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Monday, June 01, 2009

Mental Floss: 5 PM Quiz - Stolen Bases (by Keith Law)

Well, well, if it isn’t our old friend Keith “Johnny” Law challenging his fellow Primates…

Editor’s Note: This summer, we’ll be inviting a handful of special guests to contribute a week’s worth of quizzes in the 5pm time slot. Our first such guest has been baseball expert/food critic/bookworm Keith Law of ESPN, whose fifth quiz is below. Give him a round of applause for a job well done.

I do write about baseball for a living, so I suppose I’d be remiss if I didn’t throw one baseball-related quiz into the mix. I generally don’t like “small ball” tactics because they don’t work as well as many baseball people (including many current managers) seem to think. That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy watching some aspects of small ball, such as the stolen base. Tampa Bay left fielder Carl Crawford is currently on pace to become the first player to steal 90 bases in one season in over two decades, and he’d become just the ninth player to break that barrier since 1901. Can you name the other eight?

Post yer scores inside, and make sure to visit, because this is one of the few times you can read Keith without having to risk Buster Olney’s mug appearing on your screen.

Jeff K. Posted: June 01, 2009 at 08:02 PM | 85 comment(s)
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1. Chris Needham Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:23 PM (#3202577)

I spent too long trying to enter Billy Hamilton's name.

2. Good cripple hitter Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:28 PM (#3202588)

I got four and spent most of my time remembering Sam Crawford's name. Was surprised that he only topped out at 41.

I'm only upset about missing one of the names on the list. The other three I missed I never would've guessed.

3. cardsfanboy

Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:32 PM (#3202594)

There are two I never would have gotten without cheating.

4. fra paolo Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:32 PM (#3202595)

I only got five. I missed one really obvious one, in terms of players I would have seen at the stadium.

5. Kiko Sakata

Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:32 PM (#3202597)

I got them all with 2:39 remaining and am amazed that my final answer got on base enough to steal 90 bases in a season.

6. Jeff K. Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:39 PM (#3202600)

Okay, I waited to post my answers until the thread posted...I got the 6 obvious ones within 30 seconds, spent the next 4:30
(SPOILER, though really you should know better)

trying to remember Ron LeFlore's name. I could *not* get Gates Brown out of my freaking head. That's the most anyone's thought about Gates Brown, including Gates himself, in a long time. I never would have gotten the last. I was surprised when Willie Wilson (my only guess other than typing in random Tiger outfielders to try and jog my memory) didn't make it, but he topped at 83 and 79.

7. Greg Pope Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:39 PM (#3202603)

I missed two, but I'll admit that I actually didn't know the old-timer did it. I have no idea why I put his name in at all since I didn't think he was known as a speedster.

8. Danny Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:40 PM (#3202604)

I got 5, and I should have known one of the 3 I missed.

9. Danny Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:41 PM (#3202605)

I rocked the Saved by the Bell quiz linked there, though. 15 of 15!

10. SoSHially Unacceptable Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:42 PM (#3202606)

I got 7. Jeff K's spoiler was the only one to elude me, and I too thought Wilson was the eighth.

11. cardsfanboy

Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:43 PM (#3202607)

trying to remember Ron LeFlore's name. I could *not* get Gates Brown out of my freaking head. That's the most anyone's thought about Gates Brown, including Gates himself, in a long time. I never would have gotten the last. I was surprised when Willie Wilson (my only guess other than typing in random Tiger outfielders to try and jog my memory) didn't make it, but he topped at 83 and 79.

I kept typing in wilsons name thinking I must have spelled it wrong. I imagine the six I got were the six everyone should have gotten.

12. Al Kaline Trio Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:44 PM (#3202609)

I had never heard of the two I didn't get.

13. Kiko Sakata

Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:44 PM (#3202610)

I was surprised when Willie Wilson ... didn't make it, but he topped at 83 and 79.

I was sure about 7 names going in - 6 of which were right and one of which was Willie Wilson. The last two that I got by just guessing the names of really fast guys from the right era were the guys referred to in #5 and #6.

14. Cowboy Popup Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:45 PM (#3202611)

I had zero chance at the two I didn't get. I don't think I've even heard of one of the guys. I don't feel to bad though, looks like he was a terrible player and he stopped playing when I was two.

15. God Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:45 PM (#3202612)

Got 'em all with 4:08 remaining. I tried several incorrect guesses, guys like Milan, Case, Carey, Wagner, Aparicio, before finally getting LeFlore.

16. Kiko Sakata

Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:46 PM (#3202615)

I don't feel to bad though, looks like he was a terrible player and he stopped playing when I was two.

Yeah, it helps to be in your 40s for this quiz. (there's damn little that it helps to be in your 40s)

17. MSalfino Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:48 PM (#3202616)

I like how they used to call small ball back at the beginning of the last century "Scientific Baseball." That view hasn't seemed to change much in over 100 years, despite all the science that screams otherwise.

18. Jeff K. Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:49 PM (#3202618)

I also put in guys like Lajoie and Maranville, Tinker and Evers just to see if I WAGed one. Looking at their stats, those were all good guesses (well, maybe not so much Lajoie), but it really hits home how out of character 60/70, much less 90/100, steals are in baseball history. Maranville finished in the top 5 4 times in the deadball era and right at the beginning of lively ball, and only once did that take more than 30 steals.

19. Misirlou had a hedge back home in the suburbs Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:51 PM (#3202620)

got all 8 in 29 seconds.

20. Jeff K. Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:51 PM (#3202621)

Wait, what? CP, you'd never heard of Omar Moreno?

21. STEROIDS!!!!! Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:51 PM (#3202622)

I thought that one guy owned the Angels.

22. Jeff K. Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:52 PM (#3202623)

Milan

Milan? Am I spacing on someone here?

23. Kiko Sakata

Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:53 PM (#3202624)

Milan? Am I spacing on someone here?

Clyde Milan. Deadballer. I think he was a Senator. I guessed him before either of the last two I got.

EDIT: Yes, he was a Senator and probably has the most steals in a season for anybody not on the list - he stole 88 in 1912 (and 75 in 1913).

24. Cowboy Popup Posted: June 01, 2009 at 07:54 PM (#3202626)

Wait, what? CP, you'd never heard of Omar Moreno?

I don't think so. Leflore rang a bell when the answer came up, I knew he had played for the Tigers when I saw his name. I had nothing for Moreno, I had no idea who played for, what position he played, or when he played.

25. Jose Can You Seabiscuit Posted: June 01, 2009 at 08:01 PM (#3202634)

I got seven quickly, like #1 I think I tried about six different variations on Hamilton's name (even busted out "slidin' ") and then could have been here until eight more guys have done it until I guessed Moreno.

I remember him well, just didn't even think of him. Besides Hamilton I also got locked in on Willie Wilson.

26. Jeff K. Posted: June 01, 2009 at 08:02 PM (#3202635)

LeFlore should ring a bell, one of the unique stories. His parole was granted because he had a steady job: outfielder for the Tigers and Billy Martin. Stole 450 bags in what amounts to 7 seasons, led the way in the new wave of steals. Arrested in 1999 at ceremonies for the final Tiger Stadium game and again in 2007 at an autograph show for not paying child support. You'd think he'd learn either to pay or stop going places where they announce he's coming...

27. Cowboy Popup Posted: June 01, 2009 at 08:05 PM (#3202638)

28. BeanoCook Posted: June 01, 2009 at 08:10 PM (#3202645)

The most difficult trivia question I've been asked is, "name the teams Ricky Henderson has played for, in chronological order, during his MLB career?"

Good luck.

29. STEROIDS!!!!! Posted: June 01, 2009 at 08:14 PM (#3202647)

Well I'll be the guy that admits futility.

I am just terrible at these, even though I've heard of all the players. I forgot Wills's name ("That fast guy that old-timers want in the hall") and somehow I managed to space on Cobb as well. Jesus.

30. cardsfanboy

Posted: June 01, 2009 at 08:16 PM (#3202649)

it's funny that there was a Leflore thread up a couple of days ago. (not sure if it was a new thread or someone reviving an old thread about forgotten all-star Ron Leflore--and still I couldn't remember his name)

31. JJ1986 Posted: June 01, 2009 at 08:17 PM (#3202652)

I got six, tried Billy Hamilton and Willie Wilson and then gave up. I never would have gotten the other two.

Edit: I didn't actually know Rock had done it, but guessed him quickly.

32. Pasta-diving Jeter (jmac66) Posted: June 01, 2009 at 08:22 PM (#3202660)

Wait, what? CP, you'd never heard of Omar Moreno?

even more amazinglier, The Outmaker didn't have the worst OPS+ of all the guys that stole >90

(I woulda bet a nickel that he did)

33. In the Disney betting pool, Roy Oswalt Posted: June 01, 2009 at 08:24 PM (#3202662)

Why are they all outfielders? And what's the most steals by a non-OF?

34. JJ1986 Posted: June 01, 2009 at 08:26 PM (#3202668)

Wills is a SS.

35. Pasta-diving Jeter (jmac66) Posted: June 01, 2009 at 08:26 PM (#3202670)

Maury Wills says hi...

36. Misirlou had a hedge back home in the suburbs Posted: June 01, 2009 at 08:26 PM (#3202672)

I got six, tried Billy Hamilton and Willie Wilson and then gave up. I never would have gotten the other two.

Someone mentioned upthread that it helps to be in your 40's for this quiz, and it's true. Moreno and LeFlore were easy ones for me. Add in the six obvious ones and I thought this was a trick question.

37. Misirlou had a hedge back home in the suburbs Posted: June 01, 2009 at 08:31 PM (#3202683)

Why are they all outfielders? And what's the most steals by a non-OF?

Aside from Wills, Davy Lopes stole 77, Jose Reyes 78, and Frank Taveras 70.

38. In the Disney betting pool, Roy Oswalt Posted: June 01, 2009 at 08:36 PM (#3202694)

Oops. And he was also a Dodger.

I guess instead of having a space in my brain for Maury Wills, I just had two Lou Brocks.

39. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: June 01, 2009 at 08:49 PM (#3202720)

Got six, missed Cobb and LeFlore.

40. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: June 01, 2009 at 08:50 PM (#3202722)

Double post.

I deserve some kind of idiot prize for blanking on Cobb, but trying Hans Lobert.

41. Cooper Nielson Posted: June 01, 2009 at 08:58 PM (#3202748)

I got the first 7 in about as much time as it takes to type 7 names (though Cobb was admittedly an educated guess, and I wasn't 100% sure about Raines), then stumbled around wtih some trial-and-error for the 8th, which I got with 4:17 remaining.

Omar Moreno was the last one — I suspect that's typical. (I grew up in Michigan, so I got LeFlore easily.) Other names I tried before Moreno were Willie Wilson and Frank Taveras. I think I tried Willie Wilson two or three times. :-)

42. SoSH U at work Posted: June 01, 2009 at 08:58 PM (#3202752)

it's funny that there was a Leflore thread up a couple of days ago. (not sure if it was a new thread or someone reviving an old thread about forgotten all-star Ron Leflore--and still I couldn't remember his name)

It was better than that. It was apparently bumped by Ron's current boss at the cab company, if the poster was to be believed.

As a kid, I watched the Ron LeFlore story when it was a CBS Movie of the Week. The best part was when Ron knocked one out of the prison yard and one of his fellow inmates said, "I'll go get it." That one just killed the 9-year-old SoSH U.

43. T.J. makes a mochary or the sport Posted: June 01, 2009 at 09:11 PM (#3202789)

Almost forgot Raines, which would have been embarassing. Missed LeFlore and Moreno. And the '79 WS was the first one I paid close attention to, while I visited my grandparents in Detroit/U.P. every summer from 1979-1984. Shame on me!

44. Jeff K. Posted: June 01, 2009 at 09:15 PM (#3202797)

Got six, missed Cobb and LeFlore.

You got Moreno and missed Cobb? Jesus, that's like...I don't know.

45. SoSH U at work Posted: June 01, 2009 at 09:18 PM (#3202804)

You got Moreno and missed Cobb? Jesus, that's like...I don't know.

Well Vlad's a Pirate fan, so knowing the members of the Family is understandable. He can probably reel off great stuff on Don Robinson and Tim Foli for you.

46. gef the talking mongoose Posted: June 01, 2009 at 09:19 PM (#3202805)

WTF? Either it didn't recognize LeFlore with a capital "F" (which is how I typed it), or the fix is in. Not that it really matters -- I couldn't remember Omar Moreno's name for the life of me, or maybe I really thought he spelled it "Miguel Dilone." Oh, well.

47. Walt Davis Posted: June 01, 2009 at 09:26 PM (#3202813)

We'll never know how well I'd have done ... I typed in Rickey Henderson, hit enter and it gave me all the answers. But I only knew 4 right off and I don't think I'd have remember LeFlore -- I know he was a base-stealer, didn't remember him ever grabbing that many. And I was among the legion who was pretty sure Wilson had done it. I knew one of the "him?" guys had done it but was thinking Miguel Dilone or Otis Nixon or ... and couldn't remember who the 3rd guy was. Dilone never came close, Nixon topped 70 just once. But Dilone's 50 steals (and 23 CS!) in 292 PA (and presumably a number of pinch-running appearances) is impressive in its way.

48. Jeff K. Posted: June 01, 2009 at 09:30 PM (#3202817)

It's funny, for some reason unknown to me, I associate Omar Moreno solely with the Royals.

49. aleskel

Posted: June 01, 2009 at 09:32 PM (#3202819)

I missed Coleman, LaFlore and Moreno; Coleman's the only one I should have known.

50. cardsfanboy

Posted: June 01, 2009 at 09:45 PM (#3202835)

It's funny, for some reason unknown to me, I associate Omar Moreno solely with the Royals.

I did too, I was about to post a comment that I didn't know Omar or Leflore because I was not quite a teenager and focused almost exclusively on the national league. I checked Omars stats to make sure I wasn't going to make a fool of myself with that comment and realized--only one year with the Royals? Really?

51. Cod Guy Posted: June 01, 2009 at 09:47 PM (#3202839)

Got them with 3:31 left, although Moreno was just a guess; I knew for sure that all of the others stole 90 at some point.

52. Jeff K. Posted: June 01, 2009 at 09:52 PM (#3202843)

CFB, I thought it might be some sort of transference, but other than 7 appearances by Orber in 1999, no player named Omar or Moreno has ever appeared for the Royals.

53. Boots Day Posted: June 01, 2009 at 09:52 PM (#3202844)

Am I the only person who guessed Dave Collins?

54. Jeff K. Posted: June 01, 2009 at 09:54 PM (#3202848)

Oh, that's why...I didn't even notice that his one year with them was '85. My dad was from St. Louis, and that would cover why both of us have that seared into our brains.

55. STEROIDS!!!!! Posted: June 01, 2009 at 09:56 PM (#3202850)

On the bright side, at least I got 100% on this one.

56. Eraser-X is emphatically dominating teh site!!! Posted: June 01, 2009 at 10:01 PM (#3202856)

I missed Moreno, which is a shame since I was born in Pittsburgh in the 70s.

Otherwise, it went quick--no wrong guesses in the first seven and then wasted a bunch of time trying to remember "Brian Hunter". I also tried "Chico Walker" for inside jokish reasons.

57. cardsfanboy

Posted: June 01, 2009 at 10:04 PM (#3202860)

Oh, that's why...I didn't even notice that his one year with them was '85. My dad was from St. Louis, and that would cover why both of us have that seared into our brains.

that's probably possible. Growing up being from St Louis the Royals were my american league team (along with the Red Sox and the A's)

of course now that I think about it more, I'm pretty sure I have Omar Morenos 77, and 80 baseball card.

58. Teddy F. Ballgame Posted: June 01, 2009 at 10:11 PM (#3202865)

We'll never know how well I'd have done ... I typed in Rickey Henderson, hit enter and it gave me all the answers.

Hitting enter is the same as clicking the "I give up" button. You don't have to enter for correct answers, it just accepts them as soon as you've completed typing their names.

I got six in about five seconds, then stewed for quite a while guessing names like Max Carey, then went to baseball-reference and found LeFlore and Moreno, who I'd never have remembered (and I'm (barely) in my 40s). Still had about four minutes to go.

59. dcba Posted: June 01, 2009 at 10:15 PM (#3202866)

You got Moreno and missed Cobb? Jesus, that's like...I don't know.

I got 7 and missed Brock. Top THAT.

60. Good cripple hitter Posted: June 01, 2009 at 10:27 PM (#3202876)

Am I the only person who guessed Dave Collins?

I typed in Collins, but I was going with Eddie. That actually wasn't a bad guess, he stole 81 one season.

61. zenbitz Posted: June 01, 2009 at 11:58 PM (#3202905)

I didn't know Raines, LeFlor, Moreno, and forgot Wills. Anti-dodger bias. I guess Cobb.

Sub quiz: Who had the most CAUGHT Stealing in a season (post 1901) who is NOT in the above 8 burners.

Hint:
It's a 3 way tie
All within 1 year of each other.
Uh...
1 of the three had more CS than SB1
The other has the same name as a present-day comedian
The third.. uh... played with a HOF 1B who was also a relief pitcher that year?

Oh, and I had no idea, I just looked at the list, curious.

62. AJM Posted: June 02, 2009 at 01:36 AM (#3202932)

I got 7 really quick, but couldn't get LeFlore. I put in Hamilton (a few times), Lopes, and Eddie Collins. Then some others hoping I'd be right.

63. AJM Posted: June 02, 2009 at 01:39 AM (#3202933)

Sub quiz: Who had the most CAUGHT Stealing in a season (post 1901) who is NOT in the above 8 burners.

Lonnie Smith?

Edit: Nope, though he did have 26 one year.

64. AJM Posted: June 02, 2009 at 01:57 AM (#3202939)

Here's another good one.

I missed 3.

65. mex4173 Posted: June 02, 2009 at 02:27 AM (#3202945)

Only missed 1 on the 400 home run/non HoF.

Darrell Evans.

66. God Posted: June 02, 2009 at 02:27 AM (#3202946)

I missed two on the 400 HR quiz -- got too caught up in trying to think of steroid guys, and instead blanked on two of the relative old-timers.

67. baerga1 Posted: June 02, 2009 at 05:33 AM (#3202953)

I officially get the retard award. I couldn't figure out how to spell "McGwire." I tried like 20 times.

68. Misirlou had a hedge back home in the suburbs Posted: June 02, 2009 at 06:05 AM (#3202956)

Sub quiz: Who had the most CAUGHT Stealing in a season (post 1901) who is NOT in the above 8 burners.

Hint:
It's a 3 way tie
All within 1 year of each other.
Uh...
1 of the three had more CS than SB1
The other has the same name as a present-day comedian
The third.. uh... played with a HOF 1B who was also a relief pitcher that year?

How about managed the Dodgers?

69. Mike in MI Posted: June 02, 2009 at 07:24 AM (#3202971)

I got all 8 in 55 seconds. I thought Rodney Scott made it but he topped out at 63.

70. whoisalhedges Posted: June 02, 2009 at 07:59 AM (#3202986)

Yeah, I had to pop over to BBRef to get Moreno... never did I imagine he was on base enough to steal 90 bases (he must've run half the times he got on first). Oddly enough, his 96 in 1980 wasn't even enough to lead the league -- that was the year Ron LeFlore swiped 97 for Montreal.

I got LeFlore on a WAG after a couple of minutes. I knew he stole a ton of bases every year, never knew it was that many, though. Ricky, Rock, Vince, Cobb, Wills, and Brock came easy.

71. Edmundo is Super Average Man

Posted: June 02, 2009 at 08:14 AM (#3202998)

I got all but one in < 1 minute and couldn't think of Raines. And this is from a Phillies fan who was tortured by Raines. I tried a bunch of names (Dilone, Frank Taveras, Willie Wilson, et al) but I didn't come close to getting Raines.

72. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: June 02, 2009 at 08:16 AM (#3203001)

"Well Vlad's a Pirate fan, so knowing the members of the Family is understandable. He can probably reel off great stuff on Don Robinson and Tim Foli for you."

Oh, absolutely.

73. snapper Posted: June 02, 2009 at 08:31 AM (#3203012)

Got 6. Got Moreno, which was hard, but missed Raines, which was dumb. Never would have guessed LeFlore in 100 hours.

74. JJ1986 Posted: June 02, 2009 at 08:37 AM (#3203019)

Here's another good one.

I missed 2. I'm really surprised Jeff Kent doesn't have 400.

75. Crispix Attacks is in the best shape of his life. Posted: June 02, 2009 at 08:39 AM (#3203022)

Good work, everyone. You learned well from this training exercise.

76. Keith Law Posted: June 02, 2009 at 12:37 PM (#3203394)

Thanks for linking to the quiz - glad you guys enjoyed it. The two lesser-known guys (although those of you who missed them are making me feel very old) made it a good topic.

I never would have gotten Evans on the 400-HR quiz. I was shocked to see that Vlad hasn't reached 400 yet. I am proud to report, however, that I missed Canseco.

77. SoSH U at work Posted: June 02, 2009 at 12:44 PM (#3203407)

I got 19 on the 400-homer club. Missed Dawson, concentrating my thoughts on active/recently retired plaeyrs.

78. Pl Msrkwks Posted: June 02, 2009 at 12:58 PM (#3203429)

I got 100% on the Nintendo historian quiz. And knew for a fact all but one of them. Process of elimination.

79. Eamus Catuli Posted: June 02, 2009 at 01:01 PM (#3203433)

Mental Floss is a nice site, but it pales in comparison to the king of Internet time-wasting quiz sites - Sporcle.

80. davoarid in MN Posted: June 02, 2009 at 01:11 PM (#3203451)

I've been careful not to read any comments:

Vince Coleman, Rickey Henderson, Maury Wills, Lou Brock. Ty Cobb.. Tim Raines.....Ron LeFlore............ Wow. Someone like Omar Moreno?

81. STEROIDS!!!!! Posted: June 02, 2009 at 01:19 PM (#3203463)

I spent like 3 minutes on the HR one trying to spell "Galarraga." 399?? WTF!

Also missed pretty much all the active guys like A-Rod, Manny, Thomas, etc. Should have read the rules more carefully.

82. AJM Posted: June 02, 2009 at 04:56 PM (#3203833)

I got Evans pretty quick. Somehow I missed ARod, Piazza, and Dawson.

83. JPWF13

Posted: June 02, 2009 at 10:15 PM (#3204507)

I got 7
should have gotten 8, can't believe I dind't get Wills

was never ever going to get LeFlore-and I saw him play, I even saw the movie about him...

84. JPWF13

Posted: June 02, 2009 at 10:20 PM (#3204511)

I had nothing for Moreno, I had no idea who played for, what position he played, or when he played.

Never heard of Omar the Outmaker?????

seriously, he had that nickname only because it was before the MSM decided that only basement dwelling stat geeks ragged on players for having a low OBP

85. Crispix Attacks is in the best shape of his life. Posted: June 02, 2009 at 10:33 PM (#3204514)

Chipper Jones, 400 home runs?!?

I also missed Sheffield, Delgado, and Canseco. And I typed "Gonzalez" not know if it would be Juan, Luis, or both.

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