Thursday, May 3, 2012

All-Time Italian MLB Team

With the recent recall of Alessandro (Alex) Liddi, the first MLB player born and raised in Italy (See   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Liddi), I got to thinking about the greatest Italian-American team of all-time (as noted by surname).  The list is impressive (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Italian_Americans_in_sports#Baseball).  One may posit that Italians have had their fair share of great ballplayers.  Here is my list:

C: Yogi Berra (Honorable Mention: Roy Campanella, Mike Piazza, Ernie Lombardi, Joe Garagiola, Chris Canizzaro, Francisco Cervelli)
1B: Phil Cavaretta (HM: Joe Pepitone; Dolph Camilli, Rico Brogna)
2B: Craig Biggio (HM: Tony Lazzeri; Marco Scutaro; Ken Aspromonte)
SS: Phil Rizzuto (HM: Frank Crosetti; Rich Aurilia; Gary DiSarcina)
3B: Ron Santo (HM: Robin Ventura; Sal Bando; Gary Gaetti; Ken Caminiti; Bob Aspromonte)
OF: Joe DiMaggio; Carl Furillo; Rocky Colavito (HM: Dom DiMaggio; Bernie Carbo; Tony Conigliaro; Rico Petrocelli; Chris Denorfia; + Al Gionfriddo & Cookie Lavagetto - for defensive purposes)
DH: Jason Giambi (HM: Steve Balboni; Rocco Baldelli; Pete Incaviglia; Rico Brogna; Mike Pagliarulo) - pragmatically, you may want to put Campanella or Piazza here
Utility: Frank Catalanatto: (HM: Nick Punto; Mickey Morandini; Lou Merloni; Mike DiFelice; Mark DeRosa; Tony Graffanino; Mark Loretta; Lee Mazzilli; John Cangelosi (Pinch-Runner))
SP: Frank Viola; Johnny Antonelli; Vic Raschi; Tom Candiotti; Sal Maglie; (HM: Barry Zito; Ralph Branca; John Montefusco; John D'Acquisto; Larry Gura)
RP: John Franco (HM: Dave Righetti; Dave Giusti, Calvin Schiraldi - at least as mop-up man)
Coaching Staff: Manager: Tony LaRussa; Coaches: Joe Torre; Tommy Lasorda; Mike Scioscia; Joe Girardi; Terry Francona; Jim Fregosi; Leo Mazzone (Pitching Coach); Joe Amalfatano; Joe Altobelli, Frank Lucchesi

My basic conclusions from this list is that there is a relative paucity of great Italian pitchers and first basemen and relative plethora of Italian catchers and managers.  Torre, Scioscia, and Girardi are examples of this intersection.  I gave the nod to LaRussa because of his unlikely win last year.  Phil Cavaretta was the first Italian manager, however, this helped give him the nod at 1B.  Other close calls at 2B, 3B, OF, & SP.  I gave the utility honor to Catalanatto because of his multiple positions, relative longevity, & the fact that he was on the 2009 World Baseball Classic for Italy (along with Liddi, Punto, Piazza, Cervelli, and Denorfia).  I'm sure others will pitch in their two cents.  Let me know what you all think.  Cheers, dk

PS Odd Fact: Ralph Branca once won 17 consecutive games on the TV show Concentration in 1963.  He is the father-in-law of Bobby Valentine.  Branca was relieved by Sandy Koufax in his last spring training game.  Koufax's first major-league strikeout was Bobby Thomson.  

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