My All Time Foreign Dream Team

Hey baseball fans! Matt Nadel here of Baseball with Matt with some more of the history of America’s pastime. Speaking of America, did you know that not all players who have played in the MLB were born in the 50 United States? In fact, some foreign baseball players are in the Hall of Fame. Because there are so many foreign ballplayers who were so good, here is my all time Foreign Dream Team.

Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Catcher: Ivan Rodriguez

Why? Pudge, the Puerto Rican future Hall of Famer, made an impressive 14 All-Star appearances and won a staggering 13 Gold Gloves, all while playing the most physically demanding position on the field. He also hit .296 with 311 homers, which makes him one of the best catchers overall in baseball history.

First Base: Tony Perez

Why? This Cuban first baseman for the Reds in the seventies shined in the spotlight and was known as one of the most clutch players of all time. The Hall of Famer played for 23 years, had 2,732 hits and 379 homers in a career that all Big Red Machine fans will believe is one of the best ever.

Second Base: Rod Carew

Why? The only Panamanian in the Hall of Fame, Carew played with the Twins and Angels in the ’60s and ’70s and had over 3,000 hits. With his many singles hit up the middle, he hit .328 lifetime, one of the greatest averages for a second baseman in history.

Third Base: Miguel Cabrera

Why? Although he is actively playing, Cabrera has a lot of history up his sleeve and was born in Venezuela, which puts him on this list. The .320 lifetime batter through June 3, 2013, Cabrera has been playing since 2003 and won a World Series with the Marlins. He won the Triple Crown last year with a .330 BA, 44 homers, and 139 RBIs.

Shortstop: Luis Aparicio

Why? The greatest shortstop in White Sox history, this Venezuelan Hall of Fame shortstop is known mostly for his glove, winning nine Gold Gloves in his career. He is also known for his stealing, as he stole 506 bases in his 18 year career from 1956-1973.

Left Field: Felipe Alou

Why? This Dominican Republic native played from 1958-1974 with mainly the San Francisco Giants. With a .286 lifetime batting average, Alou went to three All Star Games and is considered one of the best players in San Fran history.

Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Center Field: Ichiro Suzuki

Why? Although he mainly played right, Ichiro has to be on this list. Also, considering the Japanese star has played in center before for long periods of time, I’m counting him as a center fielder. In just about 13 seasons, Ichiro has 2,653 hits and has batted .321 so far in his career. He is the second player ever (besides Fred Lynn) to win the Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season (2001).

Right Field: Roberto Clemente

Why? I don’t really think that question even needs to be asked. In my book, he is simply the greatest foreign position player of all time. His 3,000 hits and 12 Gold Gloves make him excellent, but he also won two World Series, which makes him legendary! The Puerto Rican Hall of Famer played on the Pirates from 1955-1972 and was one of the greatest players of his time.

Starting Pitcher: Juan Marichal

Why? The 10 time All Star from the Dominican Republic was dominant mainly for the Giants, compiling a 243-142 lifetime record with a 2.89 ERA.

Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Relief Pitcher: Mariano Rivera

Why? Not only because I am a Yankee fan, but Mo is the greatest closer of all time. The Panamanian’s 628 saves are a record, he has a lifetime 2.20 ERA, and he has won five Fall Classics, winning World Series MVP in 1999. The future Hall of Famer will be remembered by me as not only the best closer of all time, but also the best foreign player of all time.

Well, I hope you liked my picks. If you don’t agree with them, write in a comment. Anyway, thanks for reading this post and I hope you enjoyed it. Check back in a couple of days for more of “all the buzz on what wuzz.”