A bit of a surprise, Justin Morneau winning the American League MVP over the likes of Jeter, A-Rod, Ortiz et al.
But add Morneau to the list of great Canadian ballplayers. I'd call crafty Ferguson Jenkins the best of the lot, but Larry Walker and oldtimers recall George Selkirk in the conversation as well.
What puts Morneau in their league is this kind of recognition, at just 25 years old and with just two big-league seasons completed.
Via baseball-reference.com, here's what these other big Canadian names in the baseball history books were doing at age 25:
Jenkins. In an era of hard throwers, he was already established as one of the best control pitchers in the game.
Walker. Just coming into his own in his third big-league season and getting MVP votes, but still five years away from winning the trophy in 1997.
Eric Gagne. Sure he doesn't belong in this company, but for a time there he was a dominant closer. At 25, though? Scuffling around.
George Selkirk. At 25, was on the cusp of taking over from the Babe. And how big is that?





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