Special Sub-Topic: I Just Couldn't Leave Authored by: Nightmare Sub-topic of: Teams & Players

The color barrier was broken by the great Jackie Robinson. Which team did he play his entire Major League career with?

Brooklyn Dodgers. Robinson was signed by Dodger owner Branch Rickey, and he began his career in 1947. Robinson, winning the Rookie of the Year Award, then won the National League MVP Award in 1949, beating out Stan Musial of the Cardinals. Robinson played from 1947-1956, and was a 1962 Hall of Fame inductee.

This great Pirate and humanitarian, played for 18 seasons from 1955-1972. His life was cut short when his chartered plane crashed carrying relief supplies to Central America. He left the game and life with exactly 3000 career hits. Who is he?

Roberto Clemente. A black mark in baseball was New Year's Eve 1972. The Puerto Rican born player was the 1966 National League MVP, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973, just months after his untimely death.

I played many seasons with another loyal Pirate, Willie Stargell. I won eight Gold Gloves at second base. I never led the league in anything, but was most noted for hitting the first bottom of the ninth inning World Series winning home run. Who am I?

Bill Mazeroski. Mazeroski was a Pirate from 1956-1972. He came to fame in 1960, when his home run defeated the New York Yankees in the World Series. Although a historical shot in time, the Yankees' Bobby Richardson won the series MVP Award.

From 1962-1979, New York Mets' fans saw me at first base for 18 seasons. I was the youngest player in 1962 at the age of 17. I never led the league in anything. My only career highlight was my 1969 World Series home run against the Orioles. Who am I?

Ed Kranepool. The others never played first base, and never played for the Mets. Kranepool went to one all-star game in 1965. He retired with a .261 batting average along with 118 home runs.

23 seasons saw me in an Oriole uniform. I was one of the greatest third baseman in the history of baseball. My 16 Gold Gloves, 15 all-star appearances, and my 1964 American League MVP will attest to that. Who am I?

Brooks Robinson. Although all baseball greats, the others never played in the American League. Robinson was an eye-opener to baseball in 1955. 23 seasons later it was over. Brooks was the 1970 World Series MVP, batting .429 and hitting two home runs. The Hall of Fame opened its doors to him in 1983.

I played my entire career of 22 seasons as a St. Louis Cardinal. I won three season MVP Awards, and was in the top 10 voting an amazing 14 times. Who am I?

Stan Musial. One of the greatest all-around players in history, Musial played from 1941-1963. Nicknamed, Stan the Man, he won seven batting titles, and was a 20-time all-star. Musial led the league in every major batting at least once, except for home runs. Although he never took a home run crown, he still hit 475 in his great career.

Like the great Ernie Banks, I played my entire career as a Cub. Many historians place me as the greatest third baseman until Mike Schmidt came to Major Leagues. My career spanned 1932-1947. I later managed the Cubs for three seasons. The others listed all played for the Giants. Who am I?

Stan Hack. The others listed were indeed all Giants. Hack was said to be the greatest third baseman since Pirate Pie Traynor, but their numbers certainly did not compare, as Traynor was a multiple selection for the MVP Award. Hack went to four World Series, losing two via the Yankees, and two by way of the Tigers.

I played for 17 seasons on the same team in the National League. My career started with winning the Rookie of the Year Award in 1968, along with a Gold Glove at catcher. I went on to win two season MVP's in 1970 and 1972. Appearing in four World Series, I hit five home runs. 1989 saw me inducted into the Hall of Fame. Which team did I play for in my entire career?

Cincinnati Reds. The player in question was the great Johnny Bench of the Big Red Machine. Bench's reign stretched from 1967-1983. He later went into television, starring in a show titled, "Hee Haw", then went into sports broadcasting.

I was a 22 season New York Giant. Behind Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx, I was the third player in history to 500 home runs. I was seen 12 times in the outfield of all-star games. Who am I?

Mel Ott. The others listed never played for the NY Giants, and are not members of the 500 home run club. Ott, nicknamed, Master Melvin, played the game from 1926-1947. Another one of these one-team players, Ott led the National League in home runs for six seasons. His 511 career home runs, made him the third member of the 500 club in baseball history. 1951 saw him inducted into the Hall of Fame.

I was a pitcher with the Cardinals for 17 great seasons. I was a four-time Cy Young Award nominee, and won it twice. My first in 1968, was mostly on account of my 1.12 ERA, along with going 22-9. Who am I?

Bob Gibson. The others were not pitchers. Gibson owned the National League along with Dodger great Sandy Koufax in the 1960s. Bob's second Cy Young came in 1970, but the Cardinals finished a dismal fourth in the NL East. Nicknamed 'Hoot', Gibson retired with a win-loss record of 251-174. Gibson was inducted into the Hall in 1981.