Do you consider yourself a hardcore fan of baseball history? Is your head filled with frivolous information such as the time of day the "shot heard round the world" occurred?
I like to consider myself to be somewhat knowledgeable concerning the more important things that has taken place in MLB history. Being a graduate of Old School, it is hard to think that instead of younger fans knowing who has hit the most home runs in All-Star game history, they are more concerned with who has the best VORP.
Here are a few nuggets you may or may not have dug up before. Some are interesting, some are nearly unbelievable and some are ridiculous, but they all are authentic.
See how many you know and how many surprises you discover.
Did you know that Roy Face of the Pittsburgh Pirates holds the single season W/L Pct?
In 1959, Roy (who was the first pitcher I was ever aware of who threw a "fork" ball) was an incredible 18-1 which translates to .947. All of his wins came as a reliever.
Rafael Palmeiro has played more games than anyone in MLB history who has never gone to the World Series.
Palmeiro played an incredible 2,831 games from 1986 to 2005 while with the Cubs, the Rangers twice and the Orioles twice.
Are you surprised to know that Jim Thome is fifth on the career list of AB/HR?
Thome has an excellent ratio, hitting one homer in 13.66 at bat. He is looking up in this list to Mark McGwire (1), Babe Ruth (2), Ryan Howard (3) and Barry Bonds (4).
Are you aware that Darren Dreifort made $63,882,000 in MLB?
As a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1994-2004 he crafted a career record of 48-60 with an ERA of 4.36. I must bow and admit I have never heard of him prior to researching this article.
That boils down to over 1.3 million bucks per win. Maybe the Sabrmetric guys could come up with a matrix for that, or have they already?
Career hit king Pete Rose made more outs than anyone in MLB history?
Pete made 10,328 outs during his 24-year career. He is followed by Hank Aaron (9136), Carl Yastrzemski, Cal Ripkin, and Eddie Murray.
Did you know Barry Bonds was walked intentionally more than Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, and Willie Mays combined in their careers?
Bonds received 688 intentional free passes compared to Aaron (283), Banks (198), and Mays (192).
The most prolific base stealer Ricky Henderson was caught stealing more times than anyone in history.
Henderson was caught stealing 335 times in his career and 42 times in 1982 (a single season record).
Who is the only player in MLB history to win a Rookie of the Year Award, Most Valuable Player Award and a Triple Crown during his career?
Hall of Fame outfielder Frank Robinson was Rookie of the Year with Cincinnati in 1956, won an MVP with Cincinnati in 1961 and in 1966 won the MVP and a Triple Crown with the Baltimore Orioles.
What pitcher was on the most All-Star teams?
Warren Spahn of the Braves was on 17 squads in the Midsummer Classic.
What Most Valuable Player Award winner had the lowest batting average (position players only)?
Marty "Slats" Marion of the St. Louis Cardinals batted .267 while winning the award in 1944. Keep in mind the War was still waging in full vigor.
What pitcher has the lowest WHIP in MLB history for a single season?
In 2000, Pedro Martinez posted a blinding 0.737 while with the Boston Red Sox.
Who is the only pitcher in history to start at least two games for the American League and two for the National League in the All-Star game?
Randy Johnson was the AL starter while with Seattle in 1995 and 1997, and started for the NL while with Arizona in 2000 and 2001.
What American League Player was on the most All-Star teams?
Mickey Mantle was on 20, though there was two games each season from 1959 until 1962.
What pitcher has the lowest number of hits allowed per nine innings during his career?
Nolan Ryan allowed only 6.555 hits per nine innings during his 27 seasons.
So how did you do? Did you know them all? If you said yes, you are lying and you know it (just kidding).
Here is a quick one to end with. Answer in the comment section if you know it.
What announcer used the term "he sloood into second"?
SOURCES:
Cliff Eastham is a B/R Featured Columnist for the Cincinnati Reds
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com
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