He wasn't flashy. He wasn't dominating. He wasn't doing Nike commercials or on anyone's lists of Best Pitchers of the Decade. What Denny Neagle was was a good southpaw and an all-star in MLB twice during the 1990s.
His first selection was in 1995, when he pitched for the dismal Pittsburgh Pirates. The other in 1997 while pitching with the star-studded Atlanta Braves. In 1995, during the first half of his season, he was 9-4 with a 3.34 ERA and a 1.254 WHIP. It was good enough to earn him a spot as an All-Star. Neagle would end the season with a 13-8 record, a 3.43 ERA, and a 1.269 WHIP for a Pirates team that managed to win only 58 games.
His second All-Star selection came as a member of the Braves in 1997. The '97 season was Neagle's finest as a pitcher in the Bigs. The first half of the season, Nealge was 12-2 with a 3.20 ERA and 1.160 WHIP. His season would continue to be his best, as he finished with a 20-5 record and a 2.97 ERA, along with a 1.084 WHIP. For a season, he was as good as the legendary Big Three in Atlanta.
Neagle is a forgotten MLB All-Star from the 1990s and one worth remembering, at least in this writer's mind.
Denny Neagle Stats
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When I think of forgotten MLB All-Stars, I think of several players who come to mind. One of the biggest sluggers of the 1990s, Mo Vaughn, came to mind quickly as being one of the best power hitters of the game during that decade. Looking back on his career, I had completely forgotten that he played for the Angels and the Mets after leaving the Sox. How did I miss those two? I guess I always associated Mo with the Red Sox. During his 12-year career in the majors, Vaughn spent the bulk of his playing time with the Boston Red Sox, eight seasons, becoming a fan favorite and a feared hitter in the batter's box. His three All-Star selections came during those Red Sox years, and there was also an American League MVP award given to him in 1995.
Of all three All-Star selections he was given (1995, 1996, and 1998), Vaughn's best All-Star year came in 1996. There, he clubbed 44 HRs and drove in 143 runs while producing a whopping 1.003 OPS. There was no doubt that Vaughn was a power threat in that Red Sox lineup day in and day out and a standout in Major League Baseball during the mid to late 90s.
He is this week's Forgotten All-Star.
Mo Vaughn Stats
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vaughmo01.shtml
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