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Nick Soulis · 08-02-2025, 01:27 PM

EXCELLENCE PROJECT SEASON 8 WORLD SERIES PREVIEW
Collins vs. Hornsby: A Clash of Titans at Second Base

By Peter Gammons | Excellence Project Network
October 8, 2025

It’s the kind of World Series matchup that only the Excellence Project could produce — a time-bending collision between two baseball dynasties and two of the greatest second basemen to ever lace up a pair of spikes. When the 1910 Philadelphia Athletics and the 1926 St. Louis Cardinals take the field for Game 1, all eyes will be on the keystone. Because standing opposite each other will be Eddie Collins and Rogers Hornsby — player-managers, MVPs, and field generals leading their squads into baseball immortality.

Eddie Collins vs. Rogers Hornsby
The Excellence Project has been a proving ground for both legends. In the ALCS, Collins hit .455 with 4 stolen bases, catalyzing a Philadelphia offense that wore down the '72 Pirates. In the NLCS, Hornsby hit .350 with 3 home runs, leading the Cardinals to a 4-1 demolition of the '62 Giants while managing his lineup with ruthless precision.

But the question remains: who’s the better player?

Historical Perspective
Eddie Collins is revered for his cerebral play, base-stealing prowess, and legendary discipline at the plate. He was the heart of Connie Mack’s $100,000 infield and one of the finest all-around players of the deadball era.

Rogers Hornsby, by contrast, was a ferocious hitter with staggering offensive numbers in the live-ball era. His 1924 season — when he hit .424 — is the highest average in modern baseball history.

This matchup is the baseball equivalent of Ali vs. Frazier, a battle of finesse vs. force, strategy vs. swagger. And unlike most legends, both men are still playing, still leading, and still dominating.

World Series X-Factors
Can Collins Control the Chaos? The Cardinals bring a powerful lineup with Chick Hafey and Jim Bottomley protecting Hornsby. Collins will need to set the tone early and wreak havoc on the basepaths.

Can Hornsby Stay Hot? With 3 HR in the NLCS, he's swinging as well as anyone in the tournament. If Collins gets on base and Hornsby keeps sending balls to the seats, this may be a slugfest.

Managerial Chess Match: This may be the only time in baseball history where two all-time great second basemen are also managing from the field. Expect bunts, hit-and-runs, intentional walks, and dugout mind games galore.

Final Word
So… who’s better?

If you’re judging by pure hitting, Hornsby may get the nod. But if you factor in defense, baserunning, and versatility, Collins has a compelling case. In the end, we may not get a definitive answer — but we’re guaranteed a legendary duel.

The only certainty is this: the World Series will run through second base.

08-02-2025, 01:27 PM	#107
Nick Soulis Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 4,253	EXCELLENCE PROJECT SEASON 8 WORLD SERIES PREVIEW Collins vs. Hornsby: A Clash of Titans at Second Base By Peter Gammons \| Excellence Project Network October 8, 2025 It’s the kind of World Series matchup that only the Excellence Project could produce — a time-bending collision between two baseball dynasties and two of the greatest second basemen to ever lace up a pair of spikes. When the 1910 Philadelphia Athletics and the 1926 St. Louis Cardinals take the field for Game 1, all eyes will be on the keystone. Because standing opposite each other will be Eddie Collins and Rogers Hornsby — player-managers, MVPs, and field generals leading their squads into baseball immortality. Eddie Collins vs. Rogers Hornsby The Excellence Project has been a proving ground for both legends. In the ALCS, Collins hit .455 with 4 stolen bases, catalyzing a Philadelphia offense that wore down the '72 Pirates. In the NLCS, Hornsby hit .350 with 3 home runs, leading the Cardinals to a 4-1 demolition of the '62 Giants while managing his lineup with ruthless precision. But the question remains: who’s the better player? Historical Perspective Eddie Collins is revered for his cerebral play, base-stealing prowess, and legendary discipline at the plate. He was the heart of Connie Mack’s $100,000 infield and one of the finest all-around players of the deadball era. Rogers Hornsby, by contrast, was a ferocious hitter with staggering offensive numbers in the live-ball era. His 1924 season — when he hit .424 — is the highest average in modern baseball history. This matchup is the baseball equivalent of Ali vs. Frazier, a battle of finesse vs. force, strategy vs. swagger. And unlike most legends, both men are still playing, still leading, and still dominating. World Series X-Factors Can Collins Control the Chaos? The Cardinals bring a powerful lineup with Chick Hafey and Jim Bottomley protecting Hornsby. Collins will need to set the tone early and wreak havoc on the basepaths. Can Hornsby Stay Hot? With 3 HR in the NLCS, he's swinging as well as anyone in the tournament. If Collins gets on base and Hornsby keeps sending balls to the seats, this may be a slugfest. Managerial Chess Match: This may be the only time in baseball history where two all-time great second basemen are also managing from the field. Expect bunts, hit-and-runs, intentional walks, and dugout mind games galore. Final Word So… who’s better? If you’re judging by pure hitting, Hornsby may get the nod. But if you factor in defense, baserunning, and versatility, Collins has a compelling case. In the end, we may not get a definitive answer — but we’re guaranteed a legendary duel. The only certainty is this: the World Series will run through second base.