Happy birthday to one of the best ever, Mel Ott

Melvin Thomas Ott, or simply Mel, was one of the greatest hitters in MLB history. He might also be one of the best players to never win an MVP award. Ott led the league in homers six times throughout his career. He was a 12-time All-Star from 1934-45, a member of the 1933 World Series champion New York Giants and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1951.

Ott once said, "I could watch the fans yelling and laughing and I'd think, 'What an ungrateful fellow a ballplayer would be who just didn't give everything he had every moment of every inning in every game.'"

During his playing days, Ott was the first to accomplish many impressive milestones. He is the youngest player to hit 100 and 200 career home runs and drive in 1,000 runs. He holds the record for the most homers in one city, blasting 348 in New York (a guy by the name of Ruth is second with 344).

Ott passed away on Nov. 21, 1958 in New Orleans, La., in a car accident. A year later, the Little League of Amherst, N.Y., changed its name to the Mel Ott Little League in his honor. Ott was admired by fans and still remains one of the greatest hitters the game has ever seen.