I normally avoid using the first person when penning an article for FP911.com. I also am averse to submitting any work that I know is inappropriately researched, constructed, and edited. However, because of unforeseen circumstances, I felt the need to make exceptions.

This past Thursday morning, three days ago, I was unexpectedly summoned to attend an emergency business conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. Upon disembarking the airplane late that night, I read an e-mail message asking me for my all-time fantasy baseball team. The only realistic time I could respond properly, via a written column, would be Friday evening following a work related dinner.   A full itinerary and agenda of business obligations mandated no other alternatives. 

Friday night arrived and I was finally able to focus my attention on researching and developing an article that would hopefully benefit the FP911 readers. I walked out onto the balcony of my hotel room to gather my thoughts. I beheld a spectacular, scenic view of the Pacific coastline and the main pool area of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort. A native torch dance diverted my attention. Then after an awesome fireworks display, I decided to get back to the task at hand.

I attempted to open the heavy, double-paned glass, sliding door to my hotel room. But the door would not open. After several futile attempts, my adrenaline started pumping.  Trying to stay calm, I assessed the situation.  I realized that a thick, steel latch, part of a lock system on the side post of the door, had engaged into its casing on the door. I was now locked out of my room, situated fifteen stories above terra firma on a three-by-five foot tiled platform on the resort’s Rainbow Tower building. I reached into my pocket for my phone to call for help, but to no avail. My pockets were empty. Looking into my room, I could see my phone charging on the night stand next to the bed.  The glass barrier made phone communication impossible. I surveyed the balconies around me hoping to find a neighbor that could call the front desk for help. But they were all vacant and dark. I tried to holler for help but went unheard. 

I knew my only recourse was now to wait until Saturday morning when housekeeping would arrive, or hopefully to attract the attention of someone, anyone, who could call for help. I concentrated again on staying calm. I would not let my acrophobia get the best of me. It was a clear, beautiful night; at least I would not be subject to inclement weather. Fortunately, I was in Honolulu in May and not in Alaska in January.

After some time, however, keeping my business appointments became a major concern. I worried about my colleagues wondering where I was, and being unable to contact me.  I must admit, that anything concerning a favorite all-time fantasy baseball team was now nothing but an afterthought.

Well into the morning, I finally heard an occupant above me on his balcony.  I was able to get his attention.  He was gracious enough to call the front desk for help. Security was notified and came to my room. On Saturday morning, at 4:35 AM, I was finally in the comfort of my hotel. After two hours of sleep I was able to keep my busy all-day schedule.

Now it’s Sunday morning, only a short time prior to the all important submission deadline. Being in Hawaii, gives me three hours less than normal to complete my article. There’s only one thing I can do, and that is to resort to the Paul Greco School of “blind drafting.”

So without further ado, here is my all-time fantasy baseball team, assuming a standard mixed 5x5 league:

Catcher: Yogi Berra- Berra’s career seasonal average .285 BA, 27 HR’s, 109 RBI’s, and 90 R’s would make him an early round favorite in any era.

First Base: Albert Pujols- King Albert’s career average .335BA, 42HR’s, 128 RBI’s, and 125 R’s per season shows why he has been a perennial number one choice in many fantasy leagues.

Second Base: Rogers Horsnsby- This Cardinal great averaged 22 HR’s, 114 RBI’s, 113 R’s, and 10 SB’s per season while maintaining a lifetime .358 BA. 

Third Base: Chipper Jones-The Braves’ future Hall of Famer has averaged 32 HR’s, 109 RBI’s, 110R’s, and 11 SB’s per season with a lifetime .310 BA. 

Shortstop: Alex Rodriguez- A-Rod’s career seasonal average .305 BA, 44 HR’s, 127 RBI’s, 127 R’s, and 22 SB’s shows why he has long been a favorite first- round pick by many fantasy owners, whether playing shortstop or third base.

Outfield: Willie Mays-The Say Hey Kid was a quintessential five tool player during his prime. His lifetime average per season .302 BA, 36 HR’s, 103 RBI’s, 112R’s, and 18 SB’s proves he is one of the best to ever don a baseball uniform.

Outfield: Barry Bonds- Love him or hate him, one would have been foolish to avoid drafting him. His career seasonal average .298 BA, 41 HR’s, 108 RBI’s, 121 R’s, and 28 SB’s would be any fantasy player’s delight. With the huge number of walks he amassed, he would have helped any owner in a league that takes OBP into consideration.

Outfield: Ty Cobb-Although the Georgia Peach only averaged six homeruns per season, his career seasonal average .366 BA, 103 RBI’s, 120 R’s and 48 SB’s is nothing short of remarkable. 

Utility: Ted Williams- The Splendid Splinter‘s career average .344 BA, 37 HR’s, 130 RBI’s, and 127 R’s per season leaves no doubt why he is a Hall of Famer.

Starting Pitcher: Sandy Koufax- The Dodger southpaw’s career average 16 W’s, 2.76 ERA, 1.106 WHIP, and 229 K’s per season explains why he is one of the best ever.

Starting Pitcher: Roger Clemens- Like Barry Bonds, you either love him or hate him. Like Barry Bonds, any fantasy owner would have reaped huge benefits with him as a member of his or her team. His career average per season is 17 W’s, 3.12 ERA, 1.173 WHIP, and 224 K’s.

Starting Pitcher: Bob Gibson- In addition to him being intimidating and not being shy about throwing inside, his numbers also prove why he is in the Hall of Fame. His average per season is 17 W’s, 2.91 ERA, 1.188 WHIP, and 210 K’s.

Relief Pitcher: Mariano Rivera- Will he ever ware out? His career average 38 SV’s, 2.30 ERA, and 1.021 WHIP per season makes him arguably the best reliever of all time.

Relief Pitcher: Dennis Eckersley-He is the first to have revolutionized the single, ninth inning closing role. The Cy Young award winner and Hall of Famer averaged 35 saves, a 2.74 ERA, and a pristine 0.953 WHIP in nine years with the Oakland A’s.

There you have it, my all-time fantasy team.  I look forward to reading my fellow eight writers’ articles during the next week. I know with their diligent research, knowledge, and expertise I’ll gain more insight into what is actually the most indomitable, best ever fantasy team in baseball history. 

But for now, this slumber-deprived, languid body is ready for bed. Maybe I can get more than the two hours of sleep I’ve had in the last two days. Aloha.

Well, do you reach out to the Doc and give him the vote for telling a compelling story?
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written by ChristopherMulligan, May 30, 2009

I wish Ty Cobb was on my fantasy team. Good stuff Rob.

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Yogi the Bear
written by Richard Carter, May 28, 2009

Nice read Robert. One of the more enjoyable for me. Sorry, but my favorite Yogi is Yogi the Bear, so he definitely isn't close to being one of the better catchers of all time.

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What\'s Up, Doc?
written by Ackshawn, May 27, 2009

Were you trying to sneak an extra peek at those dancers from your veranda? At least you can take stock in the fact that you still had your clothes on. (Right?) Anyway, great tale, and great results with the article in the face of adversity. You are doing much better than your record shows. You are not, however, someone I would risk going on vacation with as you seem just a wee bit unpredictable.

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written by Boris From Downunder, May 26, 2009

Nice work Doc, but I feel I need to know more about the native torch dance. Were there nice girls twirling those torches around? If so, what were they wearing? Did they have tasty coconuts? In the hotel, I mean. Glad you made it back safely my man.

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written by kevinorris, May 26, 2009

I am required to vote for anyone who places Chipper Jones on their team. If you wanted to be real gutsy to impress me, you should have gone with Mat Gamel.

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