Fansided

Constructing an all-time MLB Home Run Derby lineup

By Connor Muldowney

Apr 10, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach Mark McGwire looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach Mark McGwire looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 28, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter batting helmet in the dugout before the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter batting helmet in the dugout before the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

4. player. 43. . CF. New York Yankees. Mickey Mantle

If you’ve ever seen the movie 61*, you would know that Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris were two of the greatest power-hitting teammates to ever grace the game of baseball with their presence. However, Mantle got much more love from fans because he was said to be friendlier and more approachable than a reserved Maris.

Mantle was named an All-Star in all but two of his major league seasons and he battled injuries often throughout his career which was amazing considering he still managed to hit 536 career homers — averaging about 36 per season.

The New York Yankees‘ slugger won three MVP Awards over his career and had nine seasons of 30-plus home runs and two with 50-plus.

Although many people wanted to see Mantle break Babe Ruth’s record of 60 home runs in a single season, his teammate did so in 1961, hitting 61. During that same year, Mantle hit 54 out of the park. Can you imagine two teammates hitting 50-plus homers in the same year? That kind of prowess in the middle of the lineup causes nightmares for opposing pitchers.

Many believe that Mantle would have had an even more astounding career had it not been for his constant nagging knee injuries that caused him to call it quits.

Give me a healthy Mantle in the Home Run Derby and watch him swing away.

Next: 3. Mark McGwire

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