Toronto is an AL city, so we have to ask -- All-Time Blue Jays DH?
Ron Fairly '77 | 0 (0.00%) |
Rico Carty '78 | 4 (2.00%) |
Cliff Johnson '84 | 5 (2.50%) |
Fred McGriff '87 | 9 (4.50%) |
Dave Winfield '92 | 19 (9.50%) |
Paul Molitor '93 | 155 (77.50%) |
Brad Fullmer '00 | 4 (2.00%) |
Frank Catalanotto '06 | 4 (2.00%) |
200 votes | 11 featured comments
I know Winfield and Molitor will get the bulk of the votes ... but c'mon! How do you not vote for the greatness of Rico Carty? That's who got my nod, anyway.
I voted for Molitor, but seeing Heathcliff's name got me to thinking. His acquisition after 1982 (for Al Woods!) was a turning point for the organization. It marked the beginning of a shift from developing players to winning pennants.
I tossed a vote Cliff's way as I just loved watching him hit (if he missed he'd spin into the dirt sometimes which was great fun). He was pretty good though. 1984 he hit 304/390/507 OPS+143 - the third best of his career at age 36. Another odd one for retirement as he wasn't horrible in '86 (110 OPS+) but no one would sign him for 87. Sadly, that '86 helped keep Cecil Fielder from playing everyday (mixed with a Fielder slump at the seasons start and Jimy Williams managing).
50 votes into this one, and no love for the original Jay DH, Ron "Un" Fairly or for the more current Frankie the Cat?
For pure value to the franchise I'd say Winfield wins over everyone else on this list and over most on the other lists. The 'Winfield wants Noise' bit in '92 was fantastic and he really helped energize the fans plus he had the game winning RBI in game 6 in 1992. Mr May indeed! Plus don't forget his contribution to cleaning up the seagul problem in Toronto :)
I voted for Winfield particularly because I feel he'd go underappreciated. What he brought to the team was invaluable, but when Molly was the follow-up act, it really diminished his accomplishments. Molitor was a fantastic professional, but the personality of ol' Dave made that first championship year more palatable. I can still see him going through his routine in the batter's box, and remember how he outwardly looked like a man far too advanced in age to be still playing ball while willing himself to achieve all that you could expect of a key player.
Statistically and talent-wise, Molitor was superior -- but you can shove your WARP numbers and let me watch a season of Dave running against time and enjoying the trip to a championship.
I'm really saddened that he's barely beating out Brad Fullmer in this poll. Oh, he's gotten two more while I previewed this, so he's up to nine now. Against 92 for Paul and 4 for Brad.
Statistically and talent-wise, Molitor was superior -- but you can shove your WARP numbers and let me watch a season of Dave running against time and enjoying the trip to a championship.
I'm really saddened that he's barely beating out Brad Fullmer in this poll. Oh, he's gotten two more while I previewed this, so he's up to nine now. Against 92 for Paul and 4 for Brad.
Just to throw in another note about Dave, to add to his lore for those who are not aware, I believe he's still the only athlete to be drafted by three major sports. He's also the only player to be drafted in the first round with another HOFer. story
Molitor was great and so was Dave Winfield. That man had a huge smile and he wanted noise, damnit. McGriff used to hit bombs. But I gave Frankie Cats some love because he was lacking. Professional hitter and a gentleman.
I believe Charlie Ward, the Heisman winner in '93 I believe, was also drafted in three sports, but that probably doesn't count.
I'm honestly shocked that Molly is trouncing Winfield, although I have to say I voted for Paul as well.
I'm honestly shocked that Molly is trouncing Winfield, although I have to say I voted for Paul as well.
Mick, you realize that you posted McGriff for 1B and DH?
Dangit!
Good catch, Geoff. I wasn't thinking.