2023-02-13 Players with the most MLB postseason games played

MONDAY  — 13-Feb

Q.  Who is the career National League Division Series home run leader?

Hint: #1  He was the first third baseman to have at least one hundred runs batted in for six consecutive seasons.

Hint: #2  He was the only player to strike out three time in Randy Johnson’s perfect game.

A.  CHIPPER JONES  [SABR Bio]

-  Ans.  No one matches his 9 NLDS HR.

-  #1  100+ RBI = 1996-2001.

-  #2  Johnson’s perfecto = 18-May-2004.

FCR -  Tom Cleary, Macungie, Pennsylvania

Incorrect guesses:  Mike Schmidt, Scott Rolen, Albert Pujols, Mark DeRosa

 

MONDAY MONDAY² — 13-Feb

Q.  Which batting-crown centerfielder is the only Yankee to win multiple Gold Glove awards and play for no other major league team?

Hint: #1  He and a teammate once hit grand slams in consecutive innings.

Hint: #2  He was the last player to receive three intentional walks in a game in the twentieth century.

A.  BERNIE WILLIAMS   [SABR Bio]

-  Ans.  Played for NYY 1991-2006; won 4 GG was batting avg. champ in 1998 when he hit .339.

-  #1  Williams’ GS came in the 8^th inning of 14-Sep1999.  Paul O’Neill hit his in the final frame.  Grand slams so close together in the same game is a notable event, but earlier that same season at Dodger Stadium, Fernando Tatis hit 2 such in the same inning, both off the unfortunate Chan Ho Park !

-  #2  Bernie got 3 IBBs on 29-Sep-1999 by the Devil Rays’ pitchers, 1 by Rick White, 1 by Jeff Sparks & 1 by Wilson Alvarez.  The next batter to receive that many in a G was Barry Bonds in 2001.

FCR -  Jerry Kahn, New York City

Incorrect guesses:  Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Tom Tresh

 

 

TUESDAY —14-Feb

Q.  Who is the only MLB catcher to ever bat .330 or better with forty doubles, twenty home runs and ninety RBI in a single season?

Hint: #1  His only black ink, however, was twice leading the league in grounding into double plays.

Hint: #2  His father was a major league scout and his uncle had led the majors in sacrifice flies with the Kansas City A’s.

Hint: #3  He used the method made famous by Moises Alou to toughen his hands and increase his grip.

A.  JORGE POSADA   [SABR Bio]

-  Ans.  In 2007, Posada had one of the most productive offensive seasons ever by a catcher:  BA .338, 42 2B, 20 HR & 90 RBI.  He also led AL catchers in WAR, was an All-Star, earned a Silver Slugger and was 6^th in that year’s AL MVP voting.

-  #1 AL GIDP leader in 2002 & 2004 w/23 & 24.

-  #2  Father was Jorge Sr. and uncle was Leo Posada whose 12 SF led MLB in 1961.

- #3  Alou, Posada, Kerry Wood & a few others used self-produced urine to strengthen the skin on one’s hands & prevent callouses and blisters.  Posada’s wife found out about the practice & asked him to stop.  Gene Monahan, the Yankee trainer found an acceptable hand-toughening substitute.

FCR -  David Skelton, Woodway, Texas

Incorrect guesses:  Mike Piazza, Joe Mauer, Joe Torre, Roy Campanella, Salvador Perez, Ivan Rodriguez, Benito Santiago, Dan Quisenberry

 

 

WEDNESDAY  — 15-Feb

Q.  Which pitcher, famous for his precision, is the career leader in ERA+? [Reasonable minimums apply.]

Hint: #1  Thrice he led the majors in saves in a season.

Hint: #2  The fluid pitching motion he developed was aided by his use of a machete as a youngster.

A.  MARIANO RIVERA   [SABR Bio]

-  Ans.  Among pitchers with at least 200 appearances , Rivera’s career ERA+ of 205 is the best all-time.

-  #1  In 1999, 2001 & 2004, Rivera had the most saves in MLB w/45/50 & 53.  He is the career leader in saves w/652.

-  #2  He grew up in poor circumstances in Panama and was taught to wield a machete properly to improve his work in the fields.

FCR -  Doug Christy, Sarasota

Incorrect guesses:  Ugueth Urbina, Dennis Eckersley, Lefty Grove, Ed Walsh, Catfish Hunter, Mordecai Brown, Sal Maglie,

 

 

MIDWEEK BONUS — 15-Feb

Q.  Who hit the first home run against the Washington Nationals?

Hint: #1  He led his league in steals in each of his first five complete seasons in the majors, with three of those leading the majors.

Hint: #2  He finished second in Rookie of the Year voting, but lasted eleven years longer in the majors than the player who won the award.

A.  KENNY LOFTON   [SABR Bio]

-  Ans.  HR for PHI off Livan Hernandez on 04-Apr-2005 in Citizens Bank Park.

-  #1  1992-through 1996, Lofton posted SB totals of 66, 70, 60, 54 & 75 for CLE.

-  #2  In In 1992, MIL’s Pat Listach was AL ROY and had an MLB career of 6 years & a career WAR of 4.3.  Lofton played for 17 seasons and accumulated a career WAR of 68.4.

FCR -  Evan Salvino, Denver

Incorrect guesses:  Rickey Henderson, Vince Coleman, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jimmy Rollins, Jose Reyes, Tim Raines, Jayson Werth, Jean Segura

 

 

IN MEMORIAM— 16-Feb

Q.  Who is the only catcher in the Modern Era to lead the majors in triples for a season.

Hint: #1  He is still the only catcher to steal home in a World Series game.

Hint: #2  He is the only National League catcher in the Modern Era to have ten doubles, triples and home runs in the same season

Hint: #3  He caught his first no-hitter playing for the Phillies.

Hint: #4  While he was with the Montreal Expos, he caught another no-hitter.

Hint: #5  He was a baseball announcer after his playing days.

Hint: #6  He had his own nationally syndicated sports interview program.

Hint: #7  In his career, he caught games thrown by five Hall of Fame pitchers.

A.  TIM McCARVER   [SABR Bio]

-  Ans.  McCarver led all MLB with his 13 3B in 1966, 1 ahead of his teammate Lou Brock.  He never had double figures 3B again, before or after 1966.

-  #1  SB of home in WS = 1964 G 7.

-  #2  In 1966, McCarver hit 19 2B, 13 3B & 12 HR for STL.

-  #3  On 23-Jun-1971, Rick Wise no-hit CIN with McCarver behind the plate.

-  #4  Only started 42 G at C for MON, but caught Bill Stoneman on 02-Oct-1972(1), Stoneman’s 2^nd in his career and the 2^nd no-hitter McCarver caught.

-  #5  He was behind the mic broadcasting from 2014 to 2022.

-  #6  He was the MC of the eponymous The Tim McCarver Show, from 2000 until 2017.

-  #7  McCarver was the catcher in games thrown by Bob Gibson, Steve Carlton, Jim Bunning, Juan Marichal & Jim Kaat

FCR -  Paul Nielsen, Bowie, Maryland

Incorrect guesses:  Joe Garagiola, Evan Gattis

 

 

THURSDAY— 16-Feb

Q.  Who leads all catchers in career putouts?

Hint: #1  He has won more Platinum Glove awards than any other catcher.

Hint: #2  Though he played for only one team, he had relatives who played for a total of seven franchises.

A.  YADIER MOLINA   [B-R Bio]

-  Ans.  His career total of 15,122 PO leads all catchers, yet has only the 4^th most innings played.

-  #1  Molina has won the PG 4 X, more than any other player at any position except 3^rd baseman Nolan Arenado who has 6.  The Rawlings Platinum Glove is awarded to the best defensive player, irrespective of position, in each league.  Molina won in 2011, 2012, 2014 & 2015.

-  #2  Molina’s brothers, Bengie & Jose played collectively for LAA (also ANA), TOR, SFG,TEX, CHC, NYY & TBR.

FCR -  Mark Kanter, Portsmouth, Rhode Island

Incorrect guesses:  Ivan Rodriguez, Bengie Molina, Bob Boone, Jorge Posada, John Roseboro, Gary Carter, Johnny Bench, Yogi Berra

 

 

FRIDAY — 17-Feb

Q.  The signing of which middle infielder prompted a respected, multiple-MVP, but fed-up veteran pitcher to quit his scouting job?

Hint: #1  He and Bo had more than three hits in one game off Hall of Famer Greg Maddux.

Hint: #2  He was the first post-expansion player to lead his team in hits for each of his first six full seasons.

A.  DEREK JETER   [SABR Bio]

-  Ans.  Hall of Fame pitcher, Hal Newhouser (AL MVP 1944 & 1945) was working as a scout for HOU after his playing days when young Jeter was brought to his attention.  He gave Jeter the highest possible marks possible & strongly recommended that HOU, who had the first pick in 1992, take him with that pick.  Draft day came and the HOU brain trust chose Phil Nevin.  Jeter was still available at pick #6 and he went to NYY.  Newhouser, incensed at being ignored over such an important matter, quit the next day.  Story here.

-  #1  4 H off Maddux = Jeter:  03-Jun-2000; Bo Diaz:  07-Sep-1986.  They are not alone though.  A few other replicated 4 H in 1 G vs. Maddux.

-  #2  Led NYY in H 1996-2001 w/totals of 183, 190, 203, 219, 201 & 191.

FCR -  Victor Piacentile, Yorktown Heights, New York

Incorrect guesses:  Hal Newhouser, Alfonso Soriano, Michael Young, Alex Rodriguez

 

 

SATURDAY — 18-Feb

Q.  Whose postseason home run total is eleven more than Mickey Mantle’s?

Hint: #1  No American Leaguer has ever received more intentional walks in a single game.

Hint: #2  His family had to learn he’d been drafted into the majors by watching television.

A.  MANNY RAMIREZ  [SABR Bio]

-  Ans.  Ramirez hit 12 LDS HR, 13 LCS HR & 4 WS HR.  Mantle’s of course, were all WS HR.

-  #1  Got 4 IBB 05-Jun-2001, tying Jeff Heath (14-Jul-1941) & Roger Maris (22-May-1962).

-  #1  He had not told any of the family how well he had been doing.  They were surprised and very pleased.

FCR -  William Neusidl*, Easton, Pennsylvania

Incorrect guesses: Alex Rodriguez, Reggie Jackson, David Ortiz, Bernie Williams, Jim Thome

 

 

WEEKEND BONUS — 19-Feb

Q.  Which National League Rookie of the Year was later the MVP of an American League Championship Series?

Hint: #1  After that ALCS his team won the World Series, the general manager called him, “My best short-term acquisition.”

Hint: #2  He was brought up to the majors to replace a potentially soon-to-be departed, two-time MVP.

A.  DAVID JUSTICE   [SABR Bio]

-  Ans.  NL ROY in 1990.  ALCS MVP in 2000.

-  #1  In a speech in 2005, NYY GM Brian Cashman rightly gave Justice credit for the extra boost he provided in their winning the 2000 AL pennant.  From June 30^th on, Justice slashed an impressive .306/.391/.586 with 20 HR & 60 RBI in just 275 AB.

-  #2  ATL was about to trade popular star Dale Murphy to PHI & needed retain power in the outfield.  With that in mind, Justice, who had been brought up earlier, was moved from 1B to RF & helped them reach the WS the very next year.

FCR -  Robert Osman, Great Neck, New York

Incorrect guesses:  Fred Lynn

 

 

SUNDAY  — 19-Feb

Q.  Who was the most recent player to hit a grand slam in the fifteenth inning or later?

Hint: #1  He played an important roll in his family business.

Hint: #2  When he was traded to Tampa, he was able to play for his old manager and be close to home.

A.  TINO MARTINEZ   [Wiki Bio]

-  Ans.  On 01-May-1996, playing for NYY, Martinez homered w/3 on in the top of the 15^th inning in Camden Yards.  However, 20 years later (Therefore more, um… ‘recent’.) Javier Baez hit a GS in the 15^th inning of the G on 28-Jun-2016.  Thanks to the many readers who pointed this out.

-  #1  Tino’s family was in the cigar business and he knew how to roll a good cigar.

-  #2  From 1993 to1995, Martinez played for SEA under Mgr. Lou Piniella.  Piniella was managing TBD a decade later when Martinez joined the team in his hometown.

FCR -  Joe Haardt, McLean Virginia (Who was at the G of Tino’s GS.)

Incorrect guesses:  Kyle Seager, Fred McGriff, Wade Boggs

 

 

 

WEEK’S THEME – Players with the most MLB postseason games played

 

Player             No. of G                    TEAM(S)                      WAR

Jeter.................... 158.................................... NYY................................... 71.3

Jones...................... 93.................................... ATL................................... 85.3

Justice................. 112...................... ATL, CLE, NYY, OAK..................... 40.6

Lofton.................... 95................. CLE, SFG, CHC, NYY, LAD................ 68.4

Martinez............... 99........................... SEA, NYY, STL.......................... 29.0

Molina................. 104.................................... STL................................... 42.2

Posada................. 125.................................... NYY................................... 42.7

Ramírez.............. 111........................... CLE, BOS, LAD.......................... 69.3

Rivera.................... 96.................................... NYY................................... 56.3

Williams.............. 121.................................... NYY................................... 49.6

 

First Correct Respondent identifying theme – Warren Kent III, Whitehall, Michigan (After Lofton)

 

 

Incorrect theme guesses:

 

Mon     -  Switch hitters who won an MVP award

            -  Baseball players with children born out of wedlock

            -  Switch hitters to win exactly one batting championship

            -  21^st-century players with 2000+ games with only one team

            -  Switch hitters with most career home runs

            -  Career post season switch hitting home run leaders

            -  Switch hitters with at least 250 career Home Runs

            -  Top switch hitters by WAR

            -  Players who have hit home runs from both sides of the plate in a game at least six times in a career

            -  Switch hitters who won batting titles

            -  Single-team switch hitters who won the World Series

            -  Batting champions who played for only 1 team

 

Tues    -  The most recent players to play 16 or more seasons for the same team for their entire career

-   Switch hitters who played their entire career with one team

-   HR from both sides in one game

-   Switch hitters who played on one team their whole careers

-   Highest career Slugging Average by a Switch Hitter (above .450)

-   Most career intentional walks in the postseason

-   Switch Hitters with more than 900 bases on balls lifetime

-   Switch hitters with over 200 hrs playing for only one team

-   Switch hitters who played 1000 games with only one team

 

Wed     -  Players who played for one team in their career,15 years or more

-   Players who have been: -Drafted by and spend 16+ seasons with only that team; won a World Series  and had their number retired

-   Yankees who won 4 rings between 1996-2000

-   Yankees of the 90's who came up through their farm system

-   Single team players who won the World Series in the 90s

-   Players by position with most postseason games played

-   Players who are all time leaders in a postseason offensive or pitching category

-   They all played for the Yankees

 

 

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