Fansided

Who is the best MLB player from each state?

By Joshua Sadlock

Sep 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) smiles to the bench after hitting a triple and driving in a run during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) smiles to the bench after hitting a triple and driving in a run during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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NEW YORK – SEPT 29 1936. Mel Ott, New York Giants Hall of Fame outfielder, practices his unusual swing in preparation for the upcoming World Series of 1936. This is the first image in a series of four. (Photo Mark Rucker/Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images)
NEW YORK – SEPT 29 1936. Mel Ott, New York Giants Hall of Fame outfielder, practices his unusual swing in preparation for the upcoming World Series of 1936. This is the first image in a series of four. (Photo Mark Rucker/Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images) /

Louisiana: Mel Ott

Down on the bayou, the LSU Tigers and New Orleans Saints rule, but Louisiana has sent its fair share of sluggers to the big leagues. None can top the great Mel Ott, though Bill Dickey comes close. The Hall of Famer was born in 1909 in Gretna, a suburb of New Orleans.

Ott was a small man, standing just 5-foot-9, but he packed big power. The left-hander had one of the more interesting batting stances, with a high, extended leg kick. He became the first National League player to hit more than 500 home runs. Ott played his entire 22-year career with the New York Giants and led the NL in home runs six times. His was a career of quiet consistency. He only hit more than 40 home runs once, but kept his career batting average above .300.

After his playing days ended, Ott went right into the booth, calling games for the Tigers. His life was tragically cut short in 1958 after a car accident in Mississippi. Ott was one of the deceased players honored in the classic baseball film Field of Dreams. The home-run champ in the National League every year receives the Mel Ott award.

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