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MLB All-Star Game: All-time team

By Dave Stevenson

Jul 27, 2014; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Plaques all installed in the museum for viewing after the class of 2014 national baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at National Baseball Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2014; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Plaques all installed in the museum for viewing after the class of 2014 national baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at National Baseball Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Outfield

Starting in left field… Barry Bonds. Yup, he might have used steroids. But nobody can say that for sure because he never tested positive. Major League Baseball tried to bust him for perjury, but they failed miserably. Steroids or not, Bonds is simply one of the best baseball players to ever play the game.

Bonds was a Hall of Fame talent even before he allegedly started using steroids. In his prime, Bonds was a five-tool player who could do everything well. He could hit for average, hit for power, get on base at a historic rate, was an extremely defender, and was even a great baserunner. Perhaps no hitter ever has been feared as much as Bonds. He was once intentionally walked with the bases loaded. That is the ultimate sign of respect. Bonds and his legendary talent, tainted or not, deserves a spot on this team.

Willie Mays is a must in center field. Mays has a claim for being the best player ever. If it’s not Babe Ruth, it’s probably Mays. Much like Bonds, Mays could do everything well and he did it while being arguably the best defensive outfielder in baseball history.

The last starting outfield spot is a tough one. There are so many deserving candidates. However, the best team ever would simply not be the best team ever without Ted Williams. Williams could have shattered records had he not been drafted during World War II. The greatest Red Sox player ever, you could make a case that Williams is one of the five most dominant hitters of all-time.

There is one last outfield spot, and it’s going to Stan “The Man” Musial. It would be a bit curious to see how Musial would find at bats in this deep lineup, but that’s a job for Joe Torre, not me. Musial was the St. Louis Cardinals version of Williams. Whether it’s by pinch hitting, spending some time at first base or designated hitter, or just giving Bonds or Williams a rest, Musial would be extremely valuable to this team.

Next: Designated Hitter

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