There are bad ways to win and good ways to lose. What’s interesting and troubling is that it’s not always clear which is which. — Grimsley, Pokemon
Is it not really known why humans love to classify everything into black and white categories? Maybe it’s just easier to minimize everything down into it’s most simplistic form. When it comes down to it, the vast majority of major league baseball players have never played in a World Series, let alone win one. Some of the best players in the history of the game never won a World Series, are these all time greats still considered winners, or losers? If nothing else, it does go to show just how much of a team game baseball really is. With that being said, who do you believe are the best player to never win a World Series at each position?
Should I acknowledge the elephant in the room and point out that Barry Bonds has never won a ring?
Some people are willing to look past his tainted past to give him credit as one of the best hitters of all time… myself? Not so much.
On the topic of sluggers, however, you can look down the line at Harmon Killebrew and Willie McCovey, two other greats who each failed to win a World Series.
You could look at a couple of players from this current era, whatever it is you choose to call this era, and you’ll find Ken Griffey Jr.. and Mike Piazza, my two favorite players in MLB history, who also fell short of that ultimate glory.
Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell? Yep, they never got sized up for rings either. And if your interest happens to be pitchers, what about Gaylord Perry or Don Sutton? And do I even need a segue into mention the likes of Ty Cobb and Ted Williams? Believe it.
I wondered if I could make an All-Star team based on players that never won a World Series. How’s this for a team that never won baseball’s greatest achievement – a World Championship?
C : Mike Piazza
1B: Willie McCovey
2B: Nap Lajoie
3B: Ron Santo
SS: Ernie Banks
OF: Ty Cobb, Ted Williams, Ken Griffey Jr.
SP: Gaylord Perry, Juan Marichal, Fergie Jenkins, Early Wynn, Robin Roberts
RP: Lee Smith, Trevor Hoffman
Bench: George Sisler, Harmon Killebrew, Carl Yastrzemski, Carlton Fisk, Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, Ralph Kiner, Ryne Sandberg, Nellie Fox, Barry Bonds.
