The very best in baseball with last names beginning with the letter A

If you read last week's column, you have had seven days to prepare. I suggested that I was going to give you an all-time baseball team of sorts. All players had to have a last name beginning with the letter A. You were supposed to concoct your own team so that you could see how silly my picks seem to be. Now, if you think this is something I've been working on since the pandemic hit, you would be wrong. I have started these teams several times over the years simply for my amusement. I really never gave thought to the activity being a motivation for a column, but these are difficult times we are living in. If I can take your mind away from adversity for a few minutes, my diligence in this matter was worth it. My team will consist of eight position players, a right handed starter, a left handed starter, a closer and even a manager. For the most part I think the players I have chosen are the best ever at their respective positions, but with a couple of caveats. Choosing between Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays for an M team centerfielder is tough. Also, I have a few whims that may not suit your taste. Having given you reason to doubt my logic, are you ready to compare? Right Field – Hank Aaron. This one is a no-brainer, and if you think his 755 career home runs was the main consideration, you would be right. I also happen to admire what he accomplished under such duress. He came along at a time when Major League Baseball had recently broken the color barrier and he had to endure racial prejudice that most of us cannot imagine. Many believe he should still be considered the major league leader in career home runs, but we can argue that another day. For a man who played a position that when we were kids we begrudgingly sent the presumed worst player to, he did so with superb skill. Center Field – Richie Ashburn. The Phillies outfielder was an excellent fielder and had a lifetime batting average of .308. On our way to Florida each January for a golf trip, my buddies and I always stop in Ashburn, Georgia for a meal. I have no idea if this has anything to do with the former Whiz Kid outfielder! Left Field – Moises Alou. One member of the Alou family had to make this team and I had to choose between his dad Felipe, uncles Matty and Jesus, or the kid. I have two enduring memories of Moises Alou and both are not positive. Most of you will remember his anger when Cubs fan Steve Bartman grabbed for the ball that Alou may have caught. No, we are not going to start a conversation about the incident. I also remember when he went down after rounding first base while playing with the Expos. He had dislocated his ankle and his foot was turned in a way it shouldn't have. Moises looked into the dugout at his manager (father Felipe) with what was more disbelief than anything else. Despite these images, Moises Alou hit .303 for his career and is my choice in left field. First Base – Cap Anson. You have to go back to the 1880s to find this first sacker, but I'm going with him despite knowing little about him. He played for 27 seasons and hit .334 for his career. His hit total is in question, but most believe he had more than 3,000. He did bet on baseball, which will make Pete Rose fans angry, but it was legal then. Maybe he should be considered for simply having played for so many years! Second Base — Roberto Alomar. A great fielder, he also hit exactly .300 for his career so Alomar deserves the nod. The spitting incident leaves a little mark on him, but that was very out of character for Alomar and I'm sure he regrets it. Shortstop — Luis Aparicio. I remember the slick fielding shortstop for the Chicago White Sox. He likely would have made the Hall of Fame for his defense alone, but he also made contributions offensively. In addition to his timely hitting, he was a terror on the base paths as he led the American League in stolen bases for nine consecutive seasons. Third Base — Dick Allen. Richie Allen came on the scene as a hard-hitting third baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies. He pounded 351 home runs, and that made up for any defensive deficiencies. He also was a favorite of mine for his thoughts about artificial turf. I never could understand how a ground ball that barely eludes the second basemen could end up against the outfield fence. Allen agreed and once said "if a horse can't eat it, I don't want to play on it!" Catcher — Sandy Alomar. Perhaps I'm a little prejudiced because Sandy Alomar has always been a Cleveland Indian treasure, but he is my choice. I like the idea that his brother has made the team too. If you have a better choice, I'm listening. Right Handed Starting Pitcher — Grover Cleveland Alexander. The man had 373 wins and rumor had it that he could throw the ball into a tin can. Imagine a control pitcher with than many wins. Incredible! Left Handed Starting Pitcher –— Jim Abbott. This may be a bit of a reach, but I'm going with him. Yes, I think the fact that he played with just one hand has something to do with my choice. His profile suggests that he bats right handed throws left handed and fields left handed. Well, no kidding. It was incredible how he removed his glove and put it on his left hand after throwing a pitch. What he accomplished in his 11 seasons, which included a no-hitter, is remarkable and I think he is a worthy choice. Closer – Antonio Alfonseca. Admittedly there were not a lot of candidates for closer on my A team. Alfonseca was chosen in part as a counterpart to Jim Abbott. Whereas Abbott was missing a hand, Alfonseca had six fingers on each hand as well as six toes on each foot. The condition is known as polydactyly and he was proud of it. He had 87 saves and recorded 400 strikeouts for his career. Manager – Walter Alston. This was my toughest choice. Both Walter Alston and Sparky Anderson had great careers. Alston gets my nod for two reasons: he spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Dodgers and he worked every year on a one year contract, which would be unheard of these days. So there you go. I trust my A Team will be approved by Mr. T. If you are up to another mission – next week I will give you my B Team! Until next week: Be smart and stay safe. Al Stephenson is a columnist for The Advertiser-Tribune. Read his blog at: www.advertiser-tribune.com