Best Baseball team of all time

[Nick Soulis]

Hello to all-
I have edited this opening post so that it can be your guide as we go along this long but fun process. Here I will post the teams that advance and the current series that is being played. All of that along with the next matchups to come. To get an overview of what this is all about and the teams involved please scroll through the rest of this page.....

I plan on using OOTPX to create a tournament. I will have the top 128 teams of all time play in a tournament fashion best of 5 series.
I will post all game summaries and stats here, I will take my time and have fun with it.


Thanks

[EMSoccerCoach]

Lots of folks have talked about this idea, Nick. It's a fun one and I really hope you see it through. A bit of advice: Don't rush it...take your time with it and enjoy it.

Look forward to seeing how it goes.

[Nick Soulis]

I wont rush it at all....I will actually build as mych drama as I can, with mock interviews of players and in depth analysis...to say the least this will be a long process but something I have wanted to do for years.

There are two initial steps to take:

• Explaining the format
• Picking the teams

I would love feedback especially on the team part. I will submit my "list and garner initial reaction. Before that however...here is my format...


The history of our national pastime and the greatest team of allow time is out there. The greatest heart and determination will carry the victors home.
Format:
128 teams enter the field. Best of 5 series will be played in the opening round with the winner advancing. 64 teams will remain.
64 teams will face off in a best of 5 series in the second round with the remaining 32 teams moving forward.
32 teams will then face off in a best of 7 series format
32 teams will go to 16 to 8 to 4 and then finslly the final two wil face off in the final WORLD SERIES OF ALL TiME
1 single champion will be crowned.

[Nick Soulis]

Ok here is the team list, sorry it isnt in exact chronological order... 1. 1902 Pittsburg Pirates

2. 2004 St. Louis Cardinals

3. 1905 NY Giants

4. 1908 Chicago Cubs

5. 1909 Detroit Tigers

6. 1916 Boston Red Sox

7. 1917 Chicago White Sox

8. 1919 Cincinnati Reds

9. 1921 NY Giants

10. 1923 NY Yankees

11. 1924 WashingtoSenators

12. 1927 Yankees

13. 1930 Philadelphia A’s

14. 1931 St. Louis Cardinals

15.1932Yankees

16. 1935 Detroit Tigers

17. 1937Yankees

18. 1940 Cincinnati Reds

19. 1941 NY Yankees

20. 1946 St. Louis Cards

21. 1945 Detroit Tigers

22. 1945 Chicago Cubs

23. 1946 Boston Red Sox

24. 1948 Cleveland Indians

25. 1950 NY Yankees

26. 1953 NY Yankees

27. 1954 NY Giants

28. 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers

29. 1957 Milwaukee Braves

30. 1958 NY Yankees

31. 1959 White Sox

32. 1960 Pittsburg Pirates

33. 1961 NY Yankees

34. 1963 LA Dodgers

35. 1965 Minnesota Twins

36. 1967 St. Louis Cards

37. 1968 Detroit Tigers

38. 1969 NY Mets

39. 1969 Chicago Cubs

40. 1970 Baltimore Orioles

41. 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates

42. 1973 Oakland A’s

43. 1975 Red Sox

44. 1975 Cincinnati Reds

45. 1978 NY Yankees

46. 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates

47. 1980 Philadelphia Phillies

48. 1981 LA Dodgers

49. 1982 St. Louis Cardinals

50. 1982 Milwaukee Brewers 51. 1983 Baltimore Orioles 52. 1983 Chicago White Sox 53. 1984 Detroit Tigers 54. 1984 Chicago Cubs 55. 1984 San Diego Padres 56. 1985 KC Royals 57. 1986 NY Mets 58. 1986 Houston Astros 59. 1986 Boston Red Sox 60. 1987 St. Louis Cards 61. 1987 Minnesota Twins 62. 1988 LA Dodgers 63. 1989 Oakland A’s 64. 1989 SF Giants 65. 1990 Cincinnati Reds 66. 1993 Atlanta Braves 67. 1991 Minnesota Twins 68. 1993 Toronto Blue Jays 69. 1993 Philadelphia Phillies 70. 1967 Boston Red Sox 71. 1994 Chicago WhiteSox 72. 1994 Montreal Expos 73. 1954 Cleveland Indians 74. 1995 Atlanta Braves 75. 1995 Cleveland Indians 76. 1996 NY Yankees 77. 1997 Florida Marlins 78.1925 PittsburghPirates 79. 1906 Chicago Cubs 80. 2003 Chicago Cubs 81. 1998 NY Yankees 82. 2000 NY Mets 83. 1999 Atlanta Braves 84. 2001 Arizona DBacks 85. 2002 Anaheim Angels 86. 2002 SF Giants 87. 2001 Seattle Mariners 88. 1944 St. Louis Cardinals 89. 1912 Boston Red Sox 90. 1909 Pittsburgh Pirates 91. 1974 LA Dodgers 92. 1979 Baltimore Orioles 93. 2006 St. Louis Cards 94. 2008 Philadelphia Phillies 95. 1920 Brooklyn Dodgers 96. 2007 Boston Red Sox 97. 2005 Houston Astros 98. 1894 Baltimore Orioles 99. 2007 Colorado Rock 100. 1912 Boston Red Sox 101. 1920 Cleveland Indians 102. 1936 NY Yankees 103. 1959 LA Dodgers 104. 1966 Baltimore Orioles 105.2008 Tampa Bay Rays 106 1970 Cincinnati Reds 107. 2006 Detroit Tigers 108. 1980 KC Royals 109. 1983 Philadelphia Phillies 110. 1922 NY Giants 111. 1992 Pittsburgh Pirates 112. 2005 Chicago White Sox 113. 1956 NY Yankees 114. 1961 Cincinnati Reds 115. 2004 Boston Red Sox 116. 2003 Florida Marlin 117. 1911 Philly A's 118. 1906 White Sox 119. 1951 NY Giants 120. 2009 NY Yankees

121. 1964 Philadelphia Phillies
122. 1977 New York Yankees

Please let me know if I have discluded any worthy candidates, this is our one and ony chance to change the list before I start the long process.

Thanks

[Nick Soulis]

Ok I made the draw for the opening round and to say the least there are some incredible matchups. I did my best to avoid world series winners facing off against eachother but it wasnt completely avoidable.

I will post the first 5 matchups at a time instead of posting all 60 of them. If you have a specific questions as to who one of your favorite teams is playing please just ask and I will post.

The first best of 5 matchups are as follows:

• 1993 Philiadelphia Phillies vs 1925 Pittsburgh Pirates
• 1959 Chicago White Sox vs 1908 Chicago Cubs
• 1920 Brooklyn Dodgers vs 1954 SF Giants
• 2000 NY Mets vs 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers
• 2003 Florida Marlins vs 1988 LA Dodgers

Previews and commentaries will follow shortly.

[Nick Soulis]

Opening matchup...

1925 Pittsburgh Pirates vs 1993 Philiadelphia Phillies

Team Summaries:



1925 Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 95-68
Finish: 1925 World Champions
Manager: Bill McKechnie
Key Players: Kiki Cuyler (OF), Pie Traynor (3B), Lee Meadows (SP)
Team ERA: 3.47
Team Average: .307
Home Runs: 78




1993 Philiadelphia Phillies
Record: 97-65
Finish: Lost in 1993 World Series
Manager: Jim Fergosi
Key Players: Len Dykstra (OF), Curt Schilling (SP), John Kruk (1B)
Team ERA: 3.97
Team Average: .274
Home Runs: 156

Propable Pitching matchups
Game 1: Curt Schilling (16-7, 4.02 ERA) vs Lee Meadows (19-10, 3.67)
Game 2: Danny Jackson (12-11, 3,77 ERA) vs Ray Kremer (17-8, 3.69)
Game 3: Tommy Greene (16-4, 3.42 ERA) vs Vic Aldridge (15-7, 3.63)

[Nick Soulis]

Kruk Feels Phils Got What It Takes

Speaking on behalf of his teamates first baseman John Kruk seemed overly confident that his team would do well against an outdated 1925 Pittsburgh Pirates team.
" We arnt the least bit worried," said Kruk, "I think after the draw was made we all just wanted to have a couple of beers and relax. We never get nervous or stressed, we are too confident of a group."

Regardless, the Phillies are slight underdogs as they get ready to start the series behind ace Curt Schilling in Forbes Field.
The 93 Phils are known for their old school type of play which should make for a down and dirty battle against a team from the hardball past.

The 1925 Pirates remain one of the proudest teams in their franchise's history winning a title during the dominant age of the Yankees.

[NYY #23]

Interesting idea. I tried something similar a while back and I had it trouble getting to a place where the era's were neutralized. Rotation size, and other factors seemed to throw things off. I'd recommend doing a bit of testing to make sure you are comfortable with the results and how things look.

I read a book and used SD score to rank the top teams and put together a spreadsheet. It was a fun little experiment, but ultimately I couldn't get to a place where I felt comfortable.

Good luck!

[Nick Soulis]

Game 1

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Philadelphia Phillies 1993	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	2	8	0
Pittsburgh Pirates 1925	1	2	0	0	0	1	0	0	X	4	11	2

WP: Lee Meadows
LP: Curt Schilling
S: Emil Yde
Home Runs: G. Grantham (0, 1st Inning off C. Schilling, 0 on, 1 out)


GAME NOTES:
Player of the Game: L. Meadows
Ballpark: Forbes Field
Weather: Clear skies (42 degrees), wind blowing out to right at 8 mph
Start Time: 7:00 pm
Time: 2:23
Attendance: 34476
Pirates lead series 1-0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Game 1 goes to the home team Pirates behind a good pitching performance by their ace Lee Meadows who went 8 innings strong. Other then the Grantham homeru, Meadows himself did the job with the bat driving in two of his own in the second inning as Schilling refused to pitch around him. For the Phillies John Kruk and Lenny Dykstra combined to go 0-7 to hamper their chances. Schilling wasnt bad on the mound striking out six, but on this day Meadows was the man doing it with the bat and glove.

Phils look to recover in game 2.

[Nick Soulis]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

Interesting idea. I tried something similar a while back and I had it trouble getting to a place where the era's were neutralized. Rotation size, and other factors seemed to throw things off. I'd recommend doing a bit of testing to make sure you are comfortable with the results and how things look.

I read a book and used SD score to rank the top teams and put together a spreadsheet. It was a fun little experiment, but ultimately I couldn't get to a place where I felt comfortable.

Good luck!

Yeah I guess it tough to get a perfect world but I will try my best and see what happens. I love the what if's as well, what if DiMaggio faced off against Maddux....ect..

I am new to this so I appreciate the support. By the way I am reading your history thread and it is excellent!!

[Nick Soulis]

Game 2

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H
Philadelphia Phillies 1993	1	1	2	0	0	1	1	1	0	7	20	0
Pittsburgh Pirates 1925	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	1	1	5	14	1

WP: Danny Jackson
LP: R. Kremer
S: Mitch Williams

Home Runs: PHI:J. Eisenreich (0, 3rd Inning off R. Kremer, 1 on, 1 out)
PIT: M. Carey (0, 8th Inning off J. DeLeon, 0 on, 1 out) S. McGinnis (0, 9th Inning off M. Williams, 0 on, 0 outs)


GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: J. Eisenreich
Ballpark: Forbes Field
Weather: Clear skies (47 degrees), wind blowing in from center at 9 mph
Start Time: 7:00 pm
Time: 3:16
Attendance: 36268
Series Tied at 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Phillies crash out 20 hits to answer in game two and chase starter Ray Kremer from the game in only the 3rd inning. Every position player but the pitcher got a hit for the Phils who were powered by Jim Eisenreich who went 4 for 5, including a long blast in the 3rd inning. Len Dykstra and John Kruk both played with passion and a steady but un perfect Danny Jackson got the win scattering 11 hits of his own in 7+ innings.

The Phils now head back to the Vet confident with the series tied at one a piece.

[Nick Soulis]

Game 3

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	R	H	E
Pittsburgh Pirates 1925	0	1	0	0	2	0	0	1	0	0	4	13	1
Philadelphia Phillies 1993	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	1	1	1	5	19	0

WP: M. Williams
LP: R. Oldham

Home Runs: PIT:G. Grantham (0, 5th Inning off T. Greene, 1 on, 2 outs) G. Wright (0, 8th Inning off J. DeLeon, 0 on, 1 out)
PHI: M. Morandini (0, 9th Inning off R. Oldham, 0 on, 0 outs)

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: G. Grantham
Ballpark: Veterans Stadium
Weather: Clear skies (50 degrees), wind blowing out to center at 15 mph
Start Time: 7:00 pm
Time: 3:08
Attendance: 26082
PHILLIES LEAD SERIES 2-1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mickey Morandini became the unlikeliest of heroes in Philadelphia as his late inning herocis gave the home Phillies a dramtic win and the series lead.

After a very hard fought battle that saw hits flying from both team's hitters the Pirates controlled a 4-3 advantage heading into the bottom of the ninth. George Grantham hit his second home run of the series with a man on off Danny Jackson in the fifth inning taking advantage of the lefty vs righty advantage.

In the ninth Morandini lined a shot just over the right field wall to lead off the inning off of Red Oldham. The ball just cleared the wall and tied the game. Still the scrappy second baseman wasnt done, he came up to the plate in the bottom of the tenth after Mckechnie decided to walk Lenny Dyskstra with two out and face Morandini with the bases loaded. Mickey slapped a pitch into right field that plated the winning run and left the Phillie fans in hysteria.

It was the kind of win that could carry through the rest of the series. Heroes do appear out of nowhere sometimes when the pressure is on.

[Nick Soulis]

KRUK SLAM ADVANCES PHILS!

An incredible 5 run ninth inning capped by a John Kruk grand slam ended the Game 4 of this playoff series and advanced the 1993 Philiadelphia Phillies to the next round.

Twice in two games the Phillies were facing losses in their last at bat and twice they rallied to win proving that the lack of a bullpen with the old teams may be a lingering problem.

After Pirate Pie Traynor went long twice on the night, the Bucs built a nice 6-4 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth. Ace starter Lee Meadows came in out of the bullpen to close things out and assure that there would be a game 5 going back to Pittsburgh.

The Phils though had other ideas. With only one out the rally began and with each advancing base runner the atmosphere grew greater until Kruk's grand moment.

"Like I said before, we just dont feel pressure even when losing," said Kruk, "when he fell behind I know I had him."

Rumors were swirling that the Pirates were looking to start 41 year old veteran Babe Adams in a potential game 5, but those decisions wont be needed after the Phillies become the first team to advance.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H E
Pittsburgh Pirates 1925	1	0	0	2	1	0	2	0	0	6	15	1
Philadelphia Phillies 1993	0	0	2	0	2	0	0	0	5	9	12	1

WP: Mitch Williams
LP: Lee Meadows

Home Runs:
PIT: P. Traynor 2 (0, 1st Inning off T. Mulholland, 0 on, 0 outs; 4th Inning off T. Mauser, 1 on, 1 out) G. Wright ( 4th Inning off T. Mauser, 0 on, 2 outs)
PHI: None
PHILLIES WIN SERIES 3-1

Series MVP



12/19 .631 average 1 HR 6 RBI

[Nick Soulis]

Next Matchup..

1959 Chicago White Sox vs 1908 Chicago Cubs

1959 Chicago White Sox
Record: 94-60
Finish: Lost in World Series
Manager: Al Lopez
Key Players:Early Wynn (SP), Luis Aparicio (SS), Sherm Lollar (C)
Team ERA: 3.29
Team batting: .250
Home Runs: 97

The Sox wont beat you with the long ball but will play small ball and utilize a quick infield and a very strong pitching staff. Luis Aparicio stole 56 bases and along with Nellie Foxx set the table for the offence. Early Wynn and Bob Shaw are a duo few would want to face in a short series. The Sox play well with a lead but are not known for making the big comeback.

1908 Chicago Cubs
Record: 99-55
Finish: Won 1908 World Series
Manager: Frank Chance
Key Players: Mordecai Brown (SP), Ed Ruelbach (SP), Johnny Evers (SS)
Team ERA: 2,14
Team batting: .249
Home Runs: 19

The starting duo of Brown and Ruelbach won a total of 53 games anchoring a pitching unit that had a laughable ERA of 2.14. There is no clout in the Cubs bats but they may have invented small ball, and whatever the Go Go Sox can do this team may just be able to do a little better.

Probable matchups
Game 1: Early Wynn (22-10, 3.17 ERA) vs Mordecai Brown (29-9, 1.47)
Game 2: Bob Shaw (18-6, 2.69) vs Ed Ruelbach (24-7, 2.03)
Game 3: Billy Pierce (14-15, 3.62) vs Jack Pfiester (12-10, 2.00)

[Goody]

Awesome.

Glad one Mariners team made the list, and that was the one year that I got to watch almost all the games in 2001. But I'll always feel this team was much better. One more good starting pitcher and they'd be toward the top of that list.

1997 Seattle Mariners Batting, Pitching, & Fielding Statistics - Baseball-Reference.com

[Nick Soulis]

Originally Posted by Goody

Awesome.

Glad one Mariners team made the list, and that was the one year that I got to watch almost all the games in 2001. But I'll always feel this team was much better. One more good starting pitcher and they'd be toward the top of that list.

1997 Seattle Mariners Batting, Pitching, & Fielding Statistics - Baseball-Reference.com

116 wins or something was totally amazing. I am a huge Griffey fan, one of the most underated players of our generation.

Hope you follow and enjoy...by the way the Mariners will be playing the 1940 Cincinnati Reds.

[Nick Soulis]

Game 1

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H
Chicago White Sox 1959	0	0	2	2	4	0	1	0	0	9	14	0
Chicago Cubs 1908	0	0	0	0	5	0	0	5	X	10	14	1

WP: Andy Coakley
LP: Rudy Arias
S: Rube Kroh

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: J. Landis
Ballpark: West Side Park II
Weather: Clear skies (22 degrees), wind blowing out to left at 9 mph
Start Time: 1:00 pm
Time: 3:08
Attendance: 8485
08 CUBS LEAD SERIES 1-0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
After trailing 8-0 in the 5th inning the Chicago Cubs came from behind to stun the Go Go Sox and take the opening game of the crosstown series. Mordecai Brown wasnt near himself on this day as he allowed 8 runs in 4.2 innings pitches, Jim Landis drove in three including a bases loaded double.
Early Wynn had a shutout going before the floor fell in and led by Frank "Wildfire" Schulte the Cubs scored 5 in the 5th and 5 more in the 8th. This game will be a real gut check for the Sox, who couldnt believe they blew this one.

[Nick Soulis]

Game 2

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Chicago White Sox 1959	0	0	1	0	2	0	0	0	1	4	13	1
Chicago Cubs 1908	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	6	1

WP: Bob Shaw
LP: Ed Ruelbach

Home Runs: E. Torgeson (0, 9th Inning off C. Lundgren, 0 on, 0 outs)

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: B. Shaw
Ballpark: West Side Park II
Weather: Partly Cloudy (16 degrees), wind blowing out to center at 9 mph
Start Time: 12:00 pm
Time: 2:33
Attendance: 9773
SERIES TIED AT 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Its Bob Shaw to the rescue for the White Sox who come back in game two and even the series going back to Comiskey Park.Shaw went 8 1/3 innings without allowing a run and never really getting in trouble until the 9th when he let up a couple of base runners and was replaced by Jerry Staley.

A two run 5th inning helped the Sox who cracked out 13 hits and have done very well against the dominant pitching staff of the Cubs.

[Nick Soulis]

I started up a blog...hopefully I can get some feedback on these matchups from there as well.

Thanks and hope people are following!

[Nick Soulis]

Game 3	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H
Chicago Cubs 1908	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	5	8	0
Chicago White Sox 1959	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	7	3

WP: Andy Coakley
LP: Ray Moore

Home Runs: L. Aparicio (0, 2nd Inning off J. Pfiester, 0 on, 0 outs)

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: B. Pierce
Ballpark: Comiskey Park
Weather: Clear skies (13 degrees), wind blowing right to left at 11 mph
Start Time: 7:00 pm
Time: 2:33
Attendance: 9982
1908 CUBS LEAD SERIES 2-1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------


A great pitchers duel between Billy Pierce and Jack Pfiester came down to the end but it was the scappy Cubbies who rallied in the 9th to break open a tie and beat he Sox.
It was two pinch hitters that got the big hits in concecutive order for the Cubs as Solly Hoffman and Pat Moran drove in two runs each in the crucial ninth.