The trade of Justin Verlander to Houston has increased the Astros’ chances of advancing in the postseason, but has reduced an already limited roster in the major leagues. After spending his entire career with the Detroit Tigers until the deal was done last week, Verlander is now one of the few veterans 10 or older to have played for just one team.
Here’s the list of those who still qualify to join the ranks of recent Hall of Famers Derek Jeter and Tony Gwynn. Each star stayed with his original team through a career that ended in Cooperstown, Jeter as a member of the New York Yankees and Gwynn with the San Diego Padres.
Each of these five guys began their Major League careers so long ago that George Bush was President of the United States.
David Wright
Although his career in recent seasons has been derailed by injuries, the All-Star third baseman was the face of the New York Mets from his first career at bat on July 21, 2004. Despite many trips to the disabled On the list, Wright has still managed to average 25 home runs, 99 RBI and a .296 batting average over his thirteen years.
joey votto
The future Hall of Fame slugger began his major league career on Sept. 4, 2007, and has been with the Reds ever since. He has become one of the most revered hitters in the game, having been selected as the National League Most Valuable Player in 2012.
joe mauer
After a sensational high school career in the Twin Cities, Mauer made his debut for Minnesota on Opening Day 2004. He spent his first few seasons behind the plate, becoming the first catcher to win an American League batting title. His 2009 season was so extraordinary that he was selected as the Most Valuable Player, in addition to winning a Silver Slugger Award, a Gold Glove Award and an All-Star start.
Yadier Molina
Unlike Mauer in Minnesota, Molina has stayed behind the plate his entire career with St. Louis. He made his Cardinals debut on June 3, 2004, and since then has won seven Gold Glove Awards, eight All-Star starts, a Silver Slugger and four pennants. As the undeniable face of the club, Molina led St. Louis to World Series championships in 2006 and 2011.
Dustin Pedroia
Since being called up to the major leagues on Aug. 22, 2006, Pedroia has been the Red Sox’s driving force. While David Ortiz was the apparent leader in the locker room, Pedroia, as second baseman, was the captain while the team was on the field. He was selected Rookie of the Year in 2007, and exactly one year later he won the American League Most Valuable Player award. Pedroia was the key factor in Boston winning two world championships, the first in 2007 and then a few years later in 2013.
Adam Wainwright
The right-hander was called up in September by the Cardinals a year after Molina, his longtime drumming partner, made his debut. In nine of his twelve seasons since then, Wainwright has racked up double figures in the win column with a major league-high nineteen in 2009. Even at age 35 last year, his 12-5 record gave him the best winning percentage in the Senior Circuit.
