If Ankiel hit 251 HR in 7 years he’d be considered one of the better hitters ever. He actually hit 75 which is still pretty impressive especially considering his circumstances
Not to mention he was a hell of a outfielder with that cannon for a arm. He was a great hitter while he pitched, if not for the pitching issues he might have been a good 2 way player even though NL didn't have DH but you know what i mean
No Tyler Matzek? Love his story. Went from top pick to the yips to unemployed to amateur ball to the Braves and striking out Betts, Susza, and Pujols back to back in the NLCS, then to a world series championship.
I was there for the Dave Dravecky comeback game at the Stick! As an 18 year old, I was in total awe of what I was seeing. To this day, one of the loudest home crowds I've ever heard.
Don't know if he cracks the top 10, but Eric Davis came back from a lacerated kidney, then he came back from colon cancer, and was still a productive player. Before all that, he was a combination of power and speed the game had never seen before, first 30/50 man and along with Rickey Henderson, the only 20/80 man, and a Gold Glover.
If Davis could've stayed healthy and actually played some complete seasons, especially in his prime, he'd have been a guaranteed HOF'er. Byron Buxton reminds me of him, immensely talented but just can not stay healthy for full season.
I think another Honorable mention would be Adam Greenberg. Was a promising young prospect who sadly had a horrific head injury during his first at bat when he got beaned in the head with a fastball. Caused him to have permanent effects like nausea, vertigo, severe headaches and dizziness. He made a comeback in the minors the years after the injury and got an AB in the majors, but ultimately struck out. Like he didn't do much of anything in the majors or the minors, but to finally be able to get an AB in the majors not ending in a severe injury deserves some recognition
I remember Tony Conigliaro. He was on the road to greatness. Handsome, home grown, immensely talented. That photo of him with the shiner was on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He died young, only 45 after a series of health issues including a heart attack and stroke.
Can you imagine if "Tony C"hadn't gotten beaned? He in all likelyhood was destined for a H.O.F.career.Maybe a movie teen idol. Talk of bad luck, in and out of ball.He could have joined the sacred list of B-Town legends i.e. Ted, Bobby Larry and Tom.
I think Tommy John should be in the Hall. 288 wins is nothing to sneeze at but also that he came back with the surgery that bears his name, he actually opened doors for others to continue who needed it.
Lou Brissie, I used to help out at The Philadelphia Athletics historical society and he was there with his friend Bob Feller. Lou was a amazing person the story I remember other players talking about was a time Ted Williams hit a line drive off of one of Lou’s legs. It made a loud noise and Lou went down. But like a true legend he recovered and pitched. He was an excellent pitcher prospect prior to the war. Thanks for putting him number one on this list.
@Brian F Good memory. I have a book by Burman Fisher about such stories; Brissie's was in there. He was the first guy I though of when HBB mentioned WW2 vets, since Brissie nearly lost his leg in combat. His doctor would have amputated, but Brissie said he was a pitcher and needed his leg to play - and the doctor, a huge baseball fan, relented. ... Connie Mack wrote him and said, in essence, that his uniform would be waiting for him when he was ready. When he faced Williams, it was a Veterean's Appreciation Day. Williams' line drive felled him, and after he reached first and time was called, the Splinter jogged over to find out how he was doing. Brissie quipped, "You know, Ted, they all told me you were a dead pull hitter."
Fantastic video I was at Dravecky’s comeback game against the reds with my grandma up on the 3rd baseline. Met future Giant Eric Davis and watched Pete Rose get kicked out of the game it’s a great memory and moment in my life
You have to mention Dickie Thon. He was a promising young shortstop in Houston with some believing he had hall of fame potential. He was a decent hitter and a vacuum cleaner at shortstop and an all star but he got hit in the face by a Mike Torres fastball which really messed him up both physically and mentally. He came back the next season but he wasn't the same at first but he made the adjustments needed and became a productive ballplayer again. He even received the Tony Conigliaro award for his comeback.
How about Jim Eisenreich, whose promising major league career in the early '80s appeared to be over because of on-field anxiety attacks? After dropping out of baseball for several years, he was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, and with medication, was able to deal with it and ended up with a fine 15-year major league career, which included a World Series championship with the Marlins in 1997.
Great video. I watched to see Trey Mancini. His tenure with the Astros was brief, but I really loved his time there, and I will be a fan of his forever.
As Giants fan from Dominican Republic is a honor for me to follow you. Keepgoing with your work, you deserve 1 million subscribers these stories inspiring us. We never give up doesn't matter how worse is the circunstancia. Como sabes español Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias y que Aaron Judge este con nuestro equipo.
@@HummBabyBaseball good for you I’m learning English watching 80’s movies, series and animated series, that’s awesome. I never went to any English school, keep going dude with your work and everybody subscribe to this great channel.
Honestly, that’s probably the best way to learn a language (I learned Hindi in basically the same way), and it must be working for you, because your English is very good! When Wilmer Flores was a prospect with the Mets, he famously learned English by watching old reruns of the show _”Friends,”_ and when he got to the majors, he used the show’s theme song as his walk-up music. Now that he’s with your Giants, I’m not sure if he still uses it, but I hope he does!
I vividly remember Dave Draveckey...One of the most thrilling parts of my baseball memories to this day.When his arm broke while throwing a pitch was a heartbreaking end to his Career.Glad he is still with us inspiring others.
Monte Stratton deserves a mention even though he never made it back to the majors, but pitching in the minors with a prosthetic leg should be worth something.
Hate to say it but the Men from the 40’s & 50’s were another breed entirely. Leave everything, go o War, no questions asked, come back, pick up where they left off. Tough times create Strong Men. That they surely did. Many Blessings All 🙏🇺🇸💪
I would like to suggest Gene Bearden. While serving in the US Navy on board the USS Helena, he was in the engine room when the ship got hit by 3 Japanese torpedoes. The results of the attack led to multiple surgeries to have metal inserted into his skull and kneecap. He eventually returned to an accomplished career that involved a stint with the Cleveland Indians & a decisive win in the 1948 tiebreaker playoff to go to the World Series.
What an outstanding video you put together excellent well done good choices well documented heartwarming but what about Bartolo Colon? Pretty hard to come back from all those injuries with that right arm and be as dominant as he was for a little bit longer. But anyway thank you so much for this great video it is one of the best I have ever seen on RUclips
Excellent video. I had forgotten about Eddie Waitkus and I didn't know about Lou Brissie. In 1918, Hall of Famer Pete Alexander was gassed in World War 1 and suffered partial hearing loss from a shell explosion. He came back in 1919 to pitch 12 more years, leading the NL twice in ERA and having a big part in the Cardinals first World Series winning team in 1926 winning 2 games and saving game 7 against the highly favored Yankees. Pitcher Herb Score had a severe eye injury in 1957 when Gil McDougald lined a pitch which broke his facial bones and injured his eye. He came back in 1958 to pitch 5 more years though he wasn't as effective. Smoky Joe Wood of the Red Sox was 23-17 in 1911 and 34-5 in 1912. The following year, he broke his thumb when he slipped on wet grass when fielding a bunt. He was never quite the same after the injury. He took 1916 off and was out for most of 1917. He was sold to the Indians late in 1917. With the Indians, he switched to the outfield. He played 6 seasons with them including the 1920 World Series winning Indians.
On the Rick Ankiel story no mention was made of his sensational defensive contributions in the outfield, specially the incredible throws to nail baserunners. Great video nevertheless, Thank You !!!
Nice video. Tony C has to be higher. Hit 24 home runs at 19. Next season, became the youngest to win league HR crown. Missed time both years with 2 wrist factues and 1 broken arm because being hit by a pitch. 1966 was injury free, hit 28 homers. In 1967, he became the youngest player to reach the 100th home run level at 22 years of age. Less than a month later he was hit in the cheekbone and suffered a major eye injury. Tony was an agressive hitter and crowded the plate and never backed off against any pitcher. He missed 1968 and came back in 1969 and hit 20 homers. The next season in 1970, Tony hit 36 homers and had 116 RBI. He was traded to the Angels during the off season. Maybe the Red Sox knew his eye sight at that time was diminishing. He was having a rough year and reitred half way through 1971. Came back in 1975 but is was short lived and was cut in June. Tony went into broadcasting on TV. After a try out to become a Red Sox TV announcer, he suffered a stroke. He lingered into a semi coma for 8 years before passing away at age 45. The saddest story in baseball history in my opinion.
I appreciate u putting Bush and Burroughs on the Inspirational lists and not on the flop lists. I struggled with substance abuse for many years and got my life together. These guys seriously do deserve credit to overcome bad decisions and their demons!
1:17 my great uncle was actually the one who helped him get back into baseball shape after returning from the war! Future 1st ever player for the Mets Hobie Landrith
Needs a list of more comebacks. Guys like Andres Galarraga who came back after fighting cancer and missing nearly a year only to hit a homerun in his first game back
Shout-out to Daniel Bard. After years out of baseball with the yips, he made a comeback in 2020. He started this season on IL with anxiety; no sugar coating, no made up arm injury, he's been so brave to be transparent about what he's been going through. He came back in late April and is once again mowing dudes down.
I lived in LA when Tommy John was injured - I was listening to the game. As stated he was 13-3 but had recently found out that he was left off of the All-Star roster - 4 Dodgers were voted in and he lost the spot only because each team had to be represented. The Natural was a book before it was a movie.
@Rockhound6165 Yes, my old mind stands corrected, but he did pitch several years in the minors. The stats though sporadic can be found at baseball reference. Thanks
Absolutely right that there is no excuse for his behavior however he served his time. I will never understand the need to punish people in perpetuity. What incentive is there for anyone to improve if we never let their past go? This again is only for people that have actually been punished.
Brett Saberhagen, don't recall the early details, but i know he was a stud for the Royals back in the mid to late 80's, then had a nice comeback with the Sox in which i want to say was the 98 season in which he had as many BB's as his uniform # of 17.
Three cheers for the "World War II Heroes" honorable mention category. However, the accompanying photo is from WW I, likely taken in 1918. Ted Williams did it twice, WWII and Korea.
Some of these I don't consider comebacks. Just because a player is a prospect but ruins his chances with bad decisions doesn't make him a comeback story if he wasn't there in the first place. Buster Posey and Tommy John I consider those comebacks. They were there and played at a high level and suffered injuries through no fault of their own, but overcame those injuries to play at a high level again.
11:03 its hard for me to cheer for a guy who overcame self-induced criminal problems, especially considering that no other profession gives you so many second (and third, and fourth, and fifth) chances
Josh Hamilton never did beat those demons. Had trouble with his child and made the wrong decision and seems to be down a road I wonder if there will be positives and not negatives said about him.
Ok I only Subscribe to a half dozen RUclipsrs in 15 years I STOPPED THIS VIDEO AND SUBSCRIBED ONCE I SAW YOU ACKNOWLEDGE ALL THE PLAYERS FROM WW2 - not just the stars but half of baseball went to War GREATEST GENERATION EVER AND THIS CHANNEL GOT A NEW SUBSCRIBER LESS THAN FOUR MINUTES IN
Thank you so much! 👊 yes it is amazing how so many players stopped their careers to serve in the war.. something I couldn't imagine today.. huge respect to all of them.
i met him after a game Reds v Phillies in Philly , he was very talk to a kid and very very nice. he flashed a nice smile and signed a ball for me that still sits on my mantle . Paul O’Neill was in the Reds then too and also signed
Drew Robinson would be my vote for the "Comeback of All Time" award. After "killing" himself due to depression and then to put it all behind him to play ball again, is magical.
Another honorable mention should be Jerry hairston Jr. While he technically never missed any season his story is pretty cool. Nomorefielders did a video about it.
Great stories about determination. A small correction, Tony did not miss 2 seasons. He was hurt in Aug 67', did not play in 68', but came in 69'. He missed one season and a couple of months of playing time
It waa difficult as a baseball fan to see Dave Dravecky work hard only to watch him fall on the mound in Montreal. Competitiap Later ve sports is difficult enough without fighting your own body, especially one fighting cancer. As an Orioles fan, and watching Trey Mancini during his battle with cancer, it brought back memories of Dave's career. Thank God some people fight the good fight.IF ZYOU fought, you Much respect to those on the list, and for those who fought hard but were unable to make it [Update: you made it just by fighting].
Drew Robinsons should be the number one comeback story. He took a handgun and shot himself and by a miracle survived. Most people that get shot in the head don't make it.
Dave Dravecky better be on this list. * He is👍🏼 The sound of his arm snapping was on par with the crack of the bat, or that's how I remember it anyway.
Where the hell is Billy Chapel? He was one of the greatest pitchers of the 80s and was still the Tiger’s ace when he injured his pitching hand with a table saw while making his girlfriend, Jane, a Christmas present. Luckily she was there to rush him to the hospital, exceeding the speed limit and driving extremely recklessly because he was a pitcher and baseball is America’s game! Luckily, he was such a well know player because he was life flighted to a premier hospital where the best surgeons operated on his hand leaving a nasty scar. It was the middle of winter and the roads were treacherous but I doubt anyone would have gotten into a car accident in those conditions. Even if they did it was Billy Chapel!! If anyone had a medical emergency and needed that life flight all they had to do was tell their family that it was Billy Chapel and his hand was hurt. That is all it would take to be forgiven by them at the funeral. Anyway, nobody thought Billy was going to make it back. Not even Mike the head of their strength and conditioning department. Boy were they wrong! And on the last game of his career he pitched a perfect game!! Everyone knew it was going to happen too. That is why they had Vin Scully there broadcasting the first Tigers game of his long illustrious career!! I was about to raise hall about not mentioning Roy Hobbs as well but you did give “The Natural” a brief mention towards the end. Nobody will ever forget him striking out The Whammer on 3 pitches!!
If Ankiel hit 251 HR in 7 years he’d be considered one of the better hitters ever. He actually hit 75 which is still pretty impressive especially considering his circumstances
I think I meant RBI
@@HummBabyBaseball ah makes since!
He hit 76 LMAO
When he said 251 I was like waiiiiitttttt a minuteeeeeeeee
Not to mention he was a hell of a outfielder with that cannon for a arm. He was a great hitter while he pitched, if not for the pitching issues he might have been a good 2 way player even though NL didn't have DH but you know what i mean
No Tyler Matzek? Love his story. Went from top pick to the yips to unemployed to amateur ball to the Braves and striking out Betts, Susza, and Pujols back to back in the NLCS, then to a world series championship.
I was there for the Dave Dravecky comeback game at the Stick! As an 18 year old, I was in total awe of what I was seeing. To this day, one of the loudest home crowds I've ever heard.
My dad was at that game too! I never see clips of Dravecky without tears in my eyes. What an amazing player. ⚾🧡🖤
I was there that day as well. Amazing performance and story.
Having just listened to "Top10 Clubhouse Cancers" this was much more inspirational and refreshing!
Don't know if he cracks the top 10, but Eric Davis came back from a lacerated kidney, then he came back from colon cancer, and was still a productive player. Before all that, he was a combination of power and speed the game had never seen before, first 30/50 man and along with Rickey Henderson, the only 20/80 man, and a Gold Glover.
Felt Bad For Eric Nobody Has To Suffer Through That
I definitely thought of Eric Davis for a list like this. He was definitely on a hall of fame pace before his injuries and other health concerns
If Davis could've stayed healthy and actually played some complete seasons, especially in his prime, he'd have been a guaranteed HOF'er. Byron Buxton reminds me of him, immensely talented but just can not stay healthy for full season.
one of the best examples of circumstance denying a hall of fame resume
@@thedude3065 I have been through colon cancer and I am just glad I am alive. The hall of fame is overrated
Jimmy Piersall, Rex Sox in the '50's, ended with the Angels in 1967----fought severe mental illness but still had a 17 year career. "Fear Strikes Out"
Excellent movie.
I think another Honorable mention would be Adam Greenberg. Was a promising young prospect who sadly had a horrific head injury during his first at bat when he got beaned in the head with a fastball. Caused him to have permanent effects like nausea, vertigo, severe headaches and dizziness. He made a comeback in the minors the years after the injury and got an AB in the majors, but ultimately struck out. Like he didn't do much of anything in the majors or the minors, but to finally be able to get an AB in the majors not ending in a severe injury deserves some recognition
I remember Tony Conigliaro. He was on the road to greatness. Handsome, home grown, immensely talented. That photo of him with the shiner was on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He died young, only 45 after a series of health issues including a heart attack and stroke.
Can you imagine if "Tony C"hadn't gotten beaned? He in all likelyhood was destined for a H.O.F.career.Maybe a movie teen idol. Talk of bad luck, in and out of ball.He could have joined the sacred list of B-Town legends i.e. Ted, Bobby Larry and Tom.
I think Tommy John should be in the Hall. 288 wins is nothing to sneeze at but also that he came back with the surgery that bears his name, he actually opened doors for others to continue who needed it.
he won more games after the surgery than before
Agreed
Great list. I'm glad that you gave an "honorable mention" to the superstars who fought in WW2!
Lou Brissie, I used to help out at The Philadelphia Athletics historical society and he was there with his friend Bob Feller. Lou was a amazing person the story I remember other players talking about was a time Ted Williams hit a line drive off of one of Lou’s legs. It made a loud noise and Lou went down. But like a true legend he recovered and pitched. He was an excellent pitcher prospect prior to the war. Thanks for putting him number one on this list.
You're welcome. Thats amazing! Thanks for the insight.
@Brian F Good memory. I have a book by Burman Fisher about such stories; Brissie's was in there. He was the first guy I though of when HBB mentioned WW2 vets, since Brissie nearly lost his leg in combat. His doctor would have amputated, but Brissie said he was a pitcher and needed his leg to play - and the doctor, a huge baseball fan, relented. ... Connie Mack wrote him and said, in essence, that his uniform would be waiting for him when he was ready.
When he faced Williams, it was a Veterean's Appreciation Day. Williams' line drive felled him, and after he reached first and time was called, the Splinter jogged over to find out how he was doing. Brissie quipped, "You know, Ted, they all told me you were a dead pull hitter."
Bo Jackson should be on this list. To come back and play major league baseball with an artificial hip is mind boggling to me.
That’s another good one
Tony C will always be the #1 for Red Sox fans.
Like Thurman Munson, Tony's number needs to be retired.
As a kid Tony was my favorite AL player. He was also a better than average singer.
I’m a Yankee fan and I still think tony c is one of the saddest baseball stories in the history of the game.
@@GetRidOfCivilAssetForfeiture he was also auditioned for the role of Michael Corleone in The Godfather.
@@michaelfoley1966Most likely a Mickey Mantle type career was in store for "Tony C".
Mark Appel, former number 1 pick who quit baseball for a few years and finally made his big league debut w the Phillies this year
Fantastic video I was at Dravecky’s comeback game against the reds with my grandma up on the 3rd baseline. Met future Giant Eric Davis and watched Pete Rose get kicked out of the game it’s a great memory and moment in my life
I loved that at Candlestick when a visiting player/manager was ejected, he had to walk all the way toward the bullpen in right field to exit.
You have to mention Dickie Thon. He was a promising young shortstop in Houston with some believing he had hall of fame potential. He was a decent hitter and a vacuum cleaner at shortstop and an all star but he got hit in the face by a Mike Torres fastball which really messed him up both physically and mentally. He came back the next season but he wasn't the same at first but he made the adjustments needed and became a productive ballplayer again. He even received the Tony Conigliaro award for his comeback.
How about Jim Eisenreich, whose promising major league career in the early '80s appeared to be over because of on-field anxiety attacks? After dropping out of baseball for several years, he was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, and with medication, was able to deal with it and ended up with a fine 15-year major league career, which included a World Series championship with the Marlins in 1997.
he was on the 93 Phillies team too
@@peterf.229 we don't make the series without him in '93.
Great video. I watched to see Trey Mancini. His tenure with the Astros was brief, but I really loved his time there, and I will be a fan of his forever.
As Giants fan from Dominican Republic is a honor for me to follow you. Keepgoing with your work, you deserve 1 million subscribers these stories inspiring us. We never give up doesn't matter how worse is the circunstancia. Como sabes español Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias y que Aaron Judge este con nuestro equipo.
Gracias..Mi familia es de Nicaragua.. pero estudié espanol y miro las telenovelas!
@@HummBabyBaseball good for you I’m learning English watching 80’s movies, series and animated series, that’s awesome. I never went to any English school, keep going dude with your work and everybody subscribe to this great channel.
Honestly, that’s probably the best way to learn a language (I learned Hindi in basically the same way), and it must be working for you, because your English is very good! When Wilmer Flores was a prospect with the Mets, he famously learned English by watching old reruns of the show _”Friends,”_ and when he got to the majors, he used the show’s theme song as his walk-up music. Now that he’s with your Giants, I’m not sure if he still uses it, but I hope he does!
I vividly remember Dave Draveckey...One of the most thrilling parts of my baseball memories to this day.When his arm broke while throwing a pitch was a heartbreaking end to his Career.Glad he is still with us inspiring others.
Monte Stratton deserves a mention even though he never made it back to the majors, but pitching in the minors with a prosthetic leg should be worth something.
Especially considering players would try to exploit that by bunting a lot.
Hate to say it but the Men from the 40’s & 50’s were another breed entirely. Leave everything, go o War, no questions asked, come back, pick up where they left off.
Tough times create Strong Men. That they surely did.
Many Blessings All 🙏🇺🇸💪
Best list you have done so far. Each one of those stories brought tears to my eyes. Stuff like this is why I love Baseball so much
What a awesome video!!! And to start the list off with veterans was so great!
I would like to suggest Gene Bearden. While serving in the US Navy on board the USS Helena, he was in the engine room when the ship got hit by 3 Japanese torpedoes. The results of the attack led to multiple surgeries to have metal inserted into his skull and kneecap. He eventually returned to an accomplished career that involved a stint with the Cleveland Indians & a decisive win in the 1948 tiebreaker playoff to go to the World Series.
As a Red Sox fan, I think of guys like Jon Lester and Mike Lowell. Both beat cancer and went on to have great careers
What an outstanding video you put together excellent well done good choices well documented heartwarming but what about Bartolo Colon? Pretty hard to come back from all those injuries with that right arm and be as dominant as he was for a little bit longer. But anyway thank you so much for this great video it is one of the best I have ever seen on RUclips
Thank you!! Yes Colon had a great Comeback.. if I do a Part 2 I'll remember him!
Excellent video. I had forgotten about Eddie Waitkus and I didn't know about Lou Brissie.
In 1918, Hall of Famer Pete Alexander was gassed in World War 1 and suffered partial hearing loss from a shell explosion. He came back in 1919 to pitch 12 more years, leading the NL twice in ERA and having a big part in the Cardinals first World Series winning team in 1926 winning 2 games and saving game 7 against the highly favored Yankees.
Pitcher Herb Score had a severe eye injury in 1957 when Gil McDougald lined a pitch which broke his facial bones and injured his eye. He came back in 1958 to pitch 5 more years though he wasn't as effective.
Smoky Joe Wood of the Red Sox was 23-17 in 1911 and 34-5 in 1912. The following year, he broke his thumb when he slipped on wet grass when fielding a bunt. He was never quite the same after the injury. He took 1916 off and was out for most of 1917. He was sold to the Indians late in 1917. With the Indians, he switched to the outfield. He played 6 seasons with them including the 1920 World Series winning Indians.
On the Rick Ankiel story no mention was made of his sensational defensive contributions in the outfield, specially the incredible throws to nail baserunners. Great video nevertheless, Thank You !!!
Nice video. Tony C has to be higher. Hit 24 home runs at 19. Next season, became the youngest to win league HR crown. Missed time both years with 2 wrist factues and 1 broken arm because being hit by a pitch. 1966 was injury free, hit 28 homers. In 1967, he became the youngest player to reach the 100th home run level at 22 years of age. Less than a month later he was hit in the cheekbone and suffered a major eye injury. Tony was an agressive hitter and crowded the plate and never backed off against any pitcher. He missed 1968 and came back in 1969 and hit 20 homers. The next season in 1970, Tony hit 36 homers and had 116 RBI. He was traded to the Angels during the off season. Maybe the Red Sox knew his eye sight at that time was diminishing. He was having a rough year and reitred half way through 1971. Came back in 1975 but is was short lived and was cut in June. Tony went into broadcasting on TV. After a try out to become a Red Sox TV announcer, he suffered a stroke. He lingered into a semi coma for 8 years before passing away at age 45. The saddest story in baseball history in my opinion.
I appreciate u putting Bush and Burroughs on the Inspirational lists and not on the flop lists. I struggled with substance abuse for many years and got my life together. These guys seriously do deserve credit to overcome bad decisions and their demons!
1:17 my great uncle was actually the one who helped him get back into baseball shape after returning from the war!
Future 1st ever player for the Mets Hobie Landrith
Dave Dravecky will always be the #1 for Giants fans
He's my #1.
Rick Ankiel was also a plus defender with an ironically extremely strong and (accurate) throwing arm
Indeed. He was human highlight reel throwing out runners at 3rd from deep center.
Needs a list of more comebacks. Guys like Andres Galarraga who came back after fighting cancer and missing nearly a year only to hit a homerun in his first game back
Shout-out to Daniel Bard.
After years out of baseball with the yips, he made a comeback in 2020. He started this season on IL with anxiety; no sugar coating, no made up arm injury, he's been so brave to be transparent about what he's been going through. He came back in late April and is once again mowing dudes down.
Thank you for saying Cleveland Indians!
I think dicky thon would make a good honorable mention as well considering what he went through.
Lou Brissie is a veteran and a real hero of baseball.
I lived in LA when Tommy John was injured - I was listening to the game. As stated he was 13-3 but had recently found out that he was left off of the All-Star roster - 4 Dodgers were voted in and he lost the spot only because each team had to be represented.
The Natural was a book before it was a movie.
Tommy John also is a big HOF snub.
Lou Brissie is amazing!! great story
You missed Monty Stratton, Jimmy Stewart played Monty in a movie. Monty lost his leg in a hunting accident, but came back to pitch with a wooden leg.
"Watch out for the bunt!"
He never made it back to the majors but it's still a remarkable story.
@Rockhound6165 Yes, my old mind stands corrected, but he did pitch several years in the minors. The stats though sporadic can be found at baseball reference. Thanks
Absolutely right that there is no excuse for his behavior however he served his time. I will never understand the need to punish people in perpetuity. What incentive is there for anyone to improve if we never let their past go? This again is only for people that have actually been punished.
Brett Saberhagen, don't recall the early details, but i know he was a stud for the Royals back in the mid to late 80's, then had a nice comeback with the Sox in which i want to say was the 98 season in which he had as many BB's as his uniform # of 17.
Three cheers for the "World War II Heroes" honorable mention category. However, the accompanying photo is from WW I, likely taken in 1918. Ted Williams did it twice, WWII and Korea.
Some of these I don't consider comebacks. Just because a player is a prospect but ruins his chances with bad decisions doesn't make him a comeback story if he wasn't there in the first place. Buster Posey and Tommy John I consider those comebacks. They were there and played at a high level and suffered injuries through no fault of their own, but overcame those injuries to play at a high level again.
Makes me want to pick up a bat and get back out there!
Great video!!
As an Orioles fan, Trey Mancini will always be very inspirational to me! Truly a pleasure to have watched it in-person.
we all need inspirational comeback stories!!
Nice video man
Did not know Tommy John had that many wins. Also Matt bush belongs in prison. Should have never been given a second chance.
He did go to prison.. maybe he didn't deserve so many chances but at least he seems to have gotten his life together
Great video!
Unfortunately for Hamilton he relapsed and then was either jailed or fined for child abuse
Wait - hold up - you can find cheeseburgers inside Las Vegas garbage cans? 🤔
I think Andres Galarraga belongs somewhere on this list as well
You left out Ankiel's grenade launcher.
11:03 its hard for me to cheer for a guy who overcame self-induced criminal problems, especially considering that no other profession gives you so many second (and third, and fourth, and fifth) chances
Then don't.
will it make you feel better that Bush was DFA’d by the Brewers yesterday ?
I remember Tony C as a sports reporter here in the bay area. If I remember right it was ABC channel 7
16:11 he hit 251 RBI's, not homeruns. Just saying. Great Video
Oops i dont know why I said HRs
Josh Hamilton never did beat those demons. Had trouble with his child and made the wrong decision and seems to be down a road I wonder if there will be positives and not negatives said about him.
Yeah I didn't mention all that in this video but definitely spoke about it in prior vids..
1 of many reasons young men shouldnt get big payouts........... they are not trained-educated, emotionaly ready to handle that kind of money.
Josh Hamilton is still battling demons.
Wow good stuff ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for this video.
I love this channel
No love for R.A. Dickey?!
Ok I only Subscribe to a half dozen RUclipsrs in 15 years
I STOPPED THIS VIDEO AND SUBSCRIBED ONCE I SAW YOU ACKNOWLEDGE ALL THE PLAYERS FROM WW2 - not just the stars but half of baseball went to War
GREATEST GENERATION EVER
AND THIS CHANNEL GOT A NEW SUBSCRIBER LESS THAN FOUR MINUTES IN
Thank you so much! 👊 yes it is amazing how so many players stopped their careers to serve in the war.. something I couldn't imagine today.. huge respect to all of them.
Sure appreciate your videos
Yeaaaa… Jose Rijo is My Dude !
So underrated
That Dude was Bad Ass when He pitched
i met him after a game Reds v Phillies in Philly , he was very talk to a kid and very very nice. he flashed a nice smile and signed a ball for me that still sits on my mantle . Paul O’Neill was in the Reds then too and also signed
Jim Morris has to be a honorable mention
All those players that went to fight for our country during WW2 is mind blowing to me. There all Hall of Fame Human Beings... Just unreal!!!
Wow no yelling !!! By far your best video !!
Thank you!
Drew Robinson would be my vote for the "Comeback of All Time" award. After "killing" himself due to depression and then to put it all behind him to play ball again, is magical.
I had never heard of Lou Brissies comeback. From the greatest generation to greatest comeback. Good choice😊
Do a video on Overrated players and flash in the pan players
Good ones!
Another honorable mention should be Jerry hairston Jr. While he technically never missed any season his story is pretty cool. Nomorefielders did a video about it.
Great stories about determination. A small correction, Tony did not miss 2 seasons. He was hurt in Aug 67', did not play in 68', but came in 69'. He missed one season and a couple of months of playing time
Smoky Joe Wood was one the first great comeback stories in baseball .
Rick Ankliel is just unbelievable, his book is a great read , yips
Dave Dravecky was an inspiration in SF.
Dr Frank Jobe deserves a mention in the HOF
Monty Stratton?
Connie Mack is involved in all of these inspirational baseball stories.
Damn I just came across this video today. RIP Sean Burroughs
Go CRAZYYYYYYYYYYYY🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
How come I never heard of Dixie Howell. What a beast
It waa difficult as a baseball fan to see Dave Dravecky work hard only to watch him fall on the mound in Montreal. Competitiap
Later ve sports is difficult enough without fighting your own body, especially one fighting cancer. As an Orioles fan, and watching Trey Mancini during his battle with cancer, it brought back memories of Dave's career. Thank God some people fight the good fight.IF ZYOU fought, you
Much respect to those on the list, and for those who fought hard but were unable to make it [Update: you made it just by fighting].
John Hiller is one with a neat comeback
Drew Robinsons should be the number one comeback story. He took a handgun and shot himself and by a miracle survived. Most people that get shot in the head don't make it.
it’s not a miracle , it’s physics and where the bullet traveled
Dave Dravecky better be on this list.
* He is👍🏼
The sound of his arm snapping was on par with the crack of the bat, or that's how I remember it anyway.
I stand with Matt Bush. You don’t draw on someone’s face while they’re sleeping!
Absolutely criminal that you left Adam Wainwright off this list at least give him an honorable mention
Tragically Sean Burroughs passed away today at the age of 43 RIP
I thought Dickie Thon coming back after being hit in the head by a fastball we pretty great. That injury was pretty terrible.
Rest in peace, sean 🙏 😢 he passed away 3 days ago from cardiac arrest
Where the hell is Billy Chapel? He was one of the greatest pitchers of the 80s and was still the Tiger’s ace when he injured his pitching hand with a table saw while making his girlfriend, Jane, a Christmas present. Luckily she was there to rush him to the hospital, exceeding the speed limit and driving extremely recklessly because he was a pitcher and baseball is America’s game! Luckily, he was such a well know player because he was life flighted to a premier hospital where the best surgeons operated on his hand leaving a nasty scar. It was the middle of winter and the roads were treacherous but I doubt anyone would have gotten into a car accident in those conditions. Even if they did it was Billy Chapel!! If anyone had a medical emergency and needed that life flight all they had to do was tell their family that it was Billy Chapel and his hand was hurt. That is all it would take to be forgiven by them at the funeral. Anyway, nobody thought Billy was going to make it back. Not even Mike the head of their strength and conditioning department. Boy were they wrong! And on the last game of his career he pitched a perfect game!! Everyone knew it was going to happen too. That is why they had Vin Scully there broadcasting the first Tigers game of his long illustrious career!! I was about to raise hall about not mentioning Roy Hobbs as well but you did give “The Natural” a brief mention towards the end. Nobody will ever forget him striking out The Whammer on 3 pitches!!
Josh Hamilton could’ve been the best left handed hitter ever since bonds
uh maybe but Griffey Jr > Bonds
John Lester. Coming back from cancer to win 3 world series rings and pitch a no no.
Cancer survivor Carlos Carrasco !