Gazing at the Stars: Ex-College Hoopers Shining Bright in MLB All-Star Games

July 16th, 2024 - 7:56

When compared to NBA and NFL physical specimens, there is a tendency to undervalue baseball players as versatile athletes. But such a viewpoint shouldn't be prevalent. In deference to 2024 festivities in Arlington, Tex., following is a ranking of the top 10 former college hoopers who performed best as non-pitchers in multiple MLB All-Star Game appearances:

Rank MLB All-Star MLB Team(s) Pos. All-Star Season(s) College(s) Where Played Hoops MLB All-Star Game Summary
1. Dave Winfield Padres/Yankees OF 1977 through 1988 Minnesota Eight-time starter went 13-for-36 (.361) with seven doubles and five RBI in 12 games.
2. Frankie Frisch Cardinals INF 1933 through 1935 Fordham Two-time starter went 4-for-7 (.571) with two HRs and four runs scored in three games.
3. Jackie Robinson Dodgers INF-OF 1949 through 1954 UCLA Five-time starter went 6-for-18 (.333) with two doubles, one homer, four RBI and seven runs scored in seven games.
4. Kenny Lofton Indians/Braves OF 1994 through 1999 Arizona Four-time starter went 5-for-14 (.357) with two RBI and five stolen bases in six games.
5. Leon Wagner Angels OF 1962 and 1963 Tuskegee AL Three-game starter went 5-for-11 (.455). Only former college hooper named All-Star Game MVP (second contest in 1962).
6. Davey Lopes Dodgers 2B 1978 through 1981 Iowa Wesleyan/Washburn KS Three-time starter went 2-for-5 (.400) with one RBI in four games.
7. Red Rolfe Yankees 3B 1937 through 1940 Dartmouth Two-time starter went 3-for-8 (.375) with a triple and two RBI in four games.
8. Dick Groat Pirates/Cardinals SS 1959-60-62-63-64 Duke Four-time starter went 5-for-15 (.333) with one double and five RBI in eight games.
9. Gil Hodges Dodgers 1B 1949 through 1955 and 1957 St. Joseph's IN/Oakland City IN Starter in 1951 went 4-for-12 (.333) with one homer and three runs scored in six games (DNP in 1950 and 1952).
10. Lou Boudreau Indians SS 1940-41-42-43-44-47-48 Illinois Three-time starter went 4-for-12 (.333) with one HR in eight games.