Last Player From The 1980s?

[DoubleX]

Which player do you think will be the last player in the Majors that appeared during the 1980s?

I believe this year there have been at least 22 players in the Majors that appeared in the 80s (I could definitely have missed someone). Here's the list by year of first appearance and their ages this year:

1982
Julio Franco (48)

1984
Roger Clemens (44)

1986
Barry Bonds (42)
Greg Maddux (41)
Jamie Moyer (44)

1987
Tom Glavine (41)
Jose Mesa (41)
David Wells (44)

1988
Sandy Alomar Jr (41)
Craig Biggio (41)
Tom Gordon (39)
Randy Johnson (43)
Curt Schilling (40)
Gary Sheffield (38)
John Smoltz (40)

1989
Ken Griffey Jr (37)
Steve Finley (42)
Kenny Rogers (42)
Rudy Seanez (38)
Sammy Sosa (38)
Mike Stanton (40)
Omar Vizquel (40)

My guess right now is Sheffield.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

I say Griffey since he is the youngest of the group.

[brett]

Tom Gordon may have a chance as a specialty reliever. This year is poor,but last year he was very effective and in '04 and '05 he was very very valuable.

He can close or setup or come in to face a particular batter.

I also would not be suprised to see Smoltz pitch effectively for 3 more years.

[538280]

I say Sheffield is a good pick. Still going strong, can hang on as a DH, is relatively young in this group at 38, and doesn't have that strong of an injury history, at least recently. He missed most of 2006, but just missing that year doesn't compare to the time Griffey has missed since 2001.

[philipthegreat]

I think Kenny Rogers will be the last player from the 80's but who knows it might be Julio Franco:rolleyes: :faint:

[The Kid]

For me it's a toss up between Sheffield and Griffey. I believe Sheff's body is healthier than Griffey's, but I have a feeling Griffey will stick around longer due to milestones he may want to reach.

[TRfromBR]

For me it's a toss up between Sheffield and Griffey. I believe Sheff's body is healthier than Griffey's, but I have a feeling Griffey will stick around longer due to milestones he may want to reach.

I agree, Griffey's the best bet. He's still relatively young, playing better, moved out of center, and inevitably headed still higher on the all time home run list. Plus, he remains enormously popular, without the issues plaguing other power hitters, like Griffey. For public relations purposes, the league will want him to stick around.

With Seatlle yearning for his return and his perennial popularity throughout the country, only a totally disabling injury is likely to stop him. Born on the same date and in the same town as Stan the Man, he'll almost certainly enjoy an equally long career, with even a few extra years due to modern advances, conditions, and opportunities.

[Mariano_Rivera]

Roger Clemens :D

Seriosuly I think Griffey. Sheffield doesn;t seem the type to hang on just because he loves playing

[brett]

Roger Clemens :D

Seriosuly I think Griffey. Sheffield doesn;t seem the type to hang on just because he loves playing

While I think he could last, I don't get how people can say that Griffey is playing very well. He's a little below average corner outfielder with a 120 OPS+. He has done a much better job of drawing walks this year.

[ElHalo]

I'd have to go Gordon or Stanton. Specialty relievers can last forever.