By Stevo, AllHabs.net
MONTREAL, QC. — The sports world has always been fascinated with athletes who have the ability to play multiple sports. This was proven when the all-time best National Basketball Association player Michael Jordan retired and went on to play minor league baseball in his quest (for continued attention?) to play a different sport he adored.
The media was all over it, and if i recall correctly, sports events were being interrupted with breaking news when Jordan would have an at bat. Jordan’s quest in baseball wasn’t very successful, and at best, he prevented an up and coming player from getting an opportunity. I digress.
Other athletes had greater success playing multiple sports, such as Dion Sanders, and probably the best two-sport athlete of all time Bo Jackson. Both had successful professional careers in Major League Baseball and the National Football League.
I therefore found it interesting when the LA Kings Facebook account asked the following question yesterday, prior to Major League Baseball’s 2011 Home Run Derby Event:
“Hmmm….what NHLer would stand the best shot at tonight’s MLB Home Run Derby?”
Here is a group of six players, for you to vote on as the most likely candidate to have a shot at the MLB home run derby. Sorry Western Conference, you didn’t make the cut.
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 265 lbs
Note: Heaviest active NHL Player.
What could help him: Have all the fans in the bleachers dress as Roberto Luongo, this way he should have no problem hitting the balls past them.
*****
Zdeno Chara:
Height: 6’9”
Weight: 255 lbs
Note: Tallest active NHL Player. Winner of Hardest Shot competition in four of the last five all star skills competitions.
What could help him: Paint a picture of Max Pacioretty on the baseballs and put a stanchion in the bleachers.
*****
Chris Pronger:
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 220 lbs.
Note: If he can steal game winning pucks in the Stanley Cup finals, I’m sure he can steal the show in the home run derby.
What could help him: His stick-swinging ability in front of the net should come in handy in the batter’s box.
*****
Gregory Campbell:
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 197 lbs.
Note: He is a Stanley Cup winner, and the son of Colin Campbell.
What could help him: Robinson Cano had his dad pitch the ball for him last night, and it resulted in him winning the derby. If Colin Campbell pitches for Gregory, I have trouble seeing how this couldn’t work out the same way.
*****
This wouldn’t be All Habs without a couple of Canadiens’ players in the mix.:
Scott Gomez:
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 198 lbs
Note: If this works out, Scott Gomez could be dealt to a MLB team in the near future.
What could help him: I hear he is Mexican, and my understanding is that this automatically makes him good at baseball. (It’s a joke. Send your hate mail to Stevo@….)
*****
Finally, I wanted to include at least one goaltender, so I went with arguably, the biggest NHL active goaltender.
Carey Price:
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 219 lbs
Note: Amongst the tallest, and the heaviest active NHL goaltender.
What could help him: His chilled and relaxed approach. Once batted the puck out of mid-air into the stands which earned him cheers and a penalty.
*****
Agree? Disagree? Vote and comment below.
(Photo: Getty Images, Player Images: nhl.com)
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