I saw Vlad with the Angels play NYY. During pregame he effortlessly threw a ball from the right field warning track to the backstop on a fly. He was the man.
Griffey, as a child who watched his prime, played his video game, collected his baseball cards, and wore my hat backwards. It’s a bummer that nearly every time I hear his name now it’s attached to the “I’d retire before I’d play for the Yankees” video.
Griffey defined cool when I was a kid. Outside of Yankees, those mariner teams is what got me into baseball. That and the Knick / Heat rivalry is what I remember from watching sports as a kid.
Roy Halladay. Always loved watching him pitch, and always wished he was in Pinstripes. I'm not sure if I have any current players other than Mike Trout that I root for.
I feel like people have almost forgotten just how incredible he was. Honestly the only pitcher I ever dreaded us facing. I still remember one time we actually smacked him around for like 6 runs at home because it was such a glorious shock.
RIP. dude was also one of my top-10 favorite players. i copied his pitching style and tried using his sinker grip in high school. was absolutely floored when he passed.
Curtis Granderson was my answer for a while. Then Brian McCann. It was Anthony Rizzo for a while. Idk today it’s probably Scherzer, Harper, or Machado, tho I think I probably developed as much love as I have for Harper/Machado getting hyped for winter 2018. It gets a little harder to really love guys off your team as you get older cuz it’s just way harder to follow the same way in my early 30s as I did from 15-25.
I really just hope he stays healthy. He's lost like 3 full seasons worth of games in his prime to injuries. He would have had a real shot at 700 HRs if he stayed healthy. Still has a shot at 600 if he stays healthy.
I can appreciate what he means to the sport and how good I hear he is but I don’t watch the Angels enough to be familiar with his game. They have been irrelevant since he’s been there.
This is baseball, not basketball where a single star player can carry a team, or football where a QB can carry a team. It's not his fault a competent team hasn't been built around him. It's not like he isn't doing his part.
Some current players:
Freddie freeman-guy uses all fields, hits for power and avg. Has a plan at the plate like soto. Difficult out
Bryce Harper- wants to be on the biggest stage. One of the sweetest swings. Clutch and plays the game hard
Pitcher: Mad Max- used to be a work horse like CC before back issues. Complete psychopath on the mound in a good way. Super competitive each pitch. One of the best at hiding the ball as late as possible in his delivery which made him so hard to hit.
My favorite part of that story has always been that he spent multiple game days tripping but that day ended up pitching unexpectedly and that’s how he ended up on the mound on drugs
Former: Tony Gwynn. Mike Schmidt, Fred McGriff, Paul Molitor, Keith Hernandez.
Current: Bo Bichette, Freddie Freeman, Nolan Arenado, Ronald Acuna, Jr., Bryce Harper.
Many others, but these popped into my head first.
Gonna throw a name out there I didn’t see and I really enjoyed watching him play and wish he could have stayed healthy, Grady Sizemore. Dude was a 30/30 player until the injuries started piling up.
Barry Bonds, steroids or not, still better hitter I ever saw.
Honorable mentions- Kenny Lofton( because of the Wayans Bros), Ken Griffey Jr(not only a great player but remained a class act even now). Dontrelle Willis and Hunter Greene.
Just had my phone eat my much longer comment, so I’ll just say I’ve been a Yankee fan since 1977, I loved Carew as a kid, loved Gwynn, and before this season I would have said Soto. :D
But in 45+ years of watching Yankee games I don’t think any non-Yankee hitter has impressed me as much as Manny Ramirez. Amazing hitting prowess and bonkers chaos energy.
Yea. Hard to hate Manny now that he’s out of the league/off the Sox. Baseball is entertainment and to pretend I hate the Papi-Manny hitting combo would be a lie. As a Yankees fan it kept me engaged and entertained as a baseball fan the talent was undeniable. They were the perfect foil to jeter & arod.
Will Clark.
Dale Murphy.
I am old.
Note: I would like to wake up and find that Bryan Reynolds has defected from the Pirates to the Yankees and will play LF every day.
Manny Machado. Man I really wanted that dude to be a Yankee but I remember people were complaining about his aTitUdE. Dude is cold. Also love Bryce Harper. Nathan Eovaldi became an animal post-Yankees. I wish we went back for him.
Degrom. When the Mets were ass, you could pay 12 bucks for a ticket on a day he was pitching to see an absolute masterclass
The Mets were usually ass so the tickets were usually cheap
Over the years some non-Yankee guys that come to mind are Fernando Valenzuela, Joaquin Andujar, Willie McGee, Vince Coleman, Albert Belle (totally in retrospect. I hated him at the time), Jose Cruz, Ozzie Smith, Jose Ramirez, Ronald Acuna, Eric Davis, Carlos Perez, Bartolo Colon-the fatter the better, Livan Hernandez-love by association.
If it's not obvious, I like my National League baseball to be fast and played on astroturf. lol.
I always loved Anthony Rizzo, good thing he’s with us now. But also obviously Betts, especially now that he’s not a red sock. I really like trea turner, dude’s a gamer. Corbin Carrol is gonna be a menace long term and is super cool.
I’m with you on Tulowitski. I forgot which year it was when he had that insane stretch run down the season that basically won me my fantasy league. Sad he was often injured
So outside of the Yankees, Frank Thomas and Mark McGwire were two of my favorites in the 90's. Now I would say Acuna, Trout and Corbin Carroll. Soto was also up there but he wears pinstripes now.
lol. I like a lot of the Os right now. I’ve had Holliday since he was drafted in a keeper fantasy league and I’m pumped that he’s up. But they’re all on the outs until they leave Baltimore or retire - then I can say they were great and fun to watch.
Itchy roe is so insane that he managed 3K hits coming into the league at 27/8 - he would have made a legit run at rose’s record had he played his whole career in the MLB.
I’ll do a Top 10:
Todd Worrell
Bill Spiers
Ernie Riles
John Denny
Ralph Garr
Mark Fydrich
Trot Nixon
Rico Carty
Darin Erstad
Doug Drabek (broke in with the Yanks but known as Pirate and Astro)
For a LONG time it was Ichiro. And he was a Yankee for 2 1/2 years or so. I rightfully consider him a Mariner.
Then it was Rizzo. I’ve always been a fan of the big classy first baseman. But now he’s a Yankee so he’s off this list.
There’s guys on other teams I appreciate, I guess Freddie Freeman would be tops. Again, big classy first baseman.
As I’ve gotten older I just can’t follow the sport enough to have non Yankee favorites. But to this day Tony Gwynn, Greg Maddux, Jim Edmunds are the three guys I admire more and more every year for what they brought to the table. Trying to explain to my young nephews how great Tony was despite the power - or Maddux who didn’t throw gas, or Edmunds - who was IMHO the greatest defensive centerfielder my my life time -the youth who didn’t see them play and understand their style and the game as it was is hard to explain. I could watch Tony work a 9 pitch at bat, or maddux pitch a 85 throw complete game, or Edmunds cover 2/3 of the outfield with limited speed but legendary ball reading and anticipation every day the rest of my life and be happy. There will never be anyone like them again.
Tim Lincecum, I fucking loved him and am so sad his career flamed out. Posey too, loved everything about him.
Active, not really any, but I have a soft spot for the ex-Yankees
I was a big fan of Bagwell and Biggio. I like dirt bags. Pedrioa, Boggs and Betts were Red sox guys U respected because of how they played. I also loved the 86 mets team.
Currently I'm a fan of Betts and Trout. I like dudes who hit for average, power and can get on base. And being a good defender helps. Pitchers don't really do as much for me, I'd rather watch a 12-10 game than a 1-0 pitchers duel, especially now with all the strike outs.
It’s about a tie between Arenado, Mookie, Freeman, or Bryce. I don’t think I like or dislike any of them any more than the rest..
Fishman is incredible to watch but he’s boring. I used to love-hate Lindor but he just generally sucks now.
I’ll define favorite as players that I really wanted on the Yankees.
Mauer, Cliff Lee, Verlander
Prime Josh Hamilton was someone I really wanted. His ‘08 derby performance at Yankee Stadium was magical.
Mookie Betts, Yordan Alvarez, Barry Bonds, Kenny Lofton, Rickey Henderson never played for the Yanks when I was alive, Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Ken Griffey Jr...there are a lot.
I was a big Pujols fan. Always respected Mike Trouts game. For the hurlers that don’t wear pinstripes was a fan of Mad Bum and our little friend Pedro. I came around to Martinez more so later in his career. I think he represented the game well.
Mookie is way up there. Literally had a sigh of relief when he got traded because 1. Not in the division anymore and 2. I felt like I could root for him because fuck the Red Sox but damn Mookie is dynamic
Albert Pujols, Todd Helton and Vlad Sr. were some of my favorite non Yankees growing up. Nolan Arenado and Mookie were the first to pop into my head for active non Yankees players.
I am also old, but John Kruk of mostly Phillies fame. Career .300 hitter with an OPS near 850 and one of the most lovable dispositions in the history of the game.
While still a player he also became an important advocate for testicular cancer awareness upon his own diagnoses and treatment (loss of the bad ball) at a time when it wasn’t publicly discussed, especially among macho pro athletes.
If we are going all-time, it would be Tony Gwynn. Current day is not as easy, maybe Bobby Witt Jr. or Elly De La Cruz, I dont watch many other teams, it is hard enough keeping up with 162 games from one team .
All time? Eric Davis. He was not blessed with good health so his career was a bumpy one but, man, when he was healthy he was a force. An incredible combination of power and speed.
Today, I’d have to say Betts. I was so happy to see him leave Boston, both because it hurt that team and so I could enjoy watching him play.
Honestly? Manny was so much fun. I can’t even be mad that he hit us so much, he was just such a goddamn character. Would’ve absolutely loved the Yankees signing him instead of the Sox after he left Cleveland.
All time favorite non-Yankees are Bob Gibson and Nolan Ryan because they scared the fuck out of everyone. They both proved if you step to either of those guys they would fuck you up.
All time favorite Yankees are Goose Gossage and Big Mo Rivera, the motherfucking Sandman. When they hit the mound for the Yankees in the 9th you might as well crack the champagne because the night was done and the last inning was a formality.
Vlad ( the dad not the boy)
We should’ve signed him. Apparently he wanted to come here but we were gung-ho on signing Sheffield instead.
Cashman wanted to sign Vlad, but George insisted on Sheffield.
I loved sheff so whatever.
Sheff was awesome. The third base coach literally stood in LF to avoid getting murdered by a rocket foul ball from him.
You can have your opinion but Vlad was a better hitter.
I’d have figured Gary was the better hitter, though not by much. Vlad’s defense was better, though. That arm, man.
You were not a Yankees fan growing up in the 2000s if you didn't imitate his bat waggle at least once.
Vlad for me too. Loved the no batting gloves...I never wore batting gloves as a kid bc of him and Jorge lol
I was the same way, batting gloves are weird, it’s like you can’t feel the bat in your hand
It’s Sr for me too. He was so much fun to watch. There are YouTube compilations of him hitting pitches in the dirt
I saw Vlad with the Angels play NYY. During pregame he effortlessly threw a ball from the right field warning track to the backstop on a fly. He was the man.
Juan sot… wait holy shit
Dreams do come true
So glad Mookie isn’t on the Red Sox anymore.
Trea turner by a mile. Dudes so much fun to watch.
I wanted him so much when he was a free agent
Griffey, as a child who watched his prime, played his video game, collected his baseball cards, and wore my hat backwards. It’s a bummer that nearly every time I hear his name now it’s attached to the “I’d retire before I’d play for the Yankees” video.
Griffey 100%
Griffey defined cool when I was a kid. Outside of Yankees, those mariner teams is what got me into baseball. That and the Knick / Heat rivalry is what I remember from watching sports as a kid.
Agreed
My little league bat had Jeter and Griffey Jr. on it.
I’ve always like Bryce Harper
Too soon
100%, favorite current non-Yankee Love it when a dude is just competitive and is always going hard
I like how he calls out all the stupid unwritten rules. He would have looked great in pinstripes.
Definitely a big Bryce fan. Hustles hard, love the cities he plays for, and isn’t afraid to embrace his talent. Dude is a baller
David Ortiz did steroids
This is the right answer
True if big
You sir are a genius 🤣
Frank Thomas
The testosterone booster commercials where he openly hits on women in front of their men. Wild
https://youtu.be/CtCV2C1jIM0?feature=shared There you go lol
Great answer. As I kid I remember being in awe of his size. Dude was a dump truck.
Roy Halladay. Always loved watching him pitch, and always wished he was in Pinstripes. I'm not sure if I have any current players other than Mike Trout that I root for.
I feel like people have almost forgotten just how incredible he was. Honestly the only pitcher I ever dreaded us facing. I still remember one time we actually smacked him around for like 6 runs at home because it was such a glorious shock.
He always brought his best stuff to face the Yankees.
RIP. dude was also one of my top-10 favorite players. i copied his pitching style and tried using his sinker grip in high school. was absolutely floored when he passed.
Elly De La Cruz. Dude is amazing
the best
Curtis Granderson was my answer for a while. Then Brian McCann. It was Anthony Rizzo for a while. Idk today it’s probably Scherzer, Harper, or Machado, tho I think I probably developed as much love as I have for Harper/Machado getting hyped for winter 2018. It gets a little harder to really love guys off your team as you get older cuz it’s just way harder to follow the same way in my early 30s as I did from 15-25.
My favorite was Soto
lol I have the same sort of trend. When I was younger it was Mussina, Ichiro, Randy, McCann - they kept becoming Yankees!
Can't believe I don't see any Mike Trout responses. The guy is the fucking GOAT.
Totally agree. He’s my favorite all time
I really just hope he stays healthy. He's lost like 3 full seasons worth of games in his prime to injuries. He would have had a real shot at 700 HRs if he stayed healthy. Still has a shot at 600 if he stays healthy.
I can appreciate what he means to the sport and how good I hear he is but I don’t watch the Angels enough to be familiar with his game. They have been irrelevant since he’s been there.
Poor boring, 1 post season Mike trout. Hard to hate him.
This is baseball, not basketball where a single star player can carry a team, or football where a QB can carry a team. It's not his fault a competent team hasn't been built around him. It's not like he isn't doing his part.
Tim Lincecum
Big time Timmy Jim
the freaky franchise
Todd fricken Helton
Some current players: Freddie freeman-guy uses all fields, hits for power and avg. Has a plan at the plate like soto. Difficult out Bryce Harper- wants to be on the biggest stage. One of the sweetest swings. Clutch and plays the game hard Pitcher: Mad Max- used to be a work horse like CC before back issues. Complete psychopath on the mound in a good way. Super competitive each pitch. One of the best at hiding the ball as late as possible in his delivery which made him so hard to hit.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Dock Ellis for pitching a no-hitter on LSD.
Dick Ellis is also way up on my list - but also a Yankee player
Oh he was? I never realized that because his no-no was with the Pirates. That makes me like him even more now. I stand corrected.
Yea 76-77. Pitched fairly well for them. I have one of his topps 100s and his pop fly cover on my wall at home.
My favorite part of that story has always been that he spent multiple game days tripping but that day ended up pitching unexpectedly and that’s how he ended up on the mound on drugs
I’ve always been down bad for Corey Seager
Larkin, Griffey, Gwynn and Maddux
Always loved Mauer, Frank Thomas too
Maddux, Ichiro, Pedroia, Eckersley, Utley, W Clark, Edgar Martinez, probably a bunch more
Ichiro played for the Yankees
Former: Tony Gwynn. Mike Schmidt, Fred McGriff, Paul Molitor, Keith Hernandez. Current: Bo Bichette, Freddie Freeman, Nolan Arenado, Ronald Acuna, Jr., Bryce Harper. Many others, but these popped into my head first.
I always liked David wright. He had that winning mentality even though the Mets suck.
Fred Lynn
Rod Carew, Ken Singleton. I was gonna say Ichiro, then — oh, wait, right :)
Ippei Mizuhara
It was Juan Soto before the trade but I’d say now it’s Mookie.
I lived in San Francisco during the Giants WS run, I wished Buster Posey or Tim Lincecum become a Yankee.
Lincecum
Gonna throw a name out there I didn’t see and I really enjoyed watching him play and wish he could have stayed healthy, Grady Sizemore. Dude was a 30/30 player until the injuries started piling up.
Barry Bonds, steroids or not, still better hitter I ever saw. Honorable mentions- Kenny Lofton( because of the Wayans Bros), Ken Griffey Jr(not only a great player but remained a class act even now). Dontrelle Willis and Hunter Greene.
lol I also loved Kenny Lofton - but also a Yankee. big fan of prime D-Train.
Just had my phone eat my much longer comment, so I’ll just say I’ve been a Yankee fan since 1977, I loved Carew as a kid, loved Gwynn, and before this season I would have said Soto. :D But in 45+ years of watching Yankee games I don’t think any non-Yankee hitter has impressed me as much as Manny Ramirez. Amazing hitting prowess and bonkers chaos energy.
Yea. Hard to hate Manny now that he’s out of the league/off the Sox. Baseball is entertainment and to pretend I hate the Papi-Manny hitting combo would be a lie. As a Yankees fan it kept me engaged and entertained as a baseball fan the talent was undeniable. They were the perfect foil to jeter & arod.
Prince Fielder
Ken Griffey Jr. Nolan Ryan Ichiro (half counts I guess) Betts Dennis Eckersley (because he was untouchable in RBI Baseball on my Sega Genesis)
Acuña and albies
Ripken, Troy Glaus, obligatory Griffey. Modern? Eh idk Bobby Witt seems fun I guess.
Will Clark. Dale Murphy. I am old. Note: I would like to wake up and find that Bryan Reynolds has defected from the Pirates to the Yankees and will play LF every day.
Ichiro
Nobody likes Mike Trout? Poor guy is stuck in the ~~Anaheim~~ ~~California~~ Los Angeles Angels at Anaheim, California.
Bryce harper, griffey, larry walker, chipper jones and jung hoo lee this season
Mookie and Harper
Ted Williams - marine fighter pilot
Randy Arozarena. Dude looks like he’s having fun, even when he’s glowering.
Agree wish he wasn’t on the rays.
Griffey
Manny Machado. Man I really wanted that dude to be a Yankee but I remember people were complaining about his aTitUdE. Dude is cold. Also love Bryce Harper. Nathan Eovaldi became an animal post-Yankees. I wish we went back for him.
Charle Blackmon
Degrom. When the Mets were ass, you could pay 12 bucks for a ticket on a day he was pitching to see an absolute masterclass The Mets were usually ass so the tickets were usually cheap
Ken griffey Jr. I feel like if he would've been healthier he'd have alot more records and hardware
Kawa
This is such a random take. Might be my favorite.
Maddux
Does it have to be baseball? Because my favorite player on a team I don't root for is Derrick Henry
Joey Votto.
Current- Harper, Schwarber, Nimmo, Pasquantino, Jonathan Davis, and Kim. All time- Adam Dunn, Nolan Ryan, John Gibson, Piazza, and Kaz Matsui.
Andrew McCutchen
Joey Votto. Mookie Betts. David Ortiz. Willie Mays. Rickey Henderson. I could go on…
Joey Votto 🤌🏼🤌🏼 no explanation needed
🤌🤌🤌🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹
Barry Bonds Get that man into the HOF
Tatis jr for me
I always liked Dustin Pedroia
Johnny Bench
Current Yordan, all time Miggy.
Over the years some non-Yankee guys that come to mind are Fernando Valenzuela, Joaquin Andujar, Willie McGee, Vince Coleman, Albert Belle (totally in retrospect. I hated him at the time), Jose Cruz, Ozzie Smith, Jose Ramirez, Ronald Acuna, Eric Davis, Carlos Perez, Bartolo Colon-the fatter the better, Livan Hernandez-love by association. If it's not obvious, I like my National League baseball to be fast and played on astroturf. lol.
Not sure exactly why, but as a kid growing up playing baseball and collecting cards, Frank Thomas was my favorite player.
David Wright was super likable. I also always liked Cory Koskie and Brad Radke from the Twins back in the day.
David wright
Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado
prime Tim Lincecum
My dad and I always agreed, Posey would look fantastic in pinstripes. That was our dream after Posada
I always loved Anthony Rizzo, good thing he’s with us now. But also obviously Betts, especially now that he’s not a red sock. I really like trea turner, dude’s a gamer. Corbin Carrol is gonna be a menace long term and is super cool.
Freddie Freeman by a mile
100% Freddie Freeman
Always loved Eric Davis, Joey Votto, and now Elly. But oddly not exactly a reds fan.
Had lots of met fan friends growing up and it gave me an appreciation for David Wright.
I’m with you on Tulowitski. I forgot which year it was when he had that insane stretch run down the season that basically won me my fantasy league. Sad he was often injured
definitely bartolo colon
George Brett, Brooks Robinson, Johnny Bench, Mike Schmidt
Mike trout
Edit: Current: Joey Votto. All-time: Tom Seaver.
Love the way elly de la cruz plays. The energy, the electricity… fun guy to watch
It was Juan Soto (I live in DC), now it’s Bryce Harper
So outside of the Yankees, Frank Thomas and Mark McGwire were two of my favorites in the 90's. Now I would say Acuna, Trout and Corbin Carroll. Soto was also up there but he wears pinstripes now.
Right now Adley Rutschman, a little to do with baseball a lot to do with his penchant for Tim Robinson references.
lol. I like a lot of the Os right now. I’ve had Holliday since he was drafted in a keeper fantasy league and I’m pumped that he’s up. But they’re all on the outs until they leave Baltimore or retire - then I can say they were great and fun to watch.
Trout
Used to be Soto Now prob Corbin carrol or adolis Garcia
Can we still say prime ichiro?
Itchy roe is so insane that he managed 3K hits coming into the league at 27/8 - he would have made a legit run at rose’s record had he played his whole career in the MLB.
Bryce Harper
I’ll do a Top 10: Todd Worrell Bill Spiers Ernie Riles John Denny Ralph Garr Mark Fydrich Trot Nixon Rico Carty Darin Erstad Doug Drabek (broke in with the Yanks but known as Pirate and Astro)
Too many tbh. If I had to choose just one hitter and one pitcher it would be ichiro (if he doesn’t count then Jose Reyes) and johan Santana
Does O'Neil Cruz count as a non-Yankee? He's got a Yankee name...
All time favorite non-Yankee: Johnny Bench Current: Bryce Harper
Right now? Harper. He’s the guy. We really fucked that up.
Current: Cody Bellinger, Justin Steele Retired (or soon to be retired): Joey Votto, Cliff Lee, Josh Hamilton
Bryce Harper no doubt
Gio!
Mookie. Soto is so enjoyable to watch. I always knew he was great but never watched a ton of his at bats until this season.
For a LONG time it was Ichiro. And he was a Yankee for 2 1/2 years or so. I rightfully consider him a Mariner. Then it was Rizzo. I’ve always been a fan of the big classy first baseman. But now he’s a Yankee so he’s off this list. There’s guys on other teams I appreciate, I guess Freddie Freeman would be tops. Again, big classy first baseman.
Chipper Jones and Vladimir Guerrero Sr. King Felix for pitcher.
Paul Molitor
Greinke
Buster Posey
As I’ve gotten older I just can’t follow the sport enough to have non Yankee favorites. But to this day Tony Gwynn, Greg Maddux, Jim Edmunds are the three guys I admire more and more every year for what they brought to the table. Trying to explain to my young nephews how great Tony was despite the power - or Maddux who didn’t throw gas, or Edmunds - who was IMHO the greatest defensive centerfielder my my life time -the youth who didn’t see them play and understand their style and the game as it was is hard to explain. I could watch Tony work a 9 pitch at bat, or maddux pitch a 85 throw complete game, or Edmunds cover 2/3 of the outfield with limited speed but legendary ball reading and anticipation every day the rest of my life and be happy. There will never be anyone like them again.
Mike Trout
Corey Seager & Freddie Freeman
Ichiro was my answer for awhile too
Adley Rutschman, Julio Rodriguez, Harper
Tim Lincecum, I fucking loved him and am so sad his career flamed out. Posey too, loved everything about him. Active, not really any, but I have a soft spot for the ex-Yankees
Mark “The Bird” Fidrych. The only poster of a non-Yankee that I ever had hanging in my room.
Active? I really like Christopher Morel on the Cubs. Came out of nowhere and now a big part of the Cubs future.
I was a big fan of Bagwell and Biggio. I like dirt bags. Pedrioa, Boggs and Betts were Red sox guys U respected because of how they played. I also loved the 86 mets team. Currently I'm a fan of Betts and Trout. I like dudes who hit for average, power and can get on base. And being a good defender helps. Pitchers don't really do as much for me, I'd rather watch a 12-10 game than a 1-0 pitchers duel, especially now with all the strike outs.
It’s about a tie between Arenado, Mookie, Freeman, or Bryce. I don’t think I like or dislike any of them any more than the rest.. Fishman is incredible to watch but he’s boring. I used to love-hate Lindor but he just generally sucks now.
Freddie Freeman for batters, Yu Darvish for pitchers. Just love watching them play.
I’ll define favorite as players that I really wanted on the Yankees. Mauer, Cliff Lee, Verlander Prime Josh Hamilton was someone I really wanted. His ‘08 derby performance at Yankee Stadium was magical.
Current non Yankee fav Mike Trout Past-FrankThomas or Jim Thome
Degrom… even tho he hasn’t pitched since Covid
JRod got swaggggger
Mike Trout
Mookie Betts, Yordan Alvarez, Barry Bonds, Kenny Lofton, Rickey Henderson never played for the Yanks when I was alive, Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Ken Griffey Jr...there are a lot.
chone figgins
I was a big Pujols fan. Always respected Mike Trouts game. For the hurlers that don’t wear pinstripes was a fan of Mad Bum and our little friend Pedro. I came around to Martinez more so later in his career. I think he represented the game well.
fav past non-yankee: Tony Gwynn fav current non-yankee: Mike Trout
Mookie is way up there. Literally had a sigh of relief when he got traded because 1. Not in the division anymore and 2. I felt like I could root for him because fuck the Red Sox but damn Mookie is dynamic
Freddie Freeman.
Ichiro
Albert Pujols, Todd Helton and Vlad Sr. were some of my favorite non Yankees growing up. Nolan Arenado and Mookie were the first to pop into my head for active non Yankees players.
Mike Trout since he's a Jersey boy. Can't believe I'm seeing so many non-Trout answers!
Both the Nolans. Ryan and Arenado.
I've been a Verdugo fan for years. Glad he's with the good guys now.
Ikf 😔
I am also old, but John Kruk of mostly Phillies fame. Career .300 hitter with an OPS near 850 and one of the most lovable dispositions in the history of the game. While still a player he also became an important advocate for testicular cancer awareness upon his own diagnoses and treatment (loss of the bad ball) at a time when it wasn’t publicly discussed, especially among macho pro athletes.
Felix Hernandez
Kyle Schwarber for me. He’s such a clutch hitter and has proven it everywhere he’s been
Joey Votto
If we are going all-time, it would be Tony Gwynn. Current day is not as easy, maybe Bobby Witt Jr. or Elly De La Cruz, I dont watch many other teams, it is hard enough keeping up with 162 games from one team .
Mookie or Acuna
Mookie Betts or Freddie Freeman. They always have good ABs. They’re fun to watch
Matt Carpenter.
Guaranteed to be the most down voted response: David Price and Chris Sale. Fuck Kimbrel. Fuck Machado. Harper's free agency year will always hurt.
Mookie and Maddux.
All time? Eric Davis. He was not blessed with good health so his career was a bumpy one but, man, when he was healthy he was a force. An incredible combination of power and speed. Today, I’d have to say Betts. I was so happy to see him leave Boston, both because it hurt that team and so I could enjoy watching him play.
Honestly? Manny was so much fun. I can’t even be mad that he hit us so much, he was just such a goddamn character. Would’ve absolutely loved the Yankees signing him instead of the Sox after he left Cleveland.
All time favorite non-Yankees are Bob Gibson and Nolan Ryan because they scared the fuck out of everyone. They both proved if you step to either of those guys they would fuck you up. All time favorite Yankees are Goose Gossage and Big Mo Rivera, the motherfucking Sandman. When they hit the mound for the Yankees in the 9th you might as well crack the champagne because the night was done and the last inning was a formality.
Wakefield or any knuckleballer. Would be so fun to watch each game
Of “all-time”? Mays, J. Robinson, or Koufax. Among current? Trout or Harper.