Mythical Tournament of Polk's, McMahon's, and Cohen's best players

[The Federalist Engineer]

If space and time were irrelevant, who's best IX would win a tournament between Polk's best IX, McMahon's best IX, and Cohen's best IX. Since I have zero memory for pre-1988, this is what have. I say Polks IX would win easily. McMahon's team has a shot if Maholm can hold people to 2 runs or less, otherwise the MacMahon iX is the overall least-talented team.

For the sake of comparison, we can only consider what players did while in maroon and white, not the minors, majors, or against the Cubs in the NLCS.

My best guess for the Polk Era
1b-Clark (#1, MLB)
2b-Piatt (MLB) ....Some would want Masters
SS-Shave (MLB)
3B-Young (MLB as pitcher)
LF-Palmeiro (#1, MLB)
CF-Hurst
RF-Thigpen (MLB as pitcher)...Cohen could play here on Polk's team
C-Easley (#1)
SP-DuBose (#1, MLB)

Cohen Era
1b-Lowe
2b-Pirtle
SS-Frazier (MLB)
3b-Collins
LF-Rooker
CF-Mangum
RF-Renfroe (#1, MLB)
C-Kruger
SP-Hudson (#1)....Some could argue Graveman, Lindgren, Holder, or Girodo

MacMahon Era
1b-Lee
2b-Freeman
SS-Maniscalco
3b-Chapman (MLB)
LF-Bryan
CF-Weise
RF-Knott (MLB)
C-Wren
SP-Maholm (#1, MLB)

[Mjoelner34]

I say Polks IX would win easily. McMahon's team has a shot if Maholm can hold people to 2 runs or less, otherwise the MacMahon iX is the overall least-talented team.

I agree.

[Thrill1]

I love me some Eric DuBose, but no way he's better than Jeff Brantley. Overall, nice lists.

[smootness]

I say Polks IX would win easily.

I mean, I would hope so. Polk was coach at State for 29 years. Cohen was here for 8, and McMahon 4, and some of both Cohen's and McMahon's players were also Polk's players.

Not exactly a fair fight.

[BrunswickDawg]

I feel like Mitch Moreland should be there somewhere - but I don't know who I would bump.

[louisvilledawg]

I think you could take out Hudson and put Stratton in.

Also, I remember Matthew Brinson being an absolute baller even though he's not on the list.

I grew up with Maniscalco as my favorite player. Loved watching him play SS.

Loved the list! Nice to reminisce.

[Homedawg]

If space and time were irrelevant, who's best IX would win a tournament between Polk's best IX, McMahon's best IX, and Cohen's best IX. Since I have zero memory for pre-1988, this is what have. I say Polks IX would win easily. McMahon's team has a shot if Maholm can hold people to 2 runs or less, otherwise the MacMahon iX is the overall least-talented team.

For the sake of comparison, we can only consider what players did while in maroon and white, not the minors, majors, or against the Cubs in the NLCS.

My best guess for the Polk Era
1b-Clark (#1, MLB)
2b-Piatt (MLB) ....Some would want Masters
SS-Shave (MLB)
3B-Young (MLB as pitcher)
LF-Palmeiro (#1, MLB)
CF-Hurst
RF-Thigpen (MLB as pitcher)...Cohen could play here on Polk's team
C-Easley (#1)
SP-DuBose (#1, MLB)

Cohen Era
1b-Lowe
2b-Pirtle
SS-Frazier (MLB)
3b-Collins
LF-Rooker
CF-Mangum
RF-Renfroe (#1, MLB)
C-Kruger
SP-Hudson (#1)....Some could argue Graveman, Lindgren, Holder, or Girodo

MacMahon Era
1b-Lee
2b-Freeman
SS-Maniscalco
3b-Chapman (MLB)
LF-Bryan
CF-Weise
RF-Knott (MLB)
C-Wren
SP-Maholm (#1, MLB)

Wren never caught here. So need to find another catcher for McMahon. Also, piatt never played second so have to make a change there.

[The Federalist Engineer]

I mean, I would hope so. Polk was coach at State for 29 years. Cohen was here for 8, and McMahon 4, and some of both Cohen's and McMahon's players were also Polk's players.

Not exactly a fair fight.

True, but most of us did not see the first 2/3rds of those 29 years. Only the 50-to-60 year-olds among us will remember the full Polk era, if then.

Another thing to admit is that I got caught up with other things during McMahon's time, ladies. So, the gorilla ball era is a blur to me.

[Homedawg]

What's amazing is, radio was a great hitter for 3 years(so-sr) and because Clark was so good he never gets mentioned on any all-Polk teams. He's he forgotten guy. And no, I'm not suggesting he should be in ahead and of will, just that he was a stud.

[lamont]

Polk had two teams that should have won the NC in 85 and 89...and some say 79....Cohen's overachieved in 2013.

Polk could field 2 teams in this easily

[The Federalist Engineer]

Wren never caught here. So need to find another catcher for McMahon.

Wren and Lotterhaus were studs that transferred in, but Mac seemed to use so many players, I was not sure what do with either. I dropped Lotterhaus but did not want to drop Wren and all other positions seemed good-to-go. if he caught somewhere, we can make him catch again...mythically

[smootness]

True, but most of us did not see the first 2/3rds of those 29 years. Only the 50-to-60 year-olds among us will remember the full Polk era, if then.

Another thing to admit is that I got caught up with other things during McMahon's time, ladies. So, the gorilla ball era is a blur to me.

So you're still talking about 20 years vs. 8 and 4. You would still assume Polk's team wins easily.

[Maroonthirteen]

Did Criag Tatum play for McMahon or Polk II? Anyway, he was a good catcher.

[msbulldog]

My money is on the 1985 team.

[I seen it dawg]

No team is complete without Ricky Joe Redd

[Homedawg]

No team is complete without Ricky Joe Redd

Hahah. He was a character for sure

[archdog]

It would come down to Polk's team against Cohen's. Cohen would throw the game as a player on Polk's team, to win as the other coach. It's simple guys.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Craig Tatum was Polk-II, he was very good

[Todd4State]

Here are my teams. Some parameters- I divided Ron Polk up into Ron Polk I which of course is 1976-1997 and Polk II which is from 2002-2007. Of course some players played for more than one coach, so I based my decision on how that player performed when he played for that coach. For example, Paul Maholm played his freshman year for McMahon so Pat McMahon is credited with his performance his freshman year and then Polk II gets his sophomore and junior years. Clear as mud? Good.

Polk I

PITCHERS

Closer- Bobby Thigpen
Set-up- Jay Powell
Set-up- Pete Young
Sidearmer- Jon Harden

Friday night- Jeff Brantley
Saturday night- Bobby Reed
Sunday - B J Wallace
Midweek- Jack Lazorko and Carlton Loewer

CATCHERS
Catcher- Barry Winford
Back-up catcher- John McDonald

INFIELD
1B- Will Clark
2B- Father Burke Masters
3B- Pete Young
SS- Jon Shave

OUTFIELD
LF- Rafael Palmeiro
CF- Jody Hurst
RF- Bobby Thigpen

THE BENCH
DH- Nat ?Buck? Showalter
PH- Gator Theisen
PR- Dan Van Cleve
UT- Adam Piatt

Pat McMahon

PITCHERS

Closer- Jonathan Papelbon
Set-up- Brandon Medders
Set-up- Mark Freed
Sidearmer- Van Johnson

Friday Night- Paul Maholm
Saturday Night- Hank Thoms
Sunday- Jeremy Jackson
Midweek Kevin Donovan and Matt Ginter

CATCHERS

Catcher- Barry Patton
Back-up catcher- Chris Curry

INFIELDERS

1B- Richard Lee
2B- Chris Lotterhos
3B- Travis Chapman
SS- Brad Freeman

OUTFIELDERS

LF- Rusty Thoms
CF- Brian Wiese
RF- Brooks Bryan

BENCH

DH- Jon Knott
PH- Ty Martin
PR- Shane Kelly
UT- Matthew Maniscalco

Polk II

PITCHERS

Closer- Jonathan Papelbon
Set-up- Aaron Weatherford
Set-up- Brett Cleveland
Sidearmer- Saunders Ramsey

Friday night- Paul Maholm
Saturday night- Justin Pigott
Sunday night- Alan Johnson
Midweek- Brooks Dunn

CATCHERS

Catcher- Ed Easley
Back-up catcher- Craig Tatum

INFIELDERS

1B- Tyler Moore
2B- Jeffrey Rea
3B- Thomas Berkery
SS- Brandon Turner

OUTFIELDERS

LF- Brad Corley (I know he played RF, but best choice here)
CF- Joseph Hunter
RF- Mitch Moreland

BENCH

DH- Connor Powers
PH- Jeff Butts
PR- Adron Chambers
UT- Russ Sneed

Cohen

Closer- Jonathan Holder
Set-up- Jacob Lindgren
Set-up- Chad Girodo
Sidearmer- Ryan Rigby

Friday night- Chris Stratton
Saturday night- Dakota Hudson
Sunday- Kendall Graveman
Midweek- Nick Routt

CATCHERS

Catcher-Jack Kruger
Back-up catcher- Mitch Slauter

INFIELDERS

1B- Nate Lowe
2B- Brett Pirtle
3B- Jarrod Parks
SS- Adam Frazier

OUTFIELDERS

LF- Brent Rooker
CF- Jake Mangum
RF- Hunter Renfroe

BENCH

DH- Connor Powers
PH- Nick Vickerson
PR- Jacob Robson
UT- Gavin Collins

[Homedawg]

Todd replace thigpen w showalter and let raffo dh and you've got Polk 1 about as good as u can. Of course there can be minor arguments w anything like this. But solid none the less.

[WSOPdawg]

Todd, what about Raffo? Any place on the bench?

[The Federalist Engineer]

Great lineups Todd, I noticed no Eric Dubose, Adam Platt, or Brad Freeman

I think hauswald deserves a spot on your bigger lineup, without his accident, that dude was destined for major things and he did have a big year pre-injury

[Todd4State]

Todd, what about Raffo? Any place on the bench?

Well, Raffo is never going to beat out Clark of course. I came very close to putting him in over Gator. I considered him over Showalter but Buck had one of the best hitting seasons in SEC history plus he was one of Polk's first stars that helped take us to the next level. I chose Piatt over Raffo because Piatt was slightly more versatile than Raffo. Even though Raffo could pitch some.

[WSOPdawg]

Well, Raffo is never going to beat out Clark of course. I came very close to putting him in over Gator. I considered him over Showalter but Buck had one of the best hitting seasons in SEC history plus he was one of Polk's first stars that helped take us to the next level. I chose Piatt over Raffo because Piatt was slightly more versatile than Raffo. Even though Raffo could pitch some.

I agree that Thiesen & Buck & Piatt all bring quality to the team. Just shows you how much Polk had during his career to not have room for a player with multiple 20+ homer seasons.

[Todd4State]

Great lineups Todd, I noticed no Eric Dubose, Adam Platt, or Brad Freeman

I think hauswald deserves a spot on your bigger lineup, without his accident, that dude was destined for major things and he did have a big year pre-injury

Piatt is there under Polk I because he went pro after 1997. Freeman is on the all Pat McMahon team at starting SS. DuBose would have been the next up in that group- I had to stretch it to two midweek guys to not leave two guys out. Hauswald probably would have been the second baseman had he not been injured, but sadly he is one of the biggest tragedies in MSU baseball history. Masters was better defensively and he was a good hitter in his own right- he played in the White Sox system for a little while.

[Todd4State]

I agree that Thiesen & Buck & Piatt all bring quality to the team. Just shows you how much Polk had during his career to not have room for a player with multiple 20+ homer seasons.

Absolutely- and David Hayman and dare I say Ricky Joe Redd. Chris Maloney was a very good player too. Maybe I should have split Polk I up into 1976-1990 and 1991-1997. I think 1991 was the year he tried to retire the first time and we wouldn't let him. I had to leave out Gene Morgan who was a great pitcher in the 80's as well. But yes- we had tons of great players under Polk I.

[tcdog70]

What about Mark Gillespie and Mike Kelly and Bruce Castoria

[Tbonewannabe]

Polk had two teams that should have won the NC in 85 and 89...and some say 79....Cohen's overachieved in 2013.

Polk could field 2 teams in this easily

I don't think Cohen's team overachieved by much if any. Pretty great line up with 2 hitters that might be MLB Allstars in the next 5 years along with a very good MLB starter. That doesn't even take into account Ross Mitchell with that ball was damn near unhittable.

[Homedawg]

What about Mark Gillespie and Mike Kelly and Bruce Castoria

Mark Gillespie deserves a spot as well. He had one good year and another all American year. Stud. Castoria was good, but w Clark and raffo ahead, just can't find a spot. Kelly has a case as well. Lots of great players to pick from.

[shoeless joe]

Here are my teams. Some parameters- I divided Ron Polk up into Ron Polk I which of course is 1976-1997 and Polk II which is from 2002-2007. Of course some players played for more than one coach, so I based my decision on how that player performed when he played for that coach. For example, Paul Maholm played his freshman year for McMahon so Pat McMahon is credited with his performance his freshman year and then Polk II gets his sophomore and junior years. Clear as mud? Good.

Polk I

PITCHERS

Closer- Bobby Thigpen
Set-up- Jay Powell
Set-up- Pete Young
Sidearmer- Jon Harden

Friday night- Jeff Brantley
Saturday night- Bobby Reed
Sunday - B J Wallace
Midweek- Jack Lazorko and Carlton Loewer

CATCHERS
Catcher- Barry Winford
Back-up catcher- John McDonald

INFIELD
1B- Will Clark
2B- Father Burke Masters
3B- Pete Young
SS- Jon Shave

OUTFIELD
LF- Rafael Palmeiro
CF- Jody Hurst
RF- Bobby Thigpen

THE BENCH
DH- Nat ?Buck? Showalter
PH- Gator Theisen
PR- Dan Van Cleve
UT- Adam Piatt

Pat McMahon

PITCHERS

Closer- Jonathan Papelbon
Set-up- Brandon Medders
Set-up- Mark Freed
Sidearmer- Van Johnson

Friday Night- Paul Maholm
Saturday Night- Hank Thoms
Sunday- Jeremy Jackson
Midweek Kevin Donovan and Matt Ginter

CATCHERS

Catcher- Barry Patton
Back-up catcher- Chris Curry

INFIELDERS

1B- Richard Lee
2B- Chris Lotterhos
3B- Travis Chapman
SS- Brad Freeman

OUTFIELDERS

LF- Rusty Thoms
CF- Brian Wiese
RF- Brooks Bryan

BENCH

DH- Jon Knott
PH- Ty Martin
PR- Shane Kelly
UT- Matthew Maniscalco

Polk II

PITCHERS

Closer- Jonathan Papelbon
Set-up- Aaron Weatherford
Set-up- Brett Cleveland
Sidearmer- Saunders Ramsey

Friday night- Paul Maholm
Saturday night- Justin Pigott
Sunday night- Alan Johnson
Midweek- Brooks Dunn

CATCHERS

Catcher- Ed Easley
Back-up catcher- Craig Tatum

INFIELDERS

1B- Tyler Moore
2B- Jeffrey Rea
3B- Thomas Berkery
SS- Brandon Turner

OUTFIELDERS

LF- Brad Corley (I know he played RF, but best choice here)
CF- Joseph Hunter
RF- Mitch Moreland

BENCH

DH- Connor Powers
PH- Jeff Butts
PR- Adron Chambers
UT- Russ Sneed

Cohen

Closer- Jonathan Holder
Set-up- Jacob Lindgren
Set-up- Chad Girodo
Sidearmer- Ryan Rigby

Friday night- Chris Stratton
Saturday night- Dakota Hudson
Sunday- Kendall Graveman
Midweek- Nick Routt

CATCHERS

Catcher-Jack Kruger
Back-up catcher- Mitch Slauter

INFIELDERS

1B- Nate Lowe
2B- Brett Pirtle
3B- Jarrod Parks
SS- Adam Frazier

OUTFIELDERS

LF- Brent Rooker
CF- Jake Mangum
RF- Hunter Renfroe

BENCH

DH- Connor Powers
PH- Nick Vickerson
PR- Jacob Robson
UT- Gavin Collins

Was Patton on the 98 team?

I've always felt Tatum was much better than Easley

[Homedawg]

Was Patton on the 98 team?

I've always felt Tatum was much better than Easley

Yes Barry Patton was. He had a cannon.

[shoeless joe]

Yes Barry Patton was. He had a cannon.

Couldn't recall. Loved his defense.

[tcdog70]

Mark Gillespie deserves a spot as well. He had one good year and another all American year. Stud. Castoria was good, but w Clark and raffo ahead, just can't find a spot. Kelly has a case as well. Lots of great players to pick from.

Mark, didn't he hit 400 one year and then was named triple A player of the Year. he should be your Center-fielder. But Bruce should be a DH or a 3td baseman.

[louisvilledawg]

I would've hated to hit against the Cohen pitching staff if we could have that for a season

[cohening4life]

Here are my teams. Some parameters- I divided Ron Polk up into Ron Polk I which of course is 1976-1997 and Polk II which is from 2002-2007. Of course some players played for more than one coach, so I based my decision on how that player performed when he played for that coach. For example, Paul Maholm played his freshman year for McMahon so Pat McMahon is credited with his performance his freshman year and then Polk II gets his sophomore and junior years. Clear as mud? Good.

Polk I

PITCHERS

Closer- Bobby Thigpen
Set-up- Jay Powell
Set-up- Pete Young
Sidearmer- Jon Harden

Friday night- Jeff Brantley
Saturday night- Bobby Reed
Sunday - B J Wallace
Midweek- Jack Lazorko and Carlton Loewer

CATCHERS
Catcher- Barry Winford
Back-up catcher- John McDonald

INFIELD
1B- Will Clark
2B- Father Burke Masters
3B- Pete Young
SS- Jon Shave

OUTFIELD
LF- Rafael Palmeiro
CF- Jody Hurst
RF- Bobby Thigpen

THE BENCH
DH- Nat ?Buck? Showalter
PH- Gator Theisen
PR- Dan Van Cleve
UT- Adam Piatt

Pat McMahon

PITCHERS

Closer- Jonathan Papelbon
Set-up- Brandon Medders
Set-up- Mark Freed
Sidearmer- Van Johnson

Friday Night- Paul Maholm
Saturday Night- Hank Thoms
Sunday- Jeremy Jackson
Midweek Kevin Donovan and Matt Ginter

CATCHERS

Catcher- Barry Patton
Back-up catcher- Chris Curry

INFIELDERS

1B- Richard Lee
2B- Chris Lotterhos
3B- Travis Chapman
SS- Brad Freeman

OUTFIELDERS

LF- Rusty Thoms
CF- Brian Wiese
RF- Brooks Bryan

BENCH

DH- Jon Knott
PH- Ty Martin
PR- Shane Kelly
UT- Matthew Maniscalco

Polk II

PITCHERS

Closer- Jonathan Papelbon
Set-up- Aaron Weatherford
Set-up- Brett Cleveland
Sidearmer- Saunders Ramsey

Friday night- Paul Maholm
Saturday night- Justin Pigott
Sunday night- Alan Johnson
Midweek- Brooks Dunn

CATCHERS

Catcher- Ed Easley
Back-up catcher- Craig Tatum

INFIELDERS

1B- Tyler Moore
2B- Jeffrey Rea
3B- Thomas Berkery
SS- Brandon Turner

OUTFIELDERS

LF- Brad Corley (I know he played RF, but best choice here)
CF- Joseph Hunter
RF- Mitch Moreland

BENCH

DH- Connor Powers
PH- Jeff Butts
PR- Adron Chambers
UT- Russ Sneed

Cohen

Closer- Jonathan Holder
Set-up- Jacob Lindgren
Set-up- Chad Girodo
Sidearmer- Ryan Rigby

Friday night- Chris Stratton
Saturday night- Dakota Hudson
Sunday- Kendall Graveman
Midweek- Nick Routt

CATCHERS

Catcher-Jack Kruger
Back-up catcher- Mitch Slauter

INFIELDERS

1B- Nate Lowe
2B- Brett Pirtle
3B- Jarrod Parks
SS- Adam Frazier

OUTFIELDERS

LF- Brent Rooker
CF- Jake Mangum
RF- Hunter Renfroe

BENCH

DH- Connor Powers
PH- Nick Vickerson
PR- Jacob Robson
UT- Gavin Collins

Nick Ammirati over Mitch Slauter. Much better defensively, much stronger arm, and a switch hitter that could work a count.

[Homedawg]

Mark, didn't he hit 400 one year and then was named triple A player of the Year. he should be your Center-fielder. But Bruce should be a DH or a 3td baseman.

Mark hit 408 w 20 hrs in 81. He played rf.

[dawgman]

Coach Gregory also had some good ones. pitchers Profit and Thompson OF Donny Davis. Jocko Potts and Sammy Milner. IF Del Unser, Tatum can't recall 1st name I would have to research for more

[Todd4State]

Coach Gregory also had some good ones. pitchers Profit and Thompson OF Donny Davis. Jocko Potts and Sammy Milner. IF Del Unser, Tatum can't recall 1st name I would have to research for more

Ken Tatum. Sammy Ellis was a good player too.

[tcdog70]

Ken Tatum. Sammy Ellis was a good player too.

Bobby Croswell at SS. Dave Phares in CF. Sammy "the catcher" Fletcher, and Phill Still at third.