Part IX – The Mount Rushmore of … Giants/Rays

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Specialist Fourth Class Robert D. Law (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on February 22, 1969, at Tinh Phuoc Thanh 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. Sp4c. Law distinguished himself while serving with Company 1. While on a long-range reconnaissance patrol in Tinh Phuoc Thanh province, Sp4c. Law and 5 comrades made contact with a small enemy patrol. As the opposing elements exchanged intense fire, he maneuvered to a perilously exposed position flanking his comrades and began placing suppressive fire on the hostile troops. Although his team was hindered by a low supply of ammunition and suffered from an unidentified irritating gas in the air, Sp4c. Law's spirited defense and challenging counterassault rallied his fellow soldiers against the well-equipped hostile troops. When an enemy grenade landed in his team's position, Sp4c. Law, instead of diving into the safety of a stream behind him, threw himself on the grenade to save the lives of his comrades. Sp4c. Law's extraordinary courage and profound concern for his fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

First Lieutenant William R. Lawley, Jr. (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on February 20, 1944, over Europe. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty, 20 February 1944, while serving as pilot of a B-17 aircraft on a heavy bombardment mission over enemy-occupied continental Europe. Coming off the target he was attacked by approximately 20 enemy fighters, shot out of formation, and his plane severely crippled. Eight crewmembers were wounded, the copilot was killed by a 20-mm. shell. One engine was on fire, the controls shot away, and 1st Lt. Lawley seriously and painfully wounded about the face. Forcing the copilot's body off the controls, he brought the plane out of a steep dive, flying with his left hand only. Blood covered the instruments and windshield and visibility was impossible. With a full bomb load the plane was difficult to maneuver and bombs could not be released because the racks were frozen. After the order to bail out had been given, 1 of the waist gunners informed the pilot that 2 crewmembers were so severely wounded that it would be impossible for them to bail out. With the fire in the engine spreading, the danger of an explosion was imminent. Because of the helpless condition of his wounded crewmembers 1st Lt. Lawley elected to remain with the ship and bring them to safety if it was humanly possible, giving the other crewmembers the option of bailing out. Enemy fighters again attacked but by using masterful evasive action he managed to lose them. One engine again caught on fire and was extinguished by skillful flying. 1st Lt. Lawley remained at his post, refusing first aid until he collapsed from sheer exhaustion caused by loss of blood, shock, and the energy he had expended in keeping control of his plane. He was revived by the bombardier and again took over the controls. Coming over the English coast 1 engine ran out of gasoline and had to be feathered. Another engine started to burn and continued to do so until a successful crash landing was made on a small fighter base. Through his heroism and exceptional flying skill, 1st Lt. Lawley rendered outstanding distinguished and valorous service to our Nation.

Private James Lawrence (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from August to October 1868, in Arizona. His citation reads:

Bravery in scouts and actions against Indians.


Thanks to Wikipedia for the info…

The Mount Rushmore of the San Francisco Giants

Willie Mays – Mays is one of those guys in the “greatest of all time” discussion. He played for the Giants from 1951 – 1972 (with a break in there for military service during the Korean War). He was traded around the beginning of the 1972 season, so I won’t include it in his awards that I list. During his time with the Giants, he was a 22 time All-Star (1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959 (x2), 1960 (x2), 1961 (x2), 1962 (x2), 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971) and a 12 time Gold Glove Award winner (1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968). His Giants won the World Series in 1954. He was the NL Rookie of the Year (1951) and a two time NL MVP (1954, 1965). He ended his time with the Giants with a .304 batting average, 3,187 hits (including 646 home runs). The San Francisco Giants have retired his #24. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979.

Willie McCovey – McCovey played for the Giants from 1959 – 1973. He was the 1959 NL Rookie of the Year and a six time All-Star selection (1963, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971). He was also the 1969 NL MVP. His #44 has been retired by the San Francisco Giants. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1986. Here’s the main thing you need to know about Willie McCovey… Bob Gibson called him "the scariest hitter in baseball".

Mel Ott – Mel played for the Giants from 1926 – 1947. He was a twelve time All-Star (1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945) and a part of the 1933 World Series championship team. The Giants have retired his #4. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1951.

Christy Mathewson – Christy Mathewson is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time. He played for the Giants from 1900 – 1916. Some of his highlights include: World Series champion (1905), 373 career wins, 2.13 career ERA, Won 20 games or more 13 times, won 30 games or more 4 times. He also pitched 79 shutouts and 435 complete games out of 552 games started. Mathewson won the NL Pitcher's Triple Crown in 1905 and 1908. If they had used numbers when he played, the Giants would have retired it. He was one of the first 5 people inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. While it didn’t interrupt his playing time with the Giants, I’d like to point out that he served as a Captain in the Army during WWI (The Original World War).

Honorable Mention: Orlando Cepeda, Gaylord Perry, Will Clark, Kevin Mitchell, Mitch Williams


The Mount Rushmore of the Tampa Bay Rays

Carlos Pena – Carlos played for the Rays from 2007 – 2010. He won the Silver Slugger Award and AL Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2007. He was a Gold Glove Award winner (2008) and All-Star (2009) while with the team. He is the Rays All-Time Home Run Leader.

Carl Crawford – Carl played for the Rays from 2002 – 2010. He was a four time All-Star selection (2004, 2007, 2009, 2010) as well as a Gold Glove Award winner (2010) and Silver Slugger Award winner (2010). He was a four time AL Stolen Base Champion (2003, 2004, 2006, 2007). He tied an MLB record with 6 stolen bases in a game (May 3, 2009 vs. Boston Red Sox).

Evan Longoria – Evan has played for the Rays since 2008. He was the AL Rookie of the Year in 2008. He has been a three time All-Star selection (2008, 2009, 2010), two time two time Gold Glove Award winner (2009, 2010) and a Silver Slugger Award winner (2009).

James Shields - Shields played for the Rays from 2006 – 2012. He was an All-Star in 2011. He has 1,250 strikeouts and was the first (and so far, only) pitcher to win a World Series game for the Rays.

Check out Sonny’Side to see who my big brother thinks belongs on these lists.

Coming up Tuesday: Tigers and Padres


The I’m just sayin… Proverb of the Week
Proverbs 9:11

For through wisdom your days will be many,
    and years will be added to your life.