A shock was given to the sports world when Prince Fielder, son of the legendary Cecil Fielder, had to retire suddenly on August 10th, 2016 because of injury. Considering he was the MLB's "Iron Man" at one point, playing in 547 consecutive games, it is almost ironic (no pun intended) Prince Fielder had a great career cut short like that. Prince Fielder only played 12 seasons and could have done a lot more in his baseball career. He was well on his way to hitting the coveted 500 home run mark and could have won a World Series ring at some point. But, that will never happen now.
So now the comparisons between father and son begin:
Both Cecil and Prince Fielder were known for their burly physique and hitting power. Both players were home run machines. They also made their career marks in the MLB playing for the Detroit Tigers (For Cecil, professionally and Prince, financially). They even shared the same positions at 1st base and as designated hitters.
In 1990, in his 5th season and playing as a Detroit Tiger, Cecil Fielder was the 1st player to hit 50 home runs in a season since George Foster did it for the Cincinnati Reds in 1977. Prince, however, did it three years into his career.
Prince Fielder made MLB history by being the 1st player to win the Home Run Derby as a National and American League MVP. Also, he was only the 3rd player to win it more than once. His father Cecil never won an MVP and never won a Home Run Derby either. Prince was also a 6x All-Star while his father Cecil was a 3x All-Star, half of his son's number of appearances.
The biggest difference to me is the fact that Cecil Fielder won The World Series with the New York Yankees in 1996. While Prince Fielder went to the World Series in 2012 as a Detroit Tiger, they never won a game and he only went 1-14 at bat. To me, championships are the ONLY thing that matter in any sport; they are the best statistic you can have. As far as individual statistics go, Prince was better than his father Cecil. But Cecil has a championship. This is why I am torn.
Take a look at the images below and you will see a very uncanny and even spooky resemblance to each player's career statistics. Judge for yourself then comment below (at the bottom of the page). I can't make up my mind. They were both great ballplayers and I think Prince would have been better if he got to play longer. But, as it stands, I really can't say. They're both great.
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