All-Rosenblatt team: The best who set foot here

Hall of Famers at almost every position. A manager who won two World Series. And the only organist in America who can get ballpark patrons tapping their toes to the melodic strains of “Edelweiss.”

That's the makeup of The World-Herald's All-Rosenblatt team. With the end of baseball at Omaha's stadium, we felt it would be fitting to recognize the wealth of talent that played and worked there since it opened in 1948.

The only requirement for players on the honor squad is that they had to play at least one game at Rosenblatt. Overall accomplishments in baseball figured heavily into the selection process.

Meritorious service played a prime role in the selection of the off-field personnel.

Some liberties were taken. Ernie Banks was a first baseman when he appeared in a 1965 exhibition game at Rosenblatt that matched his Chicago Cubs against the Boston Red Sox. But the Hall of Famer gained fame as a shortstop, and he earns his All-Rosenblatt spot at that position.

Terry Francona played well enough as an outfielder for Arizona in the 1980 College World Series to earn a spot on the CWS' Legends team. But he's made an even greater mark in baseball as a manager, leading the Red Sox to two World Series championships. That earns him his spot as the team's manager.

Those honored won't receive a plaque or a certificate. Just a hearty “thank you” for gracing Rosenblatt with their presence.

« Sports - Main

Share