Memorial Day Baseball All-Star Lineup
I have the hardest time with Memorial Day as a “holiday.” I still get Memorial Day and Labor Day mixed up from time to time, so this isn’t a finger wagging at you. It’s just odd to me because we’re supposed to be honoring those who have died for our rights as American citizens, yet most people don’t know that. Instead, we wish people a “happy” Memorial Day and celebrate the unofficial start of summer.
I heard Marc Silverman of the “Waddle and Silvy” show put Memorial Day on the top of his “Holiday Power Rankings.” Now, I’m not self-righteous and fake patriotic. I’m not the NFL. Part of the American resolve is to take tragedies and turn them into positives. We celebrate the lives and our freedoms because of those who have perished. We laugh at comedians like Anthony Jeselnik who I can’t wait to see on the 23rd of June, for their irreverence.
It’s part of our fabric. I just think it’s an odd. It’s like when you’re walking down the street directly towards another person and you both step the same way. Then finish by laughing awkwardly, but the whole time you’re thinking, “Am I a complete weirdo or are they?” The answer is yes.
That being said, I wanted to give you some tips for Memorial Day enjoyment. Here is my Memorial Day All-Star team. It’s going to be 10 players served our country and 10 must haves on Memorial Day:
2B/Music
Jackie Robinson is a hero beyond the baseball field as we all know, but for his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, his time saving the world in WWII is overlooked. He finished as a Second Lieutenant with an Honorable Discharge. He’s the table setter in this lineup of heroes. Just like music does for your party, he sets the tone.
DH/Alcohol
Joe DiMaggio, alcohol and the designated hitter go well in this lineup together. Personally, DiMaggio is top three of my favorite baseball players. Alcohol is top three of my favorite liquids and the designated hitter is top three of things I hate and love. We know Joltin’ Joe was a stud when he married Marylin Monroe, but even at his peak in MLB, he enlisted in the service during 1943 when it wasn’t clear the Allies were going to be able to stop the Nazi War Machine. Although his credentials aren’t as impressive as some of the other guys, DiMaggio was the alcohol version of a solider. He was stationed at various bases and played for military teams to help boost morale. Alcohol can do the same for your party and the DH did the same for the American League in the ’70s.
LF/Grilled Meat
Ted Williams is the heart of all that is good in this lineup and for these servicemen. A Marine Fighter Pilot in WWII and the Korean War, Teddy Ballgame is a pure badass American. What’s more pure badass American than a great burger, steak or hot dog? Throw some grilled tomatoes and onions on there, gimme dat.
CF/The Day Off
Like Willie Mays, the day off makes up for all mistakes in this lineup. The Say Hey Kid could hit bombs and track down 450 ft. shots from the batter’s box. An off day can fix all that ails. I watch old highlights of Mays like I view old pictures of vacation days. There’s just something wonderful about it, even if you don’t know all the context. Days off and Willie Mays are imperative to any good day and lineup.
3B/Potato Salad
Jud Wilson is the potato salad of our group here. Wilson was great, but not everyone liked him because his fiery temper. Candidly, it was just him and Eddie Mathews that served and were hall-of-famers. Mathews was drafted, but left shortly after because his father was ill and he was an only child. Wilson served honorably during WWI and was a star of the Negro League. He’s even buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The guy deserves to make this list for his tenacity, achievements and the fact that he was 5’8″ and like me.
RF/Friends and Family
Roberto Clemente is synonymous with family and friends. Until the end of time he will grace every article I write about positive role models and athletes. What most might don’t know is that he actually spent six years in the Marine Corps Reserve. He continues to be a shinning example for Puerto Ricans, the city of Pittsburgh and all that is right with sports.
1B/Good Weather
Ernie Banks’ position in this lineup and Cooperstown is much like good weather. It’s so subjective, some people care, others don’t. I hate everything above 80 and below 65. When I think of Mr. Cub, I think of him as a shortstop. Yet, he actually has 134 more games at first base than shortstop. He’s inducted into Cooperstown as a first baseman, too. Even if Cooperstown doesn’t like my argument that his best years should be his induction position, I know I need Banks. Even if I hate that it’s going to be 94 on Memorial Day, I know that I need that sunshine.
C/Ice Cream
Don’t @ me. Yogi Berra is the human version of ice cream. His Yogisms and fun commercials may be what people remember most, but the guy was a boss. He served on D-Day and worked on a rocket launching boat during WWII. A decorated war hero and 10 time World Series Champion, there was little Yogi didn’t do.
SS/Baseball on TV
Pee Wee Reese joins Jackie Robinson in this lineup much like they were for years with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Reese rounds out our lineup and was a solid hitter in a time when nothing was expected of shortstops offensively. His ability to play solid defense on the field and in the Pacific gets his him spot in this lineup. And for all of you who need a little buffer from your festivities, a Memorial Day triple header is the perfect defense from getting away from annoying partygoers.
Pitcher/Outdoor games
Bob Feller might not be the most recognizable name I could have picked. Whitey Ford, Tom Seaver and others were great pitchers and servicemen. However, Feller was in his sixth season in the majors and had an exception to not serve. Amazingly, he was the first professional athlete to enlist and requested combat duty. Simply incredible. He far outshines his outdoor games designation on the surface. The connection is that much like pitchers, outdoors games are only, at most, a couple times a week during the summer, but they can still be the star of the party on a holiday weekend.
That wraps it up, but I highly encourage you to read about these heroes and those who perished fighting for our rights. Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day!
