1949 Hall of Fame
Bonk Maurello, C
Maurello is another example of the low threshold of catching talent in the majors. He had 9 very good MLB seasons of mostly 3-4 WAR value at catcher and is a borderline HOF candidate. He won one gold glove, went to two all-star games, and was a three-time silver slugger. Maurello was originally drafted with the 20th overall pick in 1935 out of Hobbs High School and retired at the age of 32.
Career Stats: 4948 PA, 1224 H, 58 HR, .322 wOBA, 103 wRC+, -3.8 ZR, 26.6 WAR, 25.4 JAWS
Michal Delaney, CF
Delaney had a good long career as an above-average CF and was also drafted out of a New Mexico High School. He was taken in the 2nd round of the 1929 draft by the White Sox and spent a few years on the team before signing with the Padres. Delaney won one gold glove and made 6 all-star games throughout his career.
Career Stats: 6592 PA, 1624 H, 44 HR, 243 SB, .318 wOBA, 96 wRC+, 166.1 ZR, 39.8 WAR, 33.9 JAWS
Gavin Thornton, LHP
Thornton was another high school pick but was drafted much later than the other two on this list - a 10th round gem. He went to two all-star games in his career and was on the 1946 Florida Marlins championship team. In 1945, Thornton took second in the Pitcher of the Year voting.
Career Stats: 2172.3 IP, 649 BB, 922 K, 3.22 FIP, 89 FIP-, 40.4 WAR, 41.0 JAWS
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