This was the toughest choice yet. In the end, Harry Carson gets the nod over fellow 53er Don Drysdale. Harry Carson was a dominating linebacker for the Giants during his thirteen year career spanning the 1970s and 1980s. He had an intensity that has been matched by few. Harry, who became a starting linebacker in his rookie season (1976,) was the New York Giants captain for ten years and led the team in tackles for five years. Harry played in pro bowls for 69% of his career playing time (9 out of 13 years.) Teaming with Lawrence Taylor and Carl Banks in the 1980s, Harry was a key part of one of the best defenses to ever grace an NFL gridiron. This defense was a primary reason for the Giants Super Bowl Championship in 1986.
Did you know.....Harry was "rated the #1 'Inside Linebacker' in NFL history according to Pro Football Weekly, Carson was named to the All-Rookie Team after his first NFL season." (source: harrycarson.com.)
(photo courtesy of harrycarson.com)
Did you know.....Harry was "rated the #1 'Inside Linebacker' in NFL history according to Pro Football Weekly, Carson was named to the All-Rookie Team after his first NFL season." (source: harrycarson.com.)
(photo courtesy of harrycarson.com)
This one is right. One of the most under-rated players of his time. Solid, solid, solid.
ReplyDeletegreat choice...yep i got all his ball cards-just knew he'd make HOF.
ReplyDeleteWhoa, what about Don Drysdale. A Hall of Famer who didn't always get his due becuase he was second behind Sandy Koufax. He retired as the Dodgers all time leader in wins (passed by Don Sutton) and was instrumental in three World Championships and four pennants in LA and was a part of the Brooklyn pennants in 55-56. He carried the Dodgers in 1962 when Koufax was on the disabled list and finished 25-9 and won the Cy Young award. His scoreless innings streak in 1968 of 56 2/3 innings broke Walter Johnson's previous record, subsequently surpassed by Orel Hershiser. It has to be Don Drysdale.
ReplyDeleteI love Harry Carson, but this has to go to Don Drysdale. He was awesome - I mean 6 straight shutouts in 1968 - and career marks of 209 wins, 2,486 strikeouts, 167 complete games and 49 shutouts - 25 wins and a Cy Young award in 1962.
ReplyDeleteAlso - In 1965, he was the Dodgers' only .300 hitter and tied his own National League record for pitchers with seven home runs.
Give it to Big D, Big Number 53, meanest man on the mound.
ReplyDeleteYea, I would have to go for Dysdale
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