From time to time at Baseball Nation, as a service to to our readers, we fact-check the statements and assertions of major league ballplayers. You see, we believe that no one is above the truth, not even the game’s biggest stars. And while everyone may be entitled to his own opinion, no one is entitled to his own facts. Hey, I just made that up!
Keeping ‘em honest
Layne Murdoch
“Look, I was once a pretty good hitter.” - Mike Schmidt
That’s from Schmidt’s latest AP column. Uh, sorry Mike, you weren’t a “pretty good hitter,” you hit 548 home runs, more than any other third baseman ever. You were one of the greatest hitters of all time. That’s a straight-up FACT.
The Truth Squad gives this one 3 YER OUTTA HERE’S!
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“I think I had a pretty good career.” - Tim Raines
Wow. You call 808 stolen bases “pretty good”? What would you call a career .413 on-base percentage, “kinda decent”? Hey Tim, here’s a clue: You had an unbelievable career. It’s a scandal that you’re not already in the Hall of Fame.
This one is 4½ YER OUTTA HERE’S! Truth Squad calls ‘em like he sees ‘em.
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“I enjoyed [basketball], but baseball was my thing. It turned out all right.” - Barry Larkin
Holy. Christ.
Goebbels said that if you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the truth. Barry Larkin’s big lie is that an MVP, 3 Gold Gloves, and 12 All-Star appearances are just “all right.” Pay attention, Mr. Larkin, because the Truth Squad is about to drop an honesty bomb on you, straight from the FACT ZONE: You were the greatest shortstop of your generation.
The Truth Squad’s verdict: 5 YER OUTTA HERE’S! For shame, Barry Larkin.
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