Happy Easter! Part XV – The Mount Rushmore of … Rangers/Astros

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Second Lieutenant Robert Ronald Leisy (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 2, 1969, in Phuoc Long province, Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 2d Lt. Leisy, Infantry, Company B, distinguished himself while serving as platoon leader during a reconnaissance mission. One of his patrols became heavily engaged by fire from a numerically superior enemy force located in a well-entrenched bunker complex. As 2d Lt. Leisy deployed the remainder of his platoon to rescue the beleaguered patrol, the platoon also came under intense enemy fire from the front and both flanks. In complete disregard for his safety, 2d Lt. Leisy moved from position to position deploying his men to effectively engage the enemy. Accompanied by his radio operator he moved to the front and spotted an enemy sniper in a tree in the act of firing a rocket-propelled grenade at them. Realizing there was neither time to escape the grenade nor shout a warning, 2d Lt. Leisy unhesitatingly, and with full knowledge of the consequences, shielded the radio operator with his body and absorbed the full impact of the explosion. This valorous act saved the life of the radio operator and protected other men of his platoon who were nearby from serious injury. Despite his mortal wounds, 2d Lt. Leisy calmly and confidently continued to direct the platoon's fire. When medical aid arrived, 2d Lt. Leisy valiantly refused attention until the other seriously wounded were treated. His display of extraordinary courage and exemplary devotion to duty provided the inspiration and leadership that enabled his platoon to successfully withdraw without further casualties. 2d Lt. Leisy's gallantry at the cost of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Seaman Emile Lejeune (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 6, 1876, on board the USS Plymouth. His citation reads:

Serving on board the U.S.S. Plymouth, Lejeune displayed gallant conduct in rescuing a citizen from drowning at Port Royal, S.C., 6 June 1876.

Gunner’s Mate George W. Leland (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 16, 1863, on board the USS Lehigh. His citation reads:

Serving on board the U.S.S. Lehigh, Charleston Harbor, 16 November 1863, during the hazardous task, of freeing the Lehigh, which had grounded, and was under heavy enemy fire from Fort Moultrie. Rowing the small boat which was used in the hazardous task of transferring hawsers from the Lehigh to the Nahant, Leland twice succeeded in making the trip, only to find that each had been in vain when the hawsers were cut by enemy fire and chaffing.


First, I’d like to wish all of you out there a very Happy Easter! As I’ve said before, while Christmas gets most of the pub Easter shouldn’t be overlooked. Jesus died for our sins (and, more importantly, defeated death) and that’s as good a reason as I can think of to celebrate.

Thanks to Wikipedia for the info…

The Mount Rushmore of the Texas Rangers

Nolan Ryan – Years with the Rangers: 1989 - 1993

Highlights with the Rangers: All-Star (1989)
129 Games Pitched
51 Wins
15 Complete Games
6 Shutouts
939 Strike Outs
Texas Rangers #34 retired
Texas Rangers Hall of Fame
Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999
I could have easily put Nolan Ryan on four lists… as it stands you might see his name later in this post. They don’t make pitchers like Nolan Ryan anymore. He is on the short-list of greatest pitchers ever.

Ruben Sierra – Years with the Rangers: 1986 – 1992, 2000 – 2001, 2003

Highlights with the Rangers: 3× All-Star selection (1989, 1991, 1992)
Silver Slugger Award winner (1989)
2001 AL Comeback Player of the Year
AL RBI champion (1989)
Texas Rangers Hall of Fame

John Wetteland – Years with the Rangers: 1997 - 2000

Highlights with the Rangers: 2× All-Star (1998, 1999)
Texas Rangers Hall of Fame

Charlie Hough – Years with the Rangers: 1980 - 1990

Highlights with the Rangers: All-Star selection (1986)
Texas Rangers Hall of Fame


Honorable Mention: Mark Teixeira, Josh Hamilton


The Mount Rushmore of the Houston Astros

Nolan Ryan – Years with the Astros: 1980 - 1988

Highlights with the Astros: 2× All-Star (1981, 1985)
282 Games Pitched
106 Wins
38 Complete Games
13 Shutouts
1,866 Strike Outs
Houston Astros #34 retired
Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999
For the record… the Angels have retired his #30. He’s the only person other than Jackie Robinson (who had his number retired by all MLB teams) to have his number by 3 different teams). Oh yeah… For his career Nolan Ryan had 5,714 strikeouts and 7 no-hitters.

Craig Biggio – Years with the Astros: 1988 - 2007

Highlights with the Astros: 7× All-Star (1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998)
4× Gold Glove Award winner (1994, 1995, 1996, 1997)
5× Silver Slugger Award winner (1989, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998)
Houston Astros #7 retired
He’s not in the Baseball Hall of Fame yet, but he should (and, I hope, will) be soon. Biggio was an incredible player who was great as a catcher, second baseman AND outfielder. He was a star who was willing to play wherever the team needed him (something you don’t always see at that level). Perhaps my favorite stat is that Biggio holds the modern career record for most times hit by a pitch (285).

Mike Scott – Years with the Astros: 1983 - 1991

Highlights with the Astros: 3× All-Star (1986, 1987, 1989)
NL Cy Young Award (1986)
1986 National League Strikeout Champion
1986 National League ERA Champion
1989 National League Wins Champion
Threw a no-hitter (September 25, 1986)
NLCS MVP (1986)
Houston Astros #33 retired

Jeff Bagwell - Years with the Astros: 1991 - 2005

Highlights with the Astros: 4× All-Star (1994, 1996, 1997, 1999)
1991 NL Rookie of the Year
Gold Glove Award winner (1994)
3× Silver Slugger Award winner (1994, 1997, 1999)
1994 NL MVP
Houston Astros #5 retired

Honorable Mention: Ken Caminiti

As always, remember to check out Sonny’Side to see who my brother had on his lists.


The I’m just sayin… Proverb of the Week
Proverbs 10:24

What the wicked dread will overtake them;
    what the righteous desire will be granted.