Sports History

Born: April 17, 1967 in Atlanta, Georgia, was MLB legend Marquis Grissom. Grissom played in Major League Baseball for the Montreal Expos, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants between 1989 and 2005 as a center fielder. Marquis played ball for for 16 seasons as he batted 0.272 for his career, had an On Base percentage of 0.415, with 227 career Home Runs, and 4 Gold Glove Awarded Seasons. He is one of the top MLB Number 9 Jersey players.

Born December 1, 1966, in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, was Baseball Hall of Fame Right Fielder and First Baseman Larry Walker. This legend won three MLB Batting Titles, seven Gold Glove Awards, and was a National League MVP. Walker played for the Montreal Expos, Colorado Rockies, and St. Louis Cardinals during his productive 17-year MLB career, which saw him bat .313 with over 2100 hits.

Born September 16, 1959, in Sanford, Florida Baseball Hall of Fame Left Fielder, Tim Raines. This solid fielder, hitter and base stealing sensation was a seven-time MLB All-Star. He was a World Series Champion in 1996, 98, 2005 and the National League batting champion 1986. Raines played for the Montreal Expos, New York Yankees, and Chicago White Sox.

Born April 14, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was MLB legend Pete Rose. He was often called by his nickname, "Charlie Hustle", and was not only a former player but a manager as well. Rose played in Major League Baseball from 1963 to 1986, most well-known as a member of the Cincinnati Reds but also played for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Montreal Expos. Rose played the positions of , First Baseman, Left Fielder, Third Baseman, Second Baseman, Right Field, and Center Field wearing the number 14 on the Cincinnati Reds (1963-78, 1984-86), Philadelphia Phillies (1979-83), and the Montreal Expos (1984) for 24 seasons as he batted 0.303 for his career, had an On Base percentage of 0.409, with 160 career Home Runs, and 2 Gold Glove Awarded Seasons.

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Baseball purists revere him, and fans remember the thunder of his bat. Gary Carter, nicknamed "The Kid" for his youthful exuberance throughout his long career, was a cornerstone catcher not just for the New York Mets, but for the entire game. This article delves into the life and legacy of this iconic figure, exploring his defensive mastery, clutch hitting, and the impact he left on the sport he loved.

A great YouTube video of Gary Carter's MLB highlights. Born April 8, 1954, in Culver City, CA, was Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter.

Gary Carter besides Catcher played a bit of Right Field, First Base, Left Field, and Third Base, wearing the number 8 on the Montreal Expos (1975-84 and 1992), New York Mets (1985-89), San Francisco Giants (1990), and Los Angeles Dodgers (1991) for 18 seasons as he batted 0.262 for his career, had an On Base percentage of 0.439, with 324 career Home Runs, and 3 Gold Glove Awarded Seasons.

He is one of the top MLB players that ever wore the Number 8 Jersey.

"Vlad the Impaler" wasn't just a nickname; it embodied the electrifying career of Vladimir Guerrero, a baseball player whose bat crackled with power and whose passion on the field captivated fans for 16 seasons (1994-2010). His journey from the Dominican Republic to the Baseball Hall of Fame is a story of raw talent, unwavering dedication, and an infectious love for the game.

Guerrero's professional career began in his native Dominican Republic before he signed with the Montreal Expos in 1993. His MLB debut in 1994 showcased his immense potential, and by 1997, he established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His swing, a violent yet graceful combination of power and precision, launched towering home runs, earning him eight Silver Slugger awards and the 2004 AL MVP trophy.

Beyond his hitting prowess, Guerrero's defense in right field was equally impressive. His acrobatic catches and laser throws made him a highlight reel magnet and earned him five Gold Glove awards. His fiery spirit and hustle were contagious, inspiring his teammates and electrifying the crowd.

After a decade with the Expos, Guerrero embarked on new chapters with the Anaheim Angels and the Texas Rangers, continuing to display his power and leadership. Throughout his career, he amassed 449 home runs, 1496 RBIs, and a lifetime batting average of .318, solidifying his place among baseball's elite.

However, Guerrero's legacy extends beyond statistics. He was a fan favorite, beloved for his genuine personality, infectious smile, and visible passion for the game. He embraced his fans, particularly those from his Dominican homeland, inspiring countless young players and embodying the spirit of the sport.

In 2018, Vladimir Guerrero earned his rightful place in Cooperstown, joining the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Born October 25, 1971, in Manoguayabo, Dominican Republic, was Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher, Pedro Martínez.

This legend was an eight-time MLB All-Star, helped the Red Sox win the World Series in 2004. Also to his credit are the Cy Young Award 1997, 99, 2000, and the Triple Crown 1999.

Martinez played with the Montreal Expos and the Boston Red Sox.

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Andre Dawson, nicknamed "The Hawk" and "Awesome Dawson," was an American baseball outfielder who left an indelible mark on the game throughout his 21-year career. Known for his exceptional hitting power, defensive prowess, and fierce competitiveness, Dawson carved a path to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010.

Early Life and Career Beginnings:

Born in Miami, Florida, in 1954, Dawson's talent was evident early on. Drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1975, he quickly rose through the minor leagues, showcasing his power-hitting potential. He made his major league debut in 1976 and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with.

A Forceful Hitter and Defender:

-Dawson's offensive prowess was undeniable. He finished his career with a .279 batting average, 438 home runs, and 1,591 RBIs, earning four Silver Slugger awards. He was also a master of hitting to all fields, consistently exceeding 200 hits in a season several times.

-Beyond his hitting, Dawson was also a defensive stalwart. He won eight Gold Glove Awards, showcasing exceptional range and a strong throwing arm in the outfield. His defensive contributions were essential to his teams' success throughout his career.

Career Highlights and Legacy:

Dawson spent his prime years with the Montreal Expos, leading them to several postseason appearances. He was also an eight-time All-Star and won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1977. Later in his career, he played for the Chicago Cubs, Florida Marlins, and Boston Red Sox, adding further accolades and solidifying his reputation as a well-rounded player.

Andre Dawson was a great batter and fielder for the Montreal Expos, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and Florida Marlins.

Born December 4, 1957, in Jamestown, Louisiana, Pitcher Lee Smith was a Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher. This legend took the hill for the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, St Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, California Angels, Cincinnati Reds, and Montreal Expos during his 18-year MLB career. Lee was a seven-time All-Star and three-time Rolaids Relief Pitcher of the Year.

James Timothy "Mudcat" Grant wasn't your typical baseball star. Emerging from the segregated world of the Negro Leagues, he carved a successful path in Major League Baseball, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, pitching prowess, and a truly memorable nickname.

Born in 1935, Grant's journey began far from the bright lights of MLB stadiums. He honed his skills in Florida, eventually attending Florida A&M University. Denied the opportunity to showcase his talent in the major leagues due to segregation, he played for the Indianapolis Clowns, a prominent Negro Leagues team. Here, he earned the nickname "Mudcat" – a playful reference to his childhood nickname "Mud" and his deceptive curveball, a pitch that seemed to disappear like a fastball sinking into mud.

In 1958, with the dawn of the Civil Rights Movement and the integration of baseball, Grant finally broke into the majors with the Cleveland Indians. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His smooth delivery, sharp fastball, and that signature curveball made him a nightmare for opposing batters.

Grant's finest season came in 1965 with the Minnesota Twins. He became a dominant ace, leading the league in wins (21) and complete games (10) while compiling an impressive 3.04 ERA. He was a key factor in propelling the Twins to the World Series, where he even contributed at the plate, becoming only the second American League pitcher to hit a home run in the Fall Classic.

Mudcat's career spanned 14 seasons, during which he played for seven different teams, including the iconic Oakland Athletics of the late 1960s. He later reinvented himself as a closer, recording 24 saves for the A's in 1970 – one of the few pitchers in history to achieve both 20 wins and 20 saves in a single season.

Born August 13, 1935, in Lacoochee, Florida, was MLB legendary Pitcher, Jim "Mudcat" Grant. He was an MLB All-Star 1963, 65 and played ball for the Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins, as well as some short stints with the Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland Athletics, and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Grant's talent went far beyond the baseball diamons as he also was a talented singer and writer with his book titled Black Aces.