Quick frivolous Friday poll

[KCRfan1]

Mantle.

Much has been written, but to spend time with him would be priceless. Especially the stories that might be shared. Add Whitey Ford to the mix talking about he and Mantle out on the town, the girls, a drink.... In between the stories, probably get a nice glimpse of who Mantle was as a person.

That would be more meaningful to me than what is in print.

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by KCRfan1

Mantle.

Much has been written, but to spend time with him would be priceless. Especially the stories that might be shared. Add Whitey Ford to the mix talking about he and Mantle out on the town, the girls, a drink.... In between the stories, probably get a nice glimpse of who Mantle was as a person.

That would be more meaningful to me than what is in print.

I am sure the printed word does a lot of these guys a serious injustice. Not everyone is cut out to be Steve Garvey or Curtis Granderson with the media. Particularly decades ago, a lot of these guys came off farms and talking to big city writers in a confident way was just way beyond their comfort zone. Doesn't make them bad guys at all, but if you don't play the game the right way with sports reporters you will not come off well at all. Saw this with many players who channeled through the Mets over the years. Give the media what they want and you are a great guy. Be aloof with the press and you will get cooked. Kevin McReynolds is a good example.

[dlfallen]

Moe Berg

[bn2cardz]

It would be hard to pick just one to meet (not necessarily drink with), but the first to come to mind was King Kelly. Yet the next one was Billy Sunday.

[John V]

Joe Jackson

[bnorth]

Ted Williams for deceased players and Wade Boggs living. It would be amazing to listen to Ted explain hitting in person and Wade is may all-time favorite player.

[Aaron Seefeldt]

Joe Jackson

[Rhotchkiss]

Jackie Robinson

[sterlingfox]

Cobb.

[birdman42]

Bill Veeck

[Dewey]

Vin Scully

[kmac32]

Elmer Miller. He is my great great uncle and also a teammate of Ruth and Carl Mays. I am sure there would be some crazy stories playing in the outfield with Ruth.

[LEHR]

Hmm....hard choice. It would ether be Fred Clarke, Edd Roush or Cobb.

[rhettyeakley]

Hoss Radbourn

Now THAT would be fun!

[dabigyankeeman]

Babe Ruth. I would love to see if he really is as outrageous as he seems, and I would love to pick his brain about all the players from his era.

[KMayUSA6060]

Bob Feller.

With one of the longer lifespans for a ball player from his era, what didn't he see? He saw '20s and early '30s baseball, played in the mid-late '30s, fought in WWII, then played through the mid '50s. He died in 2010 at the age of 92, which means he saw and can probably share stories from 80+ years of baseball/American history.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by KMayUSA6060

Bob Feller.

With one of the longer lifespans for a ball player from his era, what didn't he see? He saw '20s and early '30s baseball, played in the mid-late '30s, fought in WWII, then played through the mid '50s. He died in 2010 at the age of 92, which means he saw and can probably share stories from 80+ years of baseball/American history.

When I was a kid I got to sit with him for an inning or two of a game while he explained what the pitchers were doing or trying to do. I didn't realize until much later just how cool that really was.

Lots of other interesting choices. It's also interesting how nobody seems to choose the less amazing players. I'd probably choose either someone I grew up watching, Rice, or maybe Evans. But as others have said, maybe one of the bigger names Cobb I think would be interesting, Ruth maybe more fun although I doubt I could keep up with him even if it was my mid 20's self.

Yeah, I know, I'm indecisive and didn't really answer the question.

Steve B

[BobC]

Jim Thorpe

[Jantz]

Originally Posted by KMayUSA6060

Bob Feller.

With one of the longer lifespans for a ball player from his era, what didn't he see? He saw '20s and early '30s baseball, played in the mid-late '30s, fought in WWII, then played through the mid '50s. He died in 2010 at the age of 92, which means he saw and can probably share stories from 80+ years of baseball/American history.

I sat with Bob Feller on two separate occasions and talked baseball with him. Feller was sharp and shared some very interesting stories with me while we had the time.

As for the poll, I would want to talk with Cobb.

[ajquigs]

First thought ... Bill Lee.

[BosseFieldBoy]

Pete Rose...he doesn't drink and I bet he would say some good stuff.

[Rich Falvo]

Stan Musial