Batting champ in 1946, '53, Mickey Vernon dies at age 90

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Posted By: Neal

JUST READ THIS AND WANTED TO OFFER MY CONDOLENCES TO THE VERNON FAMILY!

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3607455

RIP IN MICK!

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Posted By: Scott Sarian

One of the few players who played in 4 different decades, Vernon was a great player.

Rest in peace...

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Posted By: Jim VB

Scott,

Here's what I show as the complete list of players from 4 or more decades. Anyone have any additions?


MLB Players Who Played in 4 or More Decades


Player Years

Mike Morgan 1978-2002
Rickey Henderson 1979-2003
Jesse Orosco 1979-2003
Tim Raines1979-2001
Carlton Fisk 1969-93
Rick Dempsey 1969-92
Bill Buckner 1969-90
Jerry Reuss 1969-90
Nolan Ryan 1966-93
Jim Kaat 1959-83
Tim McCarver 1959-80
Willie McCovey1959-80
Minnie Minoso 1949-80*
Early Wynn 1939-63
Mickey Vernon 1939-60
Ted Williams 1939-60
Bobo Newsom 1929-53
Jack Quinn 1909-33
Eddie Collins 1906-30
Nick Altrock 1898-33*
Jack Ryan 1889-13
Kid Gleason 1888-12
Jack O'Connor 1887-10
Deacon McGuire 1884-12
Dan Brouthers 1879-04
Jim O'Rourke 1876-04






* Five decades

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Posted By: Steve Murray

Yes, condolences to the Vernon family. But I'll tell you what, 90 ain't that bad!!!

OT
Minnie Minoso 1949-80**

Minnie's entry deserves two asterisks. The White Sox pulled him out of a four year retirement in 1980 to play in two games with two at bats as a publicity stunt and to allow him to qualify for the 5 decade club. At the time Minnie was 54 years old.

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Posted By: Bill Todd

The five decades of play was pretty much a gimmick for Altrock, too. He blew out his arm after the 1906 season, and his last year as a full-time player was 1907, when he pitched in 30 games for the White Sox. He appeared in only five games after 1918: 1 each in '19, '24, '29, '31, and '33. His final appearance was in the final game of the 1933 season, after the Nats had their (also final, alas) pennant locked down.

Bill

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Posted By: Anthony S.

The inclusion of Jesse Orosco on that list is an example of why a father should tape his son's right arm to his side until he's 5 years old. Because if you're left-handed and you can get one or two batters out every third game, you can pitch forever.

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Posted By: Jim VB

Candidates for additions to this list in 2010???


I excluded anyone who did not play this year, even though they may not be officially "retired" (e.g.- Bonds, Sosa). Here's what I came up with:

Gary Sheffield (looks like he's got nothing left)
Tom Gordon
Ken Griffey (ditto what I said on Sheffield)
Omar Vizquel
Greg Maddux
Tom Glavine
John Smoltz
Kent Merker (just announced his retirement, but who knows)
Jaimie Moyer (46 already, but I think he's 15-7 this year)



Anybody have any more possibilities?

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Posted By: Rich Klein

EOM

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Posted By: Wil Jordan

One of the best hitters of his era. I loved that sweet swing. Very underrated.

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Posted By: Anonymous

A possible Hall of Famer with the 2 years he lost in his prime to WW2.

He would have had at least 2800 hits with those 2 seasons.

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Posted By: howard

According to Bill James Mickey Vernon would have been a clear hall of famer if he did not play in the worst hitters park of his time (Griffith Stadium), did not suffer from a bad back for years and, as previously mentioned, did not miss two prime seasons to WW2. Even if just one of those things had been different he would have a pretty strong case.

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Posted By: jdrum

A very obliging signer and correspondent through the mail for many years after his playing days. I used to write him notes about the toughest pitcher, favorite ballpark, best teammate. Those old Senators had a couple of guys who were great to correspond with, Mickey and Cecil Travis. Sadly, both now gone. RIP Mickey. (edit: spellin')

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Posted By: john

4 decades:

Jim Kaat, barely, 3 games in 1959