In the lead up to last week's 86th All-Star Game in Cincinnati, Major League Baseball unveiled the results of its Franchise Four contest with fans voting for the four best players in the history of all 30 teams.
That got me thinking, "Who would be the Franchise Four for the seven Division I men's lacrosse programs in Maryland? What four players would be on the Mount Rushmore of the likes of Johns Hopkins, Maryland and Loyola Maryland?"
So after consultation with a couple trusted authorities on the sport, here is one person's take on the Mount Rushmore of Johns Hopkins. Like the MLB model, coaches were not included and players are listed in alphabetical order.
Midfielder Delverne Dressel (1983-86) – One of two four-time first-team All Americans … Winner of the Lt. Donald McLaughlin, Jr. Award given to Division I's outstanding midfielder in 1984 and 1985 … 13th in school history in all-time assists with 75 … Tied for 18th in career goals with 99 … Tied for 14th in all-time points with 174.
Defenseman Dave Pietramala (1986-89) – First-team All American between 1987 and 1989 … Winner of the Lt. Raymond J. Enners Award given to the nation's outstanding player in 1989 … Winner of the William C. Schmeisser Award given to the country's outstanding defenseman in 1988 and 1989 … Regarded in many circles as the sport's top defender.
Goalkeeper Larry Quinn (1982-85) – First-team All American in 1984 and 1985 … Winner of the Lt. Raymond J. Enners Award given to the nation's outstanding player in 1984 and 1985 … Winner of the Ensign C. Markland Kelly Award given to Division I's outstanding goalie in 1984 and 1985 … School's all-time leader in career save percentage (.673) and single-season save percentage (.708 in 1984).
Attackman Douglas Turnbull (1922-25) – Program's first four-time first-team All American … One of only five players to earn first-team honors four times … Played every position on field except goalkeeper … Played halfback and kicker for the Blue Jays football team and led the country in kicking with six field goals and 15 extra points.
Others in consideration were attackmen Jeff Cook, Mike O'Neill and Terry Riordan, midfielders Kyle Harrison and Paul Rabil, defenseman John DeTommaso and goalie Mike Federico. Unfortunately, with only four spots available, some difficult decisions had to be made.
Agree? Disagree? Feel free to chime in with your thoughts.