National League “Franchise” Players

Just as I did a week ago for the American League

, in this post, I attempt to match up each National League franchise with the name of an MLB player.

For each franchise, I’ll name one “Franchise Player,” and in many cases, a bunch of honorable mentions. I awarded bonus points for players who actually played for the franchise in question (these players are marked with asterisks). I also looked at any past cities and names used by a franchise, though these are listed separately under the “Past Life Franchise Player” section.

Houston Astros

Franchise Player: Jason Castro

*

Honorable Mentions: Tyler Houston

, Houston Jimenez , Huston Street , Harry Huston , and Warren Huston ; Joe Astroth ; plus the 8 other Castros who didn’t play for the Astros.

Past Life Franchise Player: Colt Morton

, for the franchise’s first 3 years, when it was known as the Colt .45′s.

Atlanta Braves

Franchise Player: Angel Bravo

(whom you may remember from the Angels’ list)

Honorable Mentions: Buster Bray

*, Atlee Hammaker , Atley Donald

Past Life Franchise Players: Fred Beebe

for the franchise’s 5 years as the Bees, Rusty Richards for the year as the Rustlers, Dennis Dove for the 4 years as the Doves, and Billy Beane for the 24 years as the Beaneaters.

Milwaukee Brewers

Franchise Player: Billy Brewer

, of course

Honorable Mentions: Jack Brewer

, Jim Brewer , Mike Brewer , Rod Brewer , Tom Brewer , and Tony Brewer .

Past Life Franchise Player: For their year as the Seattle Pilots, how about Duane Pillette

or Herman Pillette ?

St. Louis Cardinals

Franchise Player: Jose Cardenal

*

Honorable Mentions: Conrad Cardinal

; Carden Gillenwater *; Lou Brock *, Lou Bierbauer *, Lou Criger *, Lou Klein *, Lou Lowdermilk *, Lou North *, Lou Scoffic *, and Lou Sylvester *; Luis Alicea *, Luis Alvarado *, Luis Arroyo *, Luis DeLeon *, Luis Melendez *, Luis Ordaz *, and Luis Saturria *.

Past Life Franchise Player: Either Tom Brown

* or William Brown *, the two guys namEd Brown to play for the franchise while it was known as the St. Louis Browns (1883-1898).

Chicago Cubs

Franchise Player: Cub Stricker

Honorable Mentions: Mike Cubbage

; Chico Garcia (shared with the White Sox); plus the Chicks and Chicos who played for the Cubs franchise: Chick Fraser *, Chico Hernandez *, Chick Keating *, Chick King *, Chick Pedroes *, Chick Tolson *, and Chico Walker *.

Past Life Franchise Player: For the franchise’s five years as the Orphans, maybe Tom Oran

? For their time as the Colts, they can share Colt Morton with the Astros (neé Colt .45s).

Arizona Diamondbacks

Franchise Player: Steve Phoenix

(who, incredibly, was also born in Phoenix, AZ)

Honorable Mentions: Scott Diamond

, Thomas Diamond , and Brandon Backe

Los Angeles Dodgers

Franchise Player: Luis Alcaraz

* or Luke Allen * (the only Dodger players with the initials “L.A.”)

Honorable Mentions: John Dodge

and Sam Dodge ; Angel Berroa * and Angel Pena * (the two guys named Angel to play for the Dodgers)

Past Life Franchise Players: For the franchise’s 74 years in Brooklyn, Hubie Brooks

* or Jerry Brooks * (both played for the L.A. Dodgers); for the 28 seasons as the Robins, Robin Ventura * (played for the L.A. Dodgers); for the 11 years as the Grooms or Bridegrooms, Buddy Groom ; and for the 3 seasons as the Grays, Dick Gray * (played for the L.A. Dodgers).

San Francisco Giants

Franchise Player: Francisco Santos

*

Honorable Mentions: Francisco Melendez

* and Francisco Oliveras * (the other Franciscos who played for the San Francisco Giants), plus the other non-Giants Franciscos ; Steve Finley * and Steve Frey * (players with the initials S.F. to play for the S.F. Giants).

Past Life Franchise Player: For the franchise’s 3 years as the New York Gothams, Jim Gott

* (played for the S.F. Giants)

Miami Marlins

Franchise Player: Marlin Stuart

Honorable Mentions: Marlon Byrd

, Marlon Anderson , and Marlan Coughtry ; and Miah Murray .

Past Life Franchise Player: Kevin Flora

or Bryce Florie for their first 19 seasons as the Florida Marlins.

New York Mets

Franchise Player: Lenny Metz

Honorable Mentions: Butch Metzger

*, Roger Metzger , William Metzig , and Alex Metzler ; Charlie Metro ; and Yorkis Perez *. Plus all of the guys named York , none of whom played for the Mets.

Washington Nationals

Franchise Player: Joey Nation

Honorable Mentions: U L Washington

* (with the Expos), plus the other guys named Washington who never played for the Nats franchise; Rob Natal * (with the Expos) and Pete Naton .

Past Life Franchise Player: For the 36 years as the Montreal Expos, Charlie Montoyo

*, Willie Montanez *, or John Montague * (all of whom played for the Expos); or perhaps Alex Pacheco *, who also was an Expo?

San Diego Padres

Franchise Player: Johnny Podres

*, of course

Honorable Mentions: Diego Segui

; Sandy Alomar , Jr.* and the other guys named Sandy who didn’t play in San Diego.

Philadelphia Phillies

Franchise Player: Dave Philley

*

Honorable Mentions: The Phils who played for the Phillies: Phil Bradley

*, Phil Collins *, Phil Geier *, Phil Knell *, Phil Linz *, Phil Saylor *, and Phil Weintraub *.

Past Life Franchise Player: For their 7 seasons as the Quakers, I don’t know… maybe Coaker Triplett

*?

Pittsburgh Pirates

Franchise Player: Gaylen Pitts

Honorable Mentions: Jim Pittsley

; Togie Pittenger and Pinky Pittenger ; Joe Pittman ; and James Pirie .

Past Life Franchise Player: For the franchise’s 9 years as the Alleghenies, how about Gene Alley

* (played for the Pirates). Or perhaps Ty Gainey .