In the late 1970s the New York Yankees fielded a remarkable team: Thurman Munson behind the plate; Chris Chambliss at first; Willie Randolph at second; Bucky Dent at short; Graig Nettles at third; Roy White, Lou Piniella, Mickey Rivers and Reggie Jackson in the outfield; Ron Guidry and Catfish on the hill.

But they were also derided as the "Bronx Zoo Yankees" -- largely thanks to the antics of manager Billy Martin and owner George Steinbrenner (who fired and re-hired Martin on a number of occasions).

"When I was a little boy, I wanted to be a baseball player and join the circus," Nettles once declared. "With the Yankees, I've accomplished both!"

["Me and George and Billy," Mickey Rivers once declared, "are two of a kind."]