Baseball's First String "G" Team: Best Players With Names Beginning With G

The G-chord was the first one I mastered on the guitar. Perhaps had I mastered the other chords and notes I'd be making a lot of G's as a rock star. But gee, I could also make a lot of dough as a manager if I could put this lineup of G stars onto the baseball diamond every game. Nearly half of these stars are Hall of Famers. In fact this group is so great that the likes of Andres Gallaraga, Vladimir Guerrerro, Bobby Grich, and Left Grove were left out.

First base - Lou Gehrig: The Iron Horse is a Yankee legend who hit for power and average. Though overshadowed by teammate Babe Ruth, he finally received admiration for his accomplishments when Cal Ripken broke his consecutive games streak.

Second base - Charlie Gehringer: The Hall of Famer had a .320 career batting average and also averaged double figures in home runs for the Tigers, unheard of production from a second baseman of the era of the 20s and 30s.

Shortstop - Nomar Garciaparra: He was injury-prone later in his career, but when he was at his peak he gave the Red Sox a perfect mix of power, high average, and superior defense.

Third Base - Gary Gaetti: His power helped the Twins to its first World Series championship in 1987 when he hit over thirty homers and drove in over 100 runs. He ended up with 360 career dingers in twenty years in the majors.

Catcher - Jerry Grote: He guided one of the best pitching staffs in history as the battery mate of Hall of Famers Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan as well as all-star hurlers such as Jerry Koosman and Jon Matlack.

Outfield 1 - Juan Gonzalez: In his prime, especially with the Rangers, he could be counted on for at least 120 RBI and nearly 40 homers a season.

Outfield 2 - Tony Gwynn: The lifelong Padre was the best pure hitter of his era, several times flirting with a .400 batting average.

Outfield 3 - Ken Griffey Jr.: Injuries ruined a fantastic career, but he still hit over 600 homers.

Designated Hitter - Hank Greenburg: The legendary Tiger wielded tremendous power, consistently hitting thirty plus homers. He even smashed over 50 one season, and he the best run producer for the one decade he played.

Pitcher 1 - Bob Gibson: He was big, he threw hard, and he was not afraid to throw high and tight. He was the single most important part of the championship Cardinals teams of the late 60s.

Pitcher 2 - Tom Glavine: He was part of the Braves spectacular rotation that led them to more than fifteen straight division championships.

Pitcher 3 - Ron Guidry: The lefthander was almost unhittable for three straight years as the anchor of the Yankees rotation. He consistently led the league in Ks and ERA as he led New York back into the Cahmpions they had been fifteen years before.

Relief Pitcher - Goose Gossage: The Hall of Famer had an intimidating mound presence and was an integral part of the championship Yankees of 1977 and 78.