” played in 2,323 games for the Tigers from 1924-1942, batting .320 with 2,839 hits, 184 home runs, 1,427 RBI’s, 181 stolen bases, and a .404 on base percentage. Gehringer’s .976 fielding percentage was higher than the league average of .968; he was named to six All Star teams and won the 1937 American League MVP.

3) Rogers Hornsby – From 1915-1937 “Rajah” played 1,561 games at second base, mainly with St. Louis. He also played shortstop, third base, and the outfield. His career numbers include a .358 batting average, .434 on base percentage, 2,930 hits, 301 home runs, and 1,584 RBI’s. He won the Triple Crown in 1922 and 1925, and the National League MVP in 1925 and 1929. 

2) Nap Lajoie – Playing for Cleveland and Philadelphia from 1896-1916, Lajoie spent 2,035 games at second base; he also played first base, shortstop, third base, and the outfield. He had a .963 fielding percentage, compared with the league average of .949 for secondbasemen. His batting numbers include 3,243 hits, 1,599 RBI’s, 380 stolen bases, a .338 batting average, and a .380 on base percentage. 

1) Eddie Collins – The American League MVP in 1914, “Cocky” played in 2,650 games at second base for the White Sox and Philadelphia A’s from 1906-1930. Collins amassed 3,315 hits, 1,300 RBI’s, 741 stolen bases, a .333 batting average, and .424 on base percentage. His .970 fielding percentage was higher than the league average of .958.

The 10 best first basemen in Major League Baseball history

The 10 best first basemen in Major League Baseball history

10) Orlando Cepeda – Played 1,683 games in 17 seasons from 1958-1974 at first base for six teams, primarily the Giants. An eleven time All Star and the 1967 NL MVP, Cepeda batted .297 with 379 home runs and 1,365 RBI’s.

9) Johnny Mize – “The Big Cat” played 1,667 games at first base during 15 seasons from 1937-1953 for the Cardinals, Giants, and Yankees, finishing with a .312 career batting average, 359 home runs, and 1,337 RBI’s. He was a ten time All Star selection.

8) Tony Perez –  “Big Dog” was a seven time All Star with a .279 career batting average, 379 home runs, and 1,652 RBI’s in 23 seasons from 1964 to 1986 with the Cincinnati Reds, playing 1,778 games at first base.

7) George Sisler – Playing in 2,055 games during 15 years with Boston, St. Louis, and Washington from 1915-1930, “Gorgeous George” had a .340 career batting average with 2,812 hits and was the 1922 American League MVP.

6) Hank Greenberg – Winner of the American League MVP in 1935 and 1940, “Hammerin’ Hank” had a career batting average of .313 with 331 homers, 1,274 RBI’s, a .412 on base percentage, and a .605 slugging percentage in 13 seasons from 1930-1947, primarily with the Boston Red Sox. He played 1,138 games at first base and also played the outfield.

5) Jake Beckley – “Eagle Eye” played 2,380 games at first base during 20 years in the major leagues from 1888-1907 with the Cardinals, Reds, Pirates, and Giants. He finished his career with a .308 batting average, 2,934 hits and 1,578 RBI’s.

4) Willie McCovey –  Playing 2,045 games at first base in a 22 year career from 1959-1980 “Big Mac” hit .270 with 521 home runs and 1,555 RBI’s, mainly with the San Francisco Giants. A six time All Star and winner of the 1969 National League MVP.

3) Eddie Murray – Playing 2,413 games at first base “Steady Eddie” batted .287 with 3,255 hits, 504 home runs, and 1,917 RBI’s during 21 seasons with the Orioles, Dodgers, Indians, Mets, and Angels from 1977-1997. Was an eight time All Star and won three Gold Gloves.

2) Jimmie Foxx – Winner of the 1933 Triple Crown, “The Beast” was a three-time American League MVP and was named to nine All Star teams.  Playing in 1,919 games at first base, mainly with Philadelphia and Boston from 1925-1945, Foxx batted .325 with 534 home runs and 1,922 RBI’s, as well as a .428 on-base percentage and .609 slugging percentage. He also played third base, catcher and outfield.

1) Lou Gehrig – The “Iron Horse” played in 2,164 games at first base from 1923-1939 for the Yankees. Gehrig batted .340 for his career, with a .447 on base percentage, .632 slugging percentage, 493 home runs and 1,995 RBI’s. A six time All Star, two time AL MVP, and winner of the 1934 Triple Crown, Gehrig also hit .361 with 10 homers and 35 RBI’s in 34 World Series games.

The 10 best catchers in Major League Baseball history

The best Catchers in major league baseball history

 

10) Thurman Munson:  Winner of the 1970 Rookie of the Year Award, and named the American League MVP in 1976, Munson was a seven time All Star selection. The winner of three Gold Gloves, he threw out 44% of base runners attempting to steal, and is credited with saving 34 runs in his career. Munson caught 1,278 games in eleven seasons for the Yankees from 1969-1979, batting .292 with 113 home runs and 701 RBI’s. Also, in 16 World Series games he hit .373 and drove in 12 runs.

 

9) Mickey Cochrane: A two time All Star, Cochrane was named American League MVP in 1928 and 1934. He has a career batting average of .320 with a .419 on-base percentage, 119 home runs, and 830 RBI’s. He threw out 39% of basestealers while catching 1,421 games in 13 seasons for the A’s and Tigers from 1925-1937.

 

8) Ernie Lombardi: A seven time All Star and winner of the 1938 National League MVP award, Lombardi caught 1,544 games in 17 seasons from 1931-1947, mainly with the Reds and Giants. He had a .306 career batting average, 190 home runs, 990 RBI’s, and threw out 48% of attempted base stealers.

 

7) Roy Campanella: Selected as the National League MVP in 1951, 1953, and 1955, Campanella was named to eight All Star teams. He threw out 57% of basestealers while catching 1,183 games in 10 seasons from 1948-1957 for the Dodgers. His career batting numbers include a .276 average, 242 home runs, and 856 RBI’s.

 

6) Gary Carter: Winner of three Gold Gloves, Carter is credited with saving 106 runs and caught 35% of attempted basestealers while catching 2,056 games in 20 seasons from 1974-1992, mainly with the Expos and Mets. An eleven time All Star, he batted .262 with 324 home runs and 1,225 RBI’s.

 

5) Gabby Hartnett: Catching 1,793 games in 20 seasons from 1922-1941, mainly for the Cubs, Hartnett led the National League catchers in caught stealing percentage six times, with a career mark of 56%. A six time All Star, he had a career batting average of .297 with 236 home runs and 1,179 RBI’s. Hartnett won the 1935 National League MVP award.

 

4) Bill Dickey:  An eleven time All Star for the Yankees, Dickey threw out 47% of runners attempting to steal and led American League catchers in range factor per game for six seasons.  In 17 years from 1928-1946 Dickey caught 1,708 games, while batting .313 with 202 home runs and 1,209 RBI’s.

 

3) Ivan Rodriguez: A thirteen time Gold Glove winner and fourteen time All Star, Rodriguez won the 1999 American League MVP award. Catching 2,427 games in 21 seasons from 1991-2011, primarily for the Rangers and Tigers, he threw out 46% of runners attempting to steal and is credited with saving 167 runs in his career. Rodriguez batted .296 with 311 home runs and 1,332 RBI’s.

 

2) Johnny Bench: Winner of ten Gold Gloves and a fourteen time All Star, Bench won the National League MVP award in 1970 and 1972. Catching 1,742 games in 17 seasons for the Reds, he threw out 43% of basestealers and also saved 97 runs in his career. Bench’s career marks include a .267 average, 389 home runs, and 1,376 RBI’s.

 

1) Yogi Berra:  Selected to the All Star team 15 times, Berra won the American League MVP award in 1951, 1954, and 1955. He caught 1,699 games in 19 seasons and threw out 49% of basestealers to go along with a .285 career batting average, 358 home runs, and 1,430 RBI’s.

The best first round draft picks in Minnesota Vikings history

No matter what so-called “draft experts” say, selecting football players out of college is always a roll of the dice. Still, the Minnesota Vikings have landed a number of outstanding players who became the cornerstones of the franchise for years. Here are the top twenty first round picks in Vikings history, based on length of career, statistics, awards, and contribution to the team’s success.

20) Doug Martin, DE, 1980: 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.

19) Steve Riley, OT, 1974: Riley started 121 games at left tackle during his 11 year career, protecting the blind side of quarterbacks Fran Tarkenton and Tommy Kramer.

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

17) Gene Washington, WR, 1967: Playing in 81 games in his six seasons with the Vikings, Washington was named to the Pro Bowl in 1969 and 1970 and was the team’s top receiver during those dominant years.

16) Robert Smith, RB, 1993: A two time Pro Bowl selection, Smith played in 98 games during his eight seasons with the team. Currently second in Vikes history in rushing yards with 6,818.

15) Chad Greenway, LB, 2006: A two time Pro Bowl selection, Greenway played in 156 games, starting 144, in a ten year career with Minnesota from 2007-2016. He recorded 18 quarterback sacks, forced 8 fumbles and recovered 11, and intercepted 11 passes, returning two for touchdowns.

14) Keith Millard, DT, 1984: 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.

13) Fred McNeil, OLB, 1974: 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.

12) Tommy Kramer, QB, 1977: While injured often during his 13 years with the Vikes, Kramer did start 110 games at quarterback and ranks second in most passing categories, including yards and touchdowns.

11) Kevin Williams, DT, 2003: A six time Pro Bowl selection, Williams started all 171 games he appeared in over 11 seasons. He ranks eighth with 60 QB sacks, knocked down 66 passes, forced 8 fumbles, and recovered 13, returning two for touchdowns. Williams also intercepted 5 passes, bring back two for scores.

10) Randy Moss, WR, 1998: A five time Pro Bowl selection during his seven seasons with Minnesota, Moss is second in team history in a number of receiving categories, including 587 receptions, 9,316 yards, and 92 touchdowns.

9) Jeff Siemon, MLB, 1972: 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. He forced 14 fumbles, recovered 11, had 6 QB sacks, and 11 interceptions.

8) Joey Browner, S, 1983: Selected to the Pro Bowl as a safety six times in his nine seasons, Browner played in 145 games, starting 117. He is fourth in interceptions with 37, third in passes defensed with 76, fifth in forced fumbles with 18, and fifth in fumble recoveries in 17. He also recorded 9.5 QB sacks, first among Viking defensive backs, and scored 4 touchdowns.

7) Adrian Peterson, RB, 2007: After ten seasons and 123 games, Peterson holds the Viking record in rushing yards with 11,747 and is first in rushing touchdowns with 97. A seven time Pro Bowl selection.

6) Chuck Foreman, RB, 1973: 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. He rushed for 5,887 yards and 52 touchdowns, and caught 336 passes for another 23 scores.

5) Chris Doleman, DE, 1985: 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, is sixth in fumble recoveries with 16, seventh in tackles-for-loss with 60, and fifth in sacks with 96.5. He also intercepted five passes, scored two touchdowns, and recorded two safeties.

4) Ron Yary, OT, 1968: 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.

3) Randall McDaniel, G, 1988: 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.

2) Carl Eller, DE, 1964: 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. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004, an honor that was long overdue.

1) Alan Page, DT, 1967: 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 Hall of Fame in 1988.

New baseball book available at Amazon.com

New baseball book available at Amazon.com

New baseball book available at Amazon.com

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.

New baseball book available at Amazon.com

New baseball book available at Amazon.com

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.