Player Poll: Ryan Express still delivers
This season, we surveyed hundreds of Minor Leaguers on a variety of questions, from favorite players and post-game snacks to video games and dream teammates. Check back this season as we find out what prospects really think.
The question under review today is: "What player, living or dead, would you most want to be a teammate of in the Majors?"
The results? Joe DiMaggio got as many votes (one) as Joe McEwing. Jesus and the fictional Kenny Powers received support. And perhaps in a nod to Powers, former Braves reliever John Rocker finished with as many votes as Pete Rose and Cal Ripken Jr.
Overall, Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan beat out the legendary Babe Ruth to win, earning seven percent of the vote. Ryan and Ruth were followed by Ken Griffey Jr. and Derek Jeter as the only players to receive at least 20 votes.
Ryan, currently the principal owner, president and CEO of the Texas Rangers, finished his career with a 324-292 record and 5,714 strikeouts, the most in Major League history. The eight-time All-Star, who pitched for Texas, Houston, California and the New York Mets, threw the most no-hitters (seven) in Major League history, won a World Series in 1969 and was a first-ballot inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999.
"I always believed it was important for the veterans to set the tone for the younger players on a ballclub through work ethic and preparation," Ryan said when he learned of his popularity among current up-and-comers. "It was important for them to know that a group of players has to win as a team and not as a collection of individuals. The fact that the younger players of today can relate to that in some way is very gratifying."
Some of the more random players receiving one vote: Bronson Arroyo, Nick Punto, Jason Kipnis, Derrek Holland, Gary Ward and Darold Knowles. Even Jack Wilson got a vote.
Jeter received the most votes among active players, followed by Josh Hamilton, Brian Wilson, Chipper Jones and Nick Swisher.
Here's a look at the full voting results:
Dream team
Dead or alive, who is your dream Major League teammate?| Player | Votes | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Nolan Ryan | 27 | 7% |
| Babe Ruth | 25 | 7% |
| Ken Griffey Jr | 21 | 6% |
| Derek Jeter | 20 | 6% |
| Mickey Mantle | 13 | 3% |
| Barry Bonds | 12 | 3% |
| Josh Hamilton | 11 | 3% |
| Ted Williams | 10 | 3% |
| John Rocker | 7 | 2% |
| Pete Rose | 7 | 2% |
| Brian Wilson | 7 | 2% |
| Roberto Clemente | 7 | 2% |
| Cal Ripken Jr | 7 | 2% |
| Greg Maddux | 6 | 2% |
| Chipper Jones | 6 | 2% |
| Manny Ramirez | 6 | 2% |
| Nick Swisher | 5 | 1% |
| Albert Pujols | 5 | 1% |
| Omar Vizquel | 5 | 1% |
| Jose Canseco | 4 | 1% |
| John Smoltz | 4 | 1% |
| Ozzie Smith | 4 | 1% |
| Ivan Rodriguez | 3 | 1% |
| Roger Clemens | 3 | 1% |
| Randy Johnson | 3 | 1% |
| Martin Prado | 3 | 1% |
| Bob Gibson | 3 | 1% |
| Ricky Henderson | 3 | 1% |
| Tom Glavine | 3 | 1% |
| Other | Fewer than 3 votes | 33% |
Who would be your pick? Leave your vote in the comments below!
Danny Wild is an editor for MLB.com.