A model of this story initially ran in December 2021.
It is the vacation season, so it is our obligation to place collectively a full beginning lineup of holiday-themed names. We have coated each place (though some gamers will not be enjoying of their go-to slot) and delved deep into baseball’s previous for just a few you might not have heard of. Take a look at the squad, sing some Carrolls, let it Snow and everybody, please, have a really completely satisfied Holliday.
C – Steve Christmas: We might’ve subbed some longer-tenured large leaguers on this spot, however when your identify is Christmas, you form of should be on the All-Vacation Crew. Christmas appeared in 24 Main League video games from 1983-86, batting .364 in ’84.
1B – J.T. Snow: The vacation season means snow for many people, and we’re fortunate sufficient to have a reasonably good first baseman by that identify. Jack Thomas Snow performed 16 seasons within the Majors, tallying greater than 1,500 hits and 6 Gold Gloves in that span. However ’tis the season of excellent deeds, and Snow might be most well-known for saving a sure supervisor’s son from near-disaster at house plate throughout the ’02 World Collection.
2B – Cupid Childs: Childs was faster than a reindeer. The speedster performed 13 seasons within the Useless Ball Period, largely with the Cleveland Spiders within the nineteenth century, and completed his profession with greater than 100 triples and 1,000 runs. He additionally hit a nifty .306.
3B – Pedro Feliz: What’s one of many biggest Christmas songs of all time? Sure, that is proper: Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano — a person who himself has a deep baseball connection. Pedro Feliz wasn’t the best third baseman of all time, however he had some first rate offensive seasons within the mid-2000s for the Giants and was a high defender within the league for just a few years. He additionally helped the Phillies get their first World Collection win in ’08.
SS – Dasher Troy: Troy wasn’t a lot of a hitter and solely performed 5 years within the bigs from 1881-85, however he did as soon as hit a walk-off house run after consuming a complete beer. Plus, are you able to think about a DP combo of two guys named Cupid and Dasher?
LF – Corbin Carroll: After making his debut in 2022, Carroll actually broke out in 2023, serving to his upstart D-backs squad make an unbelievable run all the best way to the World Collection after which capping his season with the NL Rookie of the 12 months Award. He isn’t the one Carroll who’s ever graced a Main League area, however his identify is the one you are going to wish to keep in mind.
CF – Ángel Pagán: Angel? Pagan? Each definitely might qualify as Christmas phrases. Pagán was an vital a part of the Giants’ World Collection championships in 2012 and 2014, even getting MVP votes in ’12. He was additionally fast on the basepaths and within the outfield — almost (if he had stored operating) turning an unassisted triple play for the Mets in 2010.
RF – Matt Holliday: The celebrity of this group. Holliday was a seven-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger — identified for hitting homers right into a land solely Mark McGwire might attain. He was additionally concerned in probably the most mysterious performs in baseball historical past … on a sacrifice fly by All-Vacation group runner-up for an outfield spot, Jamey Carroll.
DH – Jesús Aguilar: Aguilar had a breakout season with the Brewers in 2018, smacking 35 homers whereas driving in 108 runs. He grew to become an All-Star for the primary time that season, most likely, largely due to his very Christmas-themed “We imagine in Jesus” marketing campaign.
SP – Dick Rudolph: Sure, it is smart {that a} man named Rudolph can be guiding this group tonight. The Fordham alum was a stable starter within the early 1900s, successful 26 video games in 1914 and 22 the subsequent season. The fitting-hander completed off his 13-year profession with 121 victories and a good 2.66 ERA.