Holliday, Christmas, Rudolph and the rest of the All-Holiday Team
Now Dasher! On Cupid! Hey Rudolph, you're pitching.
It's Christmas, so let's put together a full starting lineup of holiday-themed names. We've covered every position (although some players may not be playing in their go-to slot) and delved deep into baseball's past for a few names. So check out our squad, sing some Carrolls, let it Snow and everyone, have a very happy Holliday.
SP - Dick Rudolph: Yes, a man named Rudolph will be guiding this team tonight. The Fordham alum was a solid starter in the early 1900s, winning 26 games in 1914 and 22 the next season. The right-hander finished off his 13-year career with 121 victories and a respectable 2.66 ERA.
C - Steve Christmas: We could've subbed Jesus Montero in this spot, but when your name is Christmas, you kind of need to be on the All-Holiday Team. Steve appeared in 24 Major League games from 1983-'86, batting a solid .364 (in 11 at-bats) in '84.
1B - J.T. Snow: The holiday season means snow for many of us, and we're lucky enough to have a pretty good first baseman by that name. Jack Thomas Snow played 16 seasons in the Majors, tallying more than 1,500 hits and six Gold Gloves in that span. But 'tis the season of good deeds, and J.T. is probably most famous for saving a certain manager's son from near-disaster at home plate during the '02 World Series.
2B - Cupid Childs: Cupid was quicker than a reindeer. The speedster played 13 seasons in the dead ball era, mostly with the Cleveland Spiders and finished his career with more than 100 triples and 1,000 runs. He also hit a nifty .306.
3B - Buddy Bell: There are a ton of Bells and Belles in MLB history but we needed a third baseman, and Buddy was the best of that bunch. His first name also matches one of the greatest Christmas characters of all time. Bell played for 18 years, compiling more than 2,500 hits and six Gold Gloves. He's definitely one of the top players on this team.
SS - Dasher Troy: Troy wasn't much of a hitter and only played five years in the bigs, but can you imagine a DP combo of two guys named Cupid and Dasher?
LF - Jamey Carroll: Carroll is a useful utility guy and one of the few former Montreal Expos still playing in the Majors. He's primarily a second baseman but has appeared at seven different positions during his career, including 12 games in left field. And if he throws the ball from his position to third base, the announcer might say "Carroll to Bell" -- which is kind of close to Carol of the Bells.
CF - Matt Holliday: Now, here's a guy that's a superstar in today's game. We understand that his main position is left field but Matt, you're gonna have to take one for the team here. I'm sure you'll handle it fine. Holliday is a six-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger -- and he's only 32. He's also known for breaking stadiums with his home runs.
RF - (St.) Nick Markakis: Markakis is a consistent hitter and very strong defensive outfielder. He was a big part of the O's playoff run last year and is a fan favorite at Camden Yards. The one bad thing? He's probably the least holiday-themed name on this team.