[TruthWillWin]

I was surprised to learn that Brooklyn’s Duke Snider hit more home runs in the ‘50s than any other player, 326. Had assumed it would have been Mays, Mantle, or Aaron.

Duke began playing full time in 1949 and played most of the decade in the small confines of Ebbets Field.

Mays hit the bigs in 1951 but missed most of 52 and all of 53 serving in the military, Korean War. Also not easy to hit dingers in the Polo Grounds where he played until 1958.

Mantle did not start playing full time until 1952.

[Jolla]

Mantle did not start playing full time until 1952

Mantle played in the 51 World Series, in one game on one play - Willie Mays hit the ball, Mantle went for it, DiMaggio called him off and caught the ball.

[Jolla]

Mantle did not start playing full time until 1952

Mantle played in the 51 World Series, in one game on one play - Willie Mays hit the ball, Mantle went for it, DiMaggio called him off and caught the ball.

[TBP]

The foul lines at the Polo Grounds were ridiculously short — shorter than the infamously short porch at Yankee Stadium. I believe that the RF line was 276, if memory serves me correctly. But like Yankee Stadium, the Polo Grounds had a very deep center field — 505. That was whee Mays made the incredible catch in the 1954 World Series off Vic Wertz.

Tiger Stadium was somewhat similar. I wish we built ballparks like that today.