BASEBALL GREATS (Mentioned in RALLY CAPS)
BIOS
Curtis Pride #19
Curtis Pride was the first full-season deaf player in the modern era of Major League Baseball. A native of Washington, D.C., Pride was born deaf. Mainstreamed throughout his education, he broke all of the single season and career records for baseball at his Silver Spring, Maryland high school. Pride reached the major leagues in September 1993, where his first hit for the Montreal Expos received a five minute standing ovation at Olympic Stadium, along with significant coverage from national and worldwide media. Pride then became a full-time major league player in 1996 with the Detroit Tigers, and moved on to play for the Red Sox, the Atlanta Braves, the New York Yankees, and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Pride’s 421 major league games are, by far, the most played by a deaf player since William Hoy—for whom Gallaudet University’s Hoy Field is named—ended his major league career over 100 years ago. After retiring from professional baseball, Curtis became the head baseball coach at Gallaudet University.
Cal Ripken Jr. #8
“The Iron Man”
Cal Ripken Jr. earned the nickname “Iron Man” by playing in a record 2632 consecutive major league baseball games. The string ran from May 30, 1982 to September 19, 1998, when Ripken voluntarily sat out a game. Ripken passed Lou Gehrig on September 6, 1995 with 2,131 consecutive games. He played his entire major league career (1982-2002) with the Baltimore Orioles, amassing 3,184 hits and 431 home runs. Ripken was a 2-time AL MVP, 2-time Gold Glove winner, 2-time All-Star MVP, made 19 All-Star appearances, and was a 1983 World Series Champion. Cal Ripken Jr. was elected into the Hall of Fame by Baseball writers in 2007.
Theodore Samuel Williams #9
“The Splendid Splinter, The Kid, The Thumper”
The Red Sox’ Ted Williams was one of baseball’s greatest hitters. He played his entire major league career with the Boston Red Sox (1939-1942 and 1946-1960). Combining keen vision with quick wrists and a scientific approach to hitting, he set numerous batting records. His accomplishments included a .406 season in 1941, 2 Triple Crowns, 2 American League MVPs, 6 AL batting championships, 521 home runs, a lifetime average of .344, 17 All-Star game selections, and universal reverence. Williams was elected into the Hall of Fame by Baseball writers in 1966.
Brooks Calbert Robinson #5
“The Human Vacuum Cleaner”
Known as “The Human Vacuum Cleaner” Brooks Robinson established a standard of excellence for modern day third baseman. He played 23 seasons for the Baltimore Orioles, setting ML records for games, put-outs, assists, chances, double plays, and fielding percentage. A clutch hitter, Robinson earned the leagues MVP Award in 1964 and the World Series MVP in 1970 when he hit .429 and made a collection of defensive gems. He played in the 1966, 1969, 1970 and 1971 World Series, he was a 15-time All-Star, and received 16 Gold Gloves. Brooks was elected into the Hall of Fame by Baseball writers in 1983.
Tyrus (Ty) Raymond Cobb
“The Georgia Peach”
Ty Cobb may have been base baseball’s greatest player, if not the game’s fiercest competitor. His batting accomplishments are legendary – a lifetime average of .367, 297 triples, 4,191 hits, , 2,245 runs, 12 batting titles (including 9 in a row), 23 straight seasons in which he hit over .300, three .400 seasons (topped by .420 in 1911), post season World Series play in 1907, 1908, and 1909, and the 1911 American League MVP. Intimidating the opposition, The Georgia Peach stole 892 bases during a 24-year career, primarily with the Detroit Tigers. Ty Cobb was elected into the Hall of Fame by Baseball writers in 1936.
Joe DiMaggio #5
“The Yankee Clipper”
Joe DiMaggio spent his entire 13 year career with the New York Yankees. Over that time he won 9 World Championships, 10 Al Pennants, won 3 MVP Awards (1939, 1941, 1947), had a 56-game major league record hitting streak (1941), a career batting average of .325, 361 home runs (only struck out 369 times), won 2 batting titles (.381 in 1939 and .352 in 1940), and was an 11-time All-Star. More than a hitter, DiMaggio was a splendid defensive outfielder with a great throwing arm. He was virtually flawless in 1947 making only one error. During his 56-game hitting streak (which was followed by 17 more consecutive hit games), he batted .409. The season ended with the Yankees beating the Brooklyn Dodgers. Joe batted .357 with 125 rbi and 30 home runs. He won the MVP in spite of Ted Williams hitting an incredible .406 for the Red Sox that same year. Many experts consider Joe DiMaggio as the best player in the history of the game. He was more than an exceptional athlete; he was the consummate professional. DiMaggio was elected into the Hall of Fame by Baseball writers in 1955.
Alex Rodriguez #13
In 1994, the Seattle Mariners chose 17-year old Rodriguez as the 1st overall selection in the baseball draft. At 18, Alex became one of the youngest players ever to play in the major leagues. He has since played for the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees. The 1996 season was A-Rod’s breakout season. He batted .358 with 36 home runs and 123 runs batted in. The 1998-1999 seasons brought 40 back-to-back home runs and at least 100 runs batted-in stats. In 2001, A-Rod went out and had his finest season as a pro, hitting an astonishing 52 home runs and collecting a career high 135 rbi.
Luis Tiant #23
“El Tiante”
“El Tiante” had an excellent year in 1972, posting a 15-6 record and a league leading 1.91 ERA. He won the Comeback Player-of-the-Year that season. 1972 was the beginning of an impressive run for Boston. From 1972-1978 he averaged 17 wins per season, and was named to the All-Star team twice. Chants of “Louie, Louie” greeted him at Fenway Park, as Red Sox fans were delighted by his unique windup, his dazzling pitching, and his charismatic smile. Tiant pitched 116 complete games in his 8 year Red Sox career, including 3 outstanding post season appearances. He held the A’s to 3 hits in a 7-1 win in the 1975 ALCS. In the World Series, he threw a shutout in Game 1 and tossed 163 pitches in Game 4 to get a 5-4 win. He even batted .250 in the series.
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