Re: Rick Ankiel is 46 today
Posted: 19 Jul 2025 16:32 pm
OK guys, I'm gonna flip over all the cards.
First, of course Ohtani should be on the list although I'm ashamed to say he never occurred to me. I found the question at bbref's bio page for Ankiel and took their info for gospel, but it's possible that page hasn't been updated since Rick retired.6
Second, Cy Seymour is correct. I've actually heard of him. He pitched effectively in the 1890s, winning 25 games once and twice leading the league in Ks.
Later he was a solid hitter in the 1910s. In 1905 he led the NL in hits, doubles, triples, RBI, BA and SLG. He hit 52 career homers.
Third, the final player is George Van Haltren, born in St Louis in 1866. Over 17 years he hit 69 HRs and stole nearly 600 bases. He was also starting pitcher 68 times, mostly for the NL Chicago White Stockings.
Here's a real oddity. Van Haltren is listed as a lefty but somehow he played 79 games at shortstop over the years. Not just emergencies but full games by the look of it, more than 700 innings. He had spot duty at second and third too.
Here are the links from bbref if any of you want to follow up and maybe find another Ohtani. Thanks for your responses.
Rick: https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Rick_Ankiel
Cy: https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Cy_Seymour
George: https://www.baseball-reference.com/bull ... an_Haltren
First, of course Ohtani should be on the list although I'm ashamed to say he never occurred to me. I found the question at bbref's bio page for Ankiel and took their info for gospel, but it's possible that page hasn't been updated since Rick retired.6
Second, Cy Seymour is correct. I've actually heard of him. He pitched effectively in the 1890s, winning 25 games once and twice leading the league in Ks.
Later he was a solid hitter in the 1910s. In 1905 he led the NL in hits, doubles, triples, RBI, BA and SLG. He hit 52 career homers.
Third, the final player is George Van Haltren, born in St Louis in 1866. Over 17 years he hit 69 HRs and stole nearly 600 bases. He was also starting pitcher 68 times, mostly for the NL Chicago White Stockings.
Here's a real oddity. Van Haltren is listed as a lefty but somehow he played 79 games at shortstop over the years. Not just emergencies but full games by the look of it, more than 700 innings. He had spot duty at second and third too.
Here are the links from bbref if any of you want to follow up and maybe find another Ohtani. Thanks for your responses.
Rick: https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Rick_Ankiel
Cy: https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Cy_Seymour
George: https://www.baseball-reference.com/bull ... an_Haltren
