### Honoring the Legends: A Day of Remembrance in Baseball
In a poignant tribute to the heroes of America’s pastime, baseball has officially declared a day of remembrance to honor the “Team of Legends,” a group of iconic players who shaped the sport and captured the hearts of fans across generations. This year, as the sun sets on an unforgettable season, baseball’s community stands united to celebrate the remarkable lives and careers of those who have left an indelible mark on the game.
#### A Legacy of Greatness
Baseball is more than just a game; it’s a tapestry woven with stories of triumph, perseverance, and camaraderie. The Team of Legends represents the pinnacle of this rich narrative, comprising players who transcended their roles as athletes to become cultural icons. From legendary hitters and masterful pitchers to charismatic managers, these figures not only redefined the sport but also inspired countless individuals both on and off the field.
This year, the loss of several members of this illustrious team has left a palpable void in the hearts of fans. Their contributions to the game and society will be forever cherished, making this day of remembrance both a celebration of their achievements and a moment of reflection on their impact.
#### A Day of Reflection
Scheduled for the final Sunday of the regular season, the day will feature a series of events designed to honor the memory of these legends. Major League Baseball (MLB) is encouraging teams across the league to participate by hosting special ceremonies, where fans can gather to share stories, reminisce about unforgettable moments, and pay tribute to those who have passed.
Stadiums will host video montages highlighting the achievements and careers of the legends, while players will don special commemorative patches on their uniforms to symbolize their respect and gratitude. In addition, a moment of silence will be observed before each game, allowing fans and players alike to reflect on the profound influence these icons had on the sport.
#### Community Engagement
In a show of solidarity, MLB has partnered with local charities to create initiatives that reflect the values embodied by the legends. Proceeds from commemorative merchandise and special events will be directed toward youth baseball programs, ensuring that the legacy of these greats lives on through future generations. By fostering a love for the game among young players, the spirit of the Team of Legends will continue to inspire those who dream of stepping onto the field one day.
Moreover, fans are encouraged to share their personal stories and memories on social media using the hashtag #TeamOfLegends. This digital remembrance aims to create a mosaic of experiences, showcasing how these players influenced lives beyond the diamond. It’s a reminder that while they may be gone, their spirit continues to resonate with fans around the world.
#### The Emotional Impact
For many, the loss of these legends feels deeply personal. They were more than just players; they were mentors, heroes, and sources of joy during challenging times. The impact of their careers extended far beyond statistics and accolades. They united communities, sparked conversations, and served as beacons of hope. Their stories are intertwined with the fabric of the sport, and their absence is felt keenly in the hearts of fans who grew up idolizing them.
This day of remembrance not only honors the legacy of the fallen but also rekindles the passion for baseball that they instilled in countless fans. It serves as a powerful reminder of the role sports play in bringing people together, fostering connections, and creating lasting memories.
#### A Celebration of Life
As fans gather in stadiums and living rooms across the nation, they will remember not just the losses, but also the joy these legends brought to the game. The day will be a celebration of life, a chance to reflect on the moments that made baseball magical. It’s a time to remember the laughter, the heart-stopping plays, and the lessons learned through the sport.
In honoring the Team of Legends, baseball reaffirms its commitment to preserving the history and heritage of the game. Their legacies will forever inspire new generations of players and fans, ensuring that the spirit of baseball continues to thrive for years to come.
2020 has been a difficult year of loss in every corner of the world. It’s also been keenly cruel to the collective memory of Major League Baseball — and its best players. To be sure, we lose icons in the sport every year. But the sheer number and depth of the talent among those who died in 2020 is overwhelming.
In the span of just a few weeks, not just one but two iconic St. Louis Cardinals died: Bob Gibson and Lou Brock. These were defining members of many Cardinals championship teams as players who stayed within the St. Louis family for decades after their careers ended. They were routinely included in opening day festivities at Busch Stadium, wearing their red jackets.
We lost Tom Seaver, the defining Met. Joe Morgan, perhaps the best second baseman to ever play the game, with the Cincinnati Reds and numerous other teams. Whitey Ford, big game pitcher par excellence for the New York Yankees. Al Kaline: Mr. Tiger. And just Saturday, we lost Phil Neikro, the master of the knuckleball.
That’s seven Hall of Fame players. To put it in perspective, we lost seven Hall of Famers combined from 2016 to 2019: Frank Robinson in 2019; Willie McCovey and Red Schoendienst in 2018; Roy Halladay, Jim Bunning and Bobby Doerr in 2017; and Monte Irvin in 2016.
The last time as many as four Hall of Famers died was 2010, when Ron Santo, Robin Roberts, Bob Feller and Sparky Anderson all passed — though Anderson had earned induction as a manager, not a player. Most years since the turn of the century, it’s one or two Hall of Famers; in 2004 and 2008, it was none.
What also separates 2020, though, is the sheer depth of talent we lost. And that’s been what continues to hit home for me: the list includes longtime stars, All-Stars and postseason heroes beyond those who were inducted into Cooperstown. To make sense of it all, I wanted to think of it in baseball terms, to appreciate just how much player production came from players who have died in 2020.
This year has seen the deaths of 15 hitters and nine pitchers with at least 10 career wins above replacement,1 including 10 above 40 WAR. Compare that to 2019: eight hitters, six pitchers above 10 WAR, just three players above 40. Or 2018: eight hitters, seven pitchers at or above 10 WAR, with McCovey, Schoendienst and Rusty Staub the only three above 40.
This is no mere calculation. Every hit, every strikeout, every diving catch is remembered by thousands of people, those who watched or listened to it, those who witnessed it in person. So to truly comprehend the number and ability of the baseball players we lost in 2020, I’ve compiled a 26-man roster of those who died this year. Say what you will about the Dodgers: This is a team that I think could beat anyone.
Hitters
Starting lineup
C Hal Smith, 4.2 career WAR, 1955-64: Smith enjoyed a distinguished decade-long career catching for the Orioles, Kansas City Athletics, Pirates, Houston Colt .45s and Reds. He played a key role for the 1960 World Champion Pirates, slashing .295/.351/.508 for the eventual winners, and served as Houston’s catcher in the team’s very first game in 1962. He homered, too, as the Colt .45s won 11-2. Smith finished his career with three double-digit home run seasons, a slash line of .267/.317/.394, and yet somehow, on this team, he’s probably the No. 8 hitter.
1B Bob Watson, 28.3 WAR, 1966-84: Among the many distinguished, if not quite Hall of Fame worthy, players on this team, Watson made a pair of All-Star teams and earned MVP votes in three different seasons. The longtime Astro — who also saw time with the Red Sox, Yankees and Braves — drove in 100 runs twice. 1975 is an example of his typical consistency: a .324/.375/.495 slash line, with 18 home runs and an OPS+ of 149.
2B Joe Morgan, 100.5 WAR, 1963-84: The most valuable everyday player and owner of the second-best WAR on the roster, Morgan defined the position of second base for more than two decades. He made 10 All-Star teams, captured two MLB MVPs as the best player on the Cincinnati Reds dynasty of the mid-1970s, and did essentially everything well on a baseball field. His career slash line of .271/.392/.427 understates his offensive greatness, with much of that raw production coming during the offensively challenged 1960s. His OPS+ of 132 is impressive for any position, but it’s fourth all-time among the 177 primary second basemen with at least 1,000 games played in MLB history.
3B Dick Allen, 58.8 WAR, 1963-77: From a legacy perspective, this hurts most of all. Allen is, by all rights, a Hall of Famer, but his reputation of being difficult — something our 2020 eyes must see through the lens of being an outspoken Black man in Philadelphia in the 1960s — kept him from enshrinement. He looked set to get enough votes from this year’s Golden Era Veterans’ Committee, but COVID-19 pushed back by a year that meeting, which is held in person. Now, if and when the call is made to honor a career featuring a remarkable 156 career OPS+, the NL Rookie of the Year award, seven All-Star seasons and an AL MVP award, it will be up to the rest of us to stress how long overdue it was.
SS Tony Fernández, 45.3 WAR, 1983-2001: Fernández falls just shy of Hall of Fame enshrinement, according to Jay Jaffe, the dean of such evaluations, but had a tremendous career all the same. He made five All-Star teams and won four Gold Gloves at the most important defensive position, with a .288/.347/.399 career slash line. He stole 20 bases or more in seven seasons and played on five different postseason teams — with .327/.367/.420 career production in the playoffs.
LF Lou Brock, 45.4 WAR, 1961-79: The prototype for the speedy leadoff hitter, Brock stole 938 bases, made six All-Star teams and served as a fixture for three NL pennant-winning teams in St. Louis, including the World Series winners in 1964 and 1967. Brock’s raw slash line of .293/.343/.410 is also underrated because of the era — he led the NL in doubles and triples in 1968, and his ability to collect hits never disappeared. He finished with a .298 average over the final decade of his career, and in his final season at age 40, he hit .304.
CF Jim Wynn, 55.8 WAR, 1963-77: To get a sense of how great Jimmy Wynn was, consider that there are three Hall of Fame hitters on this roster, and yet Wynn’s WAR ranks third among them in the group, ahead of Brock. Wynn would have been adored by the sabermetric crowd — he produced a park-adjusted OPS+ of 129 — but a low batting average compounded by the era in which he played for much of his time made for a career slash line of just .250/.366/.436. (For context: Carlos Beltran, playing in a much more hitting-friendly period, finished with a raw slash line of .279/.350/.486, but his OPS+ was just 119.) Even so, Wynn cleared 30 home runs in three seasons, made three All-Star teams and would probably hit cleanup in this stacked lineup.
RF Al Kaline, 92.8 WAR, 1953-74: Mr. Tiger, one of the greatest to ever play the game, was an 18-time All-Star with 10 Gold Gloves. By WAR, he’s the fourth-best right fielder in the history of the game, trailing only Hank Aaron, Mel Ott and Roberto Clemente. His greatness started early — a batting title at age 20 — and didn’t wane for decades, with Kaline hitting .379/.400/.655 in the 1968 World Series for the Tigers in a win over the Cardinals. Kaline would be the three hitter in this lineup and a formidable figure on any team.
Bench
3B Tony Taylor, 23.2 WAR, 1958-76: Taylor made both All-Star teams in 1960 (they played twice back then!), served as a key member of some good and many not-so-good Phillies teams and eventually enjoyed three — yes, three — Tony Taylor Days in Philadelphia. Don’t let them fool you about Philly fans.
OF Claudell Washington, 19.6 WAR, 1974-90: A two-time All-Star and perfect fourth outfielder who played all three positions.
2B Frank Bolling, 16.9 WAR, 1954-66: Bolling was an elite fielder at second base with some power and was an All-Star in 1961 and 1962.
OF/1B Jay Johnstone, 16.5 WAR, 1966-85: A lefty bat off the bench who could play all three outfield positions along with first base.
IF Horace Clarke, 15.7 WAR, 1965-74: Clarke was a defining Yankee, to fans of a certain age, who could play second, third and short.
C Ed FitzGerald, 1.4 WAR, 1948-59: FitzGerald was a defense-first backup catcher.
2B Glenn Beckert, 15.6 WAR, 1965-75: A four-time All-Star and a Gold Glove winner at second base who could fill in around the infield or outfield.
Honorable mention: 1965 World Series hero OF Sweet Lou Johnson, 2B Damaso Garcia and 3B/SS Kim Batiste, who did this in the first playoff game I ever attended.
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