If you were to poll the general population as to which jersey number a person wore as a kid over the last few decades – it’s likely that Michael Jordan’s number 23 would be at the top of the list.

However, the most underrated jersey number in sports just may be No. 5 – specifically in the baseball world, where there were a slew of big-time players that donned this crooked number on his jersey – including arguably the best of today and yesterday.

In particular, here are my top ten greatest baseball players to wear No. 5:

The Top 10 Greatest Baseball Players Ever to Wear the No. 5

10. Nomar Garciaparra

Certainly, Nomar had his critics – who pointed (and speculated) regarding the latter half of his career, which was marred by injuries – to the point that he borderline was instead known as Mia Hamm’s husband.  He was also often criticized for not being clutch in the playoffs.

However, if you look closer at his career, Garciaparra was a career .313 hitter – including batting .357 in 1999 and .372 in 2000.  On top of that, he was a solid defensive player that also hit 229 HR.  And oh yeah, in 112 postseason AB’s, he batted .321 – not too shabby.

9. Lou Boudreau

The Hall of Fame shortstop played the majority of his 15-year career with the Cleveland Indians.  During this time, Boudreau had 45+ doubles over four different seasons, was a career .295 hitter and had an impressive career on-base percentage of .380.

8. Jeff Bagwell

As a member of “The Killer B’s” in Houston throughout his entire career, Bagwell was a staple in baseball for a decade and a half.  During that time, many likely didn’t realize just how good he was, not just belting 449 career HR and having a career average of .297, but also playing consistent gold glove defense at first base.

7. Luke Appling

Appling may not be a household name in baseball history, but he put together a significant career while playing for the Chicago White Sox from 1930 to 1950.  The Hall of Fame infielder pieced together a .310 career average, highlighted by his peak season in 1936, when he hit .388 and – as crazy as it sounds, had 6 HR and 128 RBI.

His career on-base percentage was just a hair below .400 (at .399).

6. Brooks Robinson

He was referred to as “The Vacuum Cleaner” for a reason, sucking up more ground balls and gold gloves than one could count on their fingers.

While he may have not had the gaudiest numbers on offense (a career .267 hitter over 23 seasons – all with the Orioles), Robinson made up for it on defense, in leadership and class, plus by adding some pop with his bat, too – in the form of 268 career home runs.

All in all, it was a stellar Hall of Fame career for the former Baltimore third baseman.

5. George Brett

Most remember Brett for his famous pine tar incident, but the fiery Hall of Fame corner infielder – who played all 21 seasons with the Kansas City Royals – was quite the offensive machine as well.

When it was all said and done, George Brett finished his career with an average of .305, while adding in 315 HR.  He also threatened the .400 mark in 1980 – but finished batting .390.

In 166 postseason AB’s with the Royals, he batted .337.

4. Hank Greenberg

He was called “Hammerin’ Hank” for a reason – and it wasn’t his supreme ability to do carpentry work.

Many don’t realize just how good Greenberg’s career was, specifically in 1938, when he hit 58 HR – one of highest totals in history.

Over his career (13 seasons, 12 with the Tigers), Greenberg hit 331 HR and had a .313 career average.  He also posted a ridiculous tally of 183 RBI in 1937 and 170 RBI in 1935.

3. Albert Pujols

It’s quite possible that by the end of his career, Pujols could be at the top of the list.  Entering his tenth season in St. Louis, Pujols has never hit any less than 32 HR in one season (and has 374 HR to date).

Pujols also has never batted under .300 in a season, has multiple MVP awards and one gold glove award.

If Phat Albert can remain healthy, he could play for another decade, likely leading to a number of shattered baseball records and a Hall of Fame induction.

2. Johnny Bench

Bench is easily one of best catchers of all time – not just hitting for power (389 career HR, including 40+ two separate seasons), but also adding in great gold glove defense behind the plate, too.

In his 17 seasons – all with the Cincinnati Reds – Bench also added in multiple MVP awards, the rookie of the year honor, and a World Series MVP award, too.

1. Joe DiMaggio

Personally, when ranking these players, I don’t care how many home runs Pujols will hit by the end of his career and I don’t care how many amazing plays Brooks made for the O’s – nothing touches DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak, which I consider to be the most unbreakable record in the history of sports.

If that record isn’t enough, DiMaggio – in his 13 seasons with the Yankees – also had a career average of .325, hit 361 HR, and was a 3-time American League MVP and a 9-time World Series champion.

* Also Posted to my B/R page

There’s only one better way to kick off the baseball season than Red Sox and Yankees on opening night – and that would be having a double header combining Sox and Yanks, along with the Cubs and Cardinals.

Let’s make that happen, Bud!

Next time, OK?

Anyway, I digress into a peanut and Cracker Jack food coma – and wash it down with a cold beer… watching as the boys of summer are back for yet another year on the diamond.

To celebrate the 2010 MLB season, The Wife Hates Sports is going to put out some season predictions in another segment of “Pick Your Knows”.

But enough chit-chat, let’s get back to the disgusting habit… time to “pick your knows”…

Pick Your Knows: 2010 MLB Season Predictions

American League Division Winners:

Boston Red Sox

Chicago White Sox

Seattle Mariners

AL Wild Card Winner

New York Yankees

KP’s Take: Why not the following teams?

Twins – Losing Joe Nathan hurts the bullpen and shutting the door on close games

Rays – Don’t get me wrong, they’re good – but the Yanks and Sox are better.

Angels – An aging team with not as much starting rotation depth as the Mariners

National League Division Winners:

Philadelphia Phillies

St. Louis Cardinals

Arizona Diamondbacks

NL Wild Card Winner

Atlanta Braves

KP’s Take: Why not the following teams?

Dodgers – Cash strapped and unable to fill necessary holes due to ownership’s divorce issues.

Mets – Injury issues – what else?

Giants – I love their pitching, but still don’t they have enough pop in the lineup to get it done.

Teams That Will Surprise You

American League: Baltimore Orioles

National League: Arizona Diamondbacks

KP’s Take:

In the AL, I think the Orioles will be much improved – but not a playoff team.  They have a great young OF featuring Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, Felix Pie and Nolan Reimold, combined with a ton of young arms – headlined by Brian Matusz, who I see as this year’s AL rookie of the year.

Over in the NL, while many have the Rockies, Dodgers or even Giants taking the AL West – I see the D’Backs getting back on the map and stealing the division crown.  Why?  Well, again – youth on offense, headlined by Stephen Drew and Justin Upton.  Plus, they have a deadly starting trio of Dan Haren, Brandon Webb (returning from injury) and newly acquired Edwin Jackson.

Most Valuable Player

American League: Kevin Youkiilis – Boston Red Sox

National League: Albert Pujols – St. Louis Cardinals

KP’s Take:

Until Pujols retires, I’ll probably take him as the NL MVP – because the guy just keeps putting up gaudy numbers.  That, plus it doesn’t hurt to have Matt Holliday as protection in the ineup.

In the AL, Youkilis, has been a clutch player for Boston ever since first setting foot on the field – and not just at the plate during key moments, but also playing solid defense.  He’ll be a steady force in the Red Sox lineup while Ortiz’s career continues to show a steady decline due to age and general wear and tear.

Rookie of the Year

American League: Brian Matusz – Baltimore Orioles

National League: Jason Heyward – Atlanta Braves

KP’s Take:

Matusz pitched some for the O’s late last season, but didn’t log the necessary innings to be considered a sophomore in 2010.  He has the experience and the stuff.

Meanwhile, Heyward is one of the most hyped up bats heading into the season.  The power hitting 20-year old will start on opening day, and should post good enough numbers to outlast Washington’s Stephen Strasburg, who will likely be called up later in the season.

Comeback Player of the Year

American League: Adrian Beltre – Boston Red Sox

National League: Chris Young – Arizona Diamondbacks

KP’s Take: For more on comeback seasons, I wrote a separate post a few days ago that can be found here.

2010 MLB Playoff Predictions

Red Sox OVER White Sox

Yankees OVER Mariners

Phillies OVER D’Backs

Cardinals OVER Braves

KP’s Take: While the Mariners and D’Backs make it due to deep starting rotations, the Yankees and Phillies have the full package, combining pitching and hitting across the board.

Red Sox OVER Yankees

Phillies OVER Cardinals

KP’s Take: Everyone knows how much fun a Red Sox-Yankees battle is in the ALCS, but having Cardinals with Carpenter and Wainwright against the Phillies with Halladay and Hamels – now that would be good theater.

2010 World Series Prediction

Red Sox OVER Phillies in 6

KP’s Take:

I have the Phillies representing the National League for the third consecutive year – almost Bills-like in nature – even though they did win one title.  The Phils just have so much depth and talent, combining defense, offense, power and great pitching – headlined by new acquisition Roy Halladay.  Now if they had kept Cliff Lee, too – I’d have them taking another title home to cheesesteak country.

As for the Red Sox, they gave the Yankees a good run last year – and this year, made some quality additions to the roster, bringing in another ace in John Lackey (to go along with Beckett and Lester).  On top of that, Boston added some great defensive talents in Mike Cameron and Adrian Beltre.  Each of these players will also see a spike in offense, as they not only play in a stacked lineup, but also bat in the hitter-friendly Fenway Park.

For these reasons and more, I have the Boston Red Sox as your 2010 World Champions.

KP Predicts the Red Sox to Celebrate 2010 with a World Series Title

Now, it’s your turn – go ahead… pick your knows!

This segment, originating from my original sports blog in 2006, has been on a hiatus for a few months, but don’t fret, it isn’t being dropped like a routine pass to Braylon Edwards.

For those new to it, It’s an opportunity to show some displeasure for the “goings on” in the sports world with good ol’ fashioned tomato throwing.

Here are the targets from this week, a busy one in sports and entertainment…

Throwing Tomatoes: January 14, 2010

The Hate for Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia

…and its resurfacing after another tough playoff loss.

Yes, the Eagles were a win away from a first-round bye.  Yes, they got smacked around back-to-back weeks by the Cowboys.  But don’t blame Donovan for this one – look at the injuries suffered, not just to guys like Brian Westbrook, but also the majority of the offensive line.  Yet, McNabb managed to piece together another solid season.  Cut the guy a break!

The Renewed McGwire/Canseco Feud

…for plaguing the headlines in sports.

Fine, Mark McGwire made an emotional speech coming out and admitting that he did take PED’s, including during his record-breaking season.  A small part of me applauds him for finally coming out, but the rest of me not only says “it’s about time”, but also the fact that I think his announcement was more sugarcoated than a funnel cake at the town carnival.  On top of that, there’s the renewed squabble with Jose Canseco.  Yawn… guys let it go – or Mark, do what Jose says and take the polygraph test with him – now that would be great theater, kids.

The Six Degrees of Separation of USC

…for making me think something fishy is going on here – in multiple places.

Pete Carroll – Amid all the rumors flying – and yes they are for now, rumors – one can’t help but wonder “why now” when it comes to the former USC coach finally bolting back to the NFL.

Lane Kiffin – For all the drama that Lane Kiffin brought before even coaching one game at Tennessee… for all he brought to the SEC – and now, BOOM – he’s gone just like that.

Tennessee fans – C’mon, is Kiffin really worth all the rioting and violence?  The team was 7-6 this year – and he caused a boatload of headaches.  Give me a break – not that you want to hear it, but look how much better Nick Saban did at ‘Bama his first season.  Vols faithful: UT is a great program that will be back – count on it.

John Lucas

… for starting a verbal war with the Cavaliers.

If you haven’t heard, the word on the street is that the former Cleveland coach Lucas, as discussed to AOL Fanhouse, feels that the Cavs tanked their season in order to draft LeBron James.  Maybe, maybe not – but there’d be no shock here to hear that there were other teams that did the same thing.  In the end, it sounds like a spat between grade school kids.  Next, we’ll hear that Lucas had his lunch money swiped away, too.

Wild Card Weekend

… for mostly disappointing.

Thanks to Arizona and Green Bay, it wasn’t a complete bust of a football weekend. It’s safe to say that the Pack and Cards put the “wild” in Wild Card Weekend – but where was the defense?  Cripes, the entire cast of Designing Women could have covered these receivers better.  No doubt, this game – a 51-45 overtime win by Arizona in OT – was damn entertaining.  It was just the defense that was atrocious.  In fact, Baltimore and Dallas were really the only two defensive units that showed up last weekend.

Braylon Edwards

…for continuing to underachieve – plus getting hit with probation.

The former Michigan standout gets a double helping this week.  Not only is he facing probation due to an incident where he was accused of punching an acquaintence of NBA star LeBron James, but Edwards has also continued to struggle with “the dropsies”.  In fact, it came as a surprise that he was able to catch that guy’s face at all.

Florida Marlins

…for having to be forced by the union to spend MORE money.

In a time when a lot of fans are begging for a salary cap as teams like the Yankees and Red Sox have more cash than Lane Kiffin has frequent flier miles, it’s downright shocking that a situation like this can arise.  But it did and the Marlins are already responding, after coming to terms with an extension on talented starter Josh Johnson.

NBC

…for turning the Tonight Show into a sideshow.

Hey, this thing isn’t always about sports, and this writer is completely dumbfounded by the “love triangle” between Leno, Conan and NBC.  I get that the network had to do something to please its affiliates, but bumping O’Brien is just plain wrong – especially this soon.  Say what you want about his ratings and the fact that he was losing to Letterman, keep in mind that Jay wasn’t beating Dave for a while either.

This has been Throwing Tomatoes, where this posting won’t be delayed by a half hour.

Originally posted to KP’s Blog (via Fox Sports) on June 5, 2009

Usually the tomato throwing is a piece of cake.

While playoff games have reached a boiling point with both the NHL and NBA reaching finales, the rest of sports has been tepid at best.

Even with the drama down, there are plenty of situations up and available for discussion over the last week. Take the following lycopene-enriched examples…

Throwing Tomatoes: June 5, 2009

NBA Finals Not Final Yet

Keep Your Brooms in the Closet - Let’s not all jump the sweep bandwagon just yet. The Magic got a ton of open looks in Game 1, missing most of them.

Orlando Magic - Rashard Lewis admitted they “stunk it up”, and if Orlando can improve on the glass, along with getting hotter from the field, they could get right back into the series.

LeBron James - Yes, all the talk is still surrounding King James and how he bailed on the end of the Eastern Conference Finals. But the side story…

Recently, it was reported that James had a growth removed from his mouth. Fortunately, it was benign. I think it’s safe to say that whatever it was, he didn’t get it while swallowing his pride.

Twitter & Tony

If you haven’t heard, Tony LaRussa sued Twitter due to a case where someone created an account and impersonated the Cardinals coach, saying inappropriate things about his past and “causing emotional distress”. Hours ago, Twitter and LaRussa have come to a settlement.

The biggest tomato obviously goes to the idiot who had no life and felt the need to impersonate someone else in a negative way. Meanwhile…

Twitter was having trouble issuing a statement on the matter, because they’re only allowed 140 characters or less to send a message.

Big Papi’s Big Slump

Boston is still reeling as David Ortiz continues to struggle. It’s tough when a legend begins what appears to be a decline, especially one this rapid. And the latest…

I heard Ortiz is going to be getting an eye test. The good news, apparently he got a recommendation from one of the umps. Fine, it’s true, that last part Is fabricated.

Four Scores, Maybe Seven Years Ago?

Also mentioned via a Yahoo Sports blog a few days ago, if you haven’t heard, the Notre Dame Stadium scoreboard is up for sale. One can buy it here… get it while it’s hot!

Either way, it could be a bargain. After all, the scoreboard has been barely used in recent years. Dang, it’s like shootin’ fish in a barrel – just couldn’t resist.

That’s all for now, friends. Enjoy the NBA Finals, the Stanley Cup Finals, etc. As always, audience tomato participation is encouraged.