All-Star Roster of MLB Players Whose Names Start with C

If my child came home with all C's on her report card, I would be extremely disappointed. That would make her average, but I want her to be better than that.

On the other hand, straight C's are anything but average when they start the last names of players in Major League Baseball. In fact, one could put together a squad of active players in that category, starting with pitcher Chris Carpenter, outfielder Michael Cuddyer and infielder Joe Crede.

Even more impressive would be a roster of players from all-time whose last name begins with C. My lineup would look like this:

First Base - Orlando Cepeda: One of the first great Latin American players, Cepeda put up Hall of Fame numbers while with the Giants, Cardinals, Braves and Red Sox.

Second Base - Rod Carew: This Twin and later Angel was the best pure hitter I have ever seen. He was a singles machine, and earned his way into the Hall of Fame by joining the exclusive 3000 hit club.

Shortstop - Joe Cronin: This Hall of Famer complied a lifetime batting average well over .300 during stints with the Red Sox, Senators and Pirates in the early part of the 20^th Century.

Third Base - Miguel Cabrera: The one-time Marlin and current Tiger is one of the few active players I would include on a list of all-time greats. My instinct was to go with Ron Cey, who had a lot of power. Cabrera, however, not only matches his power numbers but also has a much higher average.

Outfield 1 - Roberto Clemente: Number 21 was the greatest Latin American player ever, and he could do it all. The Pirate hit for power and for average. He could run, field and throw better than any of his contemporaries.

Outfield 2 - Ty Cobb: His name has become synonymous with high batting averages. He hit over .400 numerous times, and he was the all-time career hits leader for almost sixty years.

Outfield 3 - Jose Canseco: He was the first player to hit 40 homers and steal 40 bases in the same season, which typifies his tremendous abilities.

Catcher - Roy Campanella: The Dodger backstop was one of the few catchers of his time who could provide impressive offensive numbers. His superior batting average was enough for him to edge out all-star Gary Carter.

Pitcher 1 - Steve Carlton: He won over 300 games with mostly losing teams. He had more than 3000 career strike outs. He was the best left-handed hurler for the entire decade of the 70s.

Pitcher 2 - Roger Clemens: He pitched so dominantly for so many seasons. He reached the 300 win club as well as the 3000 strike out club. He dominated the league for two decades.

Pitcher 3 - Mike Cuellar: He was one of the four hurlers to win 20 games for the Orioles in 1970. He had a stellar career, even though he was overshadowed by popular colleagues Jim Palmer and Dave McNally.

Relief Pitcher - Clay Carroll: The Hawk was one of the unheralded heroes of the early days of the Big Red machine.