For the first time in its long and illustrious history, the MLB released the list of highest selling player’s jerseys, some thing the NBA and NFL have been doing for years. The top 20, in order of most jerseys sold to least, is as follows:
- Derek Jeter NYY
- Joe Mauer MIN
- Roy Halladay PHI
- Chase Utley PHI
- Cliff Lee PHI (SEA, TEX)
- Albert Pujols STL
- Josh Hamilon TEX
- Dustin Pedroia BOS
- Alex Rodriguez NYY
- Tim Lincecum SF
- Mark Teixeira NYY
- Jason Heyward ATL
- Stephen Strasburg WAS
- Ryan Braun MIL
- Justin Morneau MIN
- Jacoby Ellsbury BOS
- Ian Kinsler TEX
- Ryan Howard PHI
- Buster Posey SF
- Evan Longoria TB
Some Observations:
The Phillies have four names on the list, the most of any team. The Yankees and Red Sox each have three. The Dodgers, Mets and Cubs are the biggest teams of note not on the list.
Surprises that are not on The List/ Guys that I think would probably been on The List in years past:
Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes, David Ortiz, Lance Berkman, Troy Tulowitzki, Johan Santana, Kevin Youkilis, Prince Fielder.
Some surprises about The List:
Jacoby Ellsbury has led the league in steals twice in his four year career (including 70 in 2009) but had an awful, injury plagued 2010 in which he hit .192 and was criticized publicly by teammate Kevin Youkilis. I understand that Red Sox nation is huge and hugely devoted but I think that Ellsbury’s spot on this list is based more on potential than actual results. Guys who hit .300 and steal a ton of bases are not usually guys you’d think of as huge jersey sellers.
How is Albert Pujols, the clear best player in the game, only number 6?
There are two Twins on the list. I find that surprising considering the Twins are a small market team in Minnesota. I guess Mauer and Morneau are two of the premier players in the league.
There are three rookies on the list, Strasburg, Heyward, and Posey. In order to sell enough to make the list they must have sold a ton of jerseys in a very short amount of time.
Why is Ian Kinsler on this list? I would think that Michael Young would be a more popular Ranger.
I might add to this post later but this is all I got for now, I got stuff to do.
-Max Frankel
