This time I will take on Howie Rose and Greg from Faith & Fear.
Who is Robert Stratton? Answer below!
It seems Stratton was the 13th overall pick in 1996, selected by the New York Mets.
This truly is a Great Gift Idea for Fans of Robert Stratton, and the New York Mets for only $43
Wow, I didn’t even remember Stratton.
We sure its not Ricky Stratton from that 80’s tv show, Silver Spoons.
He was part of the package that netted us Al Leiter from the Marlins. Marlins were so thrilled they sent him back to us a month later. Was supposed to be a big power hitter.
Wasn’t, at least not in the majors.
Wait, are we doing this?
I have an Anthony Young signed glove.
Do I win?
ZDT we’ll have to see how awful the glove is and how much you are charging.
I have a Gregg Jeffries Plaque that encanses not only a color photograph of that supposed phenom but a Topps ’88 BB card as well. Do I win?…would you like to see a photo of it? Let me know…
El Primo – yes! yes to everyone. It’s a long long winter. There are lots of cold dark days where there is neither a game nor anything to “police” so let’s have fun.
I actually played professionally with Rob Stratton. He was the real deal as a power hitter. He hit some of the longest balls I have ever seen hit by any memorable power hitter. I saw him hit a ball completely over the center field roof of a cricket stadium we were playing in during winterball. There were some other big named bats there and they never came close to where Rob was hitting balls. He hit one that went out of the stadium completely without ever touching the roof. It was witnessed by some other notable players including David Ross (who is now with the Cubs) who caught for the Red Sox in the 2013 World Series. Every player in the minor league system would talk about Rob as is here were something more than human with his power bat. He had one trait that catchers feared. He would almost always hit the catcher on the back-swing. I saw him hit a catcher from Korea 4 times in one at bat. The catcher got so beat up he started setting up outside and leaning out for inside pitches with only his glove reaching in as far as he could muster. Just as impressive was Rob’s defense. He had a great arm and he was as tough as they came. I saw him throw up 6 times in one game and keep on playing. Someone suggested he come out so he could have a break. He gave them a few choice words and it almost got physical and he finished the game. I don’t care that Rob Stratton never made it to The Show because of repeated torn ligaments in his ankles. He is still the best power hitter I have ever seen in person. And, I would love to have a ball signed by him.