World Series: Separated at Birth

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Oct 24, 2008

World Series: Separated at Birth

Jimmy Rollins

With the Rays and Phillies taking center stage in the World Series, here are some notable players to watch for alongside some more familiar faces from the entertainment industry they resemble......more or less. The 2007 NL MVP, Jimmy Rollins hits for power, and has stolen at least 20 bases every year since 2001. Rollins famously called the Phillies the ''team to beat'' ahead of the 2007 season, before leading them to their first division title since 1993. The lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish, Darius Rucker has also found solo success recently, recording the Number One country hit, ''Don't Think I Don't Think About It.''

Aldis Hodge

After hitting nine home runs during the regular season, centerfielder B.J. (it stands for Bossman Junior) Upton already has seven in the postseason, in addition to a team high 11 RBI during the ALCS. Actor Aldis Hodge has appeared in numerous TV series, including Friday Night Lights, ER and C.S.I. He will star in TNT's new series, Leverage, beginning in December.

Pat Burrell

Phillies left fielder Pat ''the bat'' Burrell hit 33 homers and drove in 86 runs this season, hitting behind Ryan Howard in Philadelphia's powerful lineup. Academy Award-nominee Ed Norton has starred as the Incredible Hulk and earned an MTV Movie Award nomination for Best Fight for his performance in Fight Club.

Matt Garza

ALCS MVP Matt Garzahad a 1.38 ERA and went 2-0 in the series (both times beating Boston's ace, Jon Lester). An offseason acquisition from Minnesota, Garza went 11-9 during the regular season. Eric Balfour has appeared in numerous TV series, including The O.C., The West Wing and Six Feet Under. He's perhaps best known for the role of Milo Pressman on 24.

Edge

Jayson Werth started the season as a platoon outfielder, but an injury to Shane Victorino pushed him into the lineup midway through the year. Werth responded with big offensive numbers, including a three-home-run game against the Blue Jays. Edge (Adam Copeland) is one of the most decorated tag team champions in wrestling history, with 12 WWE titles. He also has appeared on MADTv, Deal or No Deal and The Weakest Link.

Sean ''Diddy'' Combs

Fernando Perez is the speedy outfielder who scored the game-winning run for the Rays in Game 2 of the ALCS. Perez attended Columbia University before he was drafted by the Rays in 2004. Sean ''Diddy'' Combs is a record producer, rapper, actor and fashion designer. The founder of Bad Boy Entertainment and the Sean John clothing line, Combs is the star of MTV's Making the Band.

Ryan Howard

The 2005 NL Rookie of the Year and the 2006 NL MVP, Ryan Howard notched 100 career home runs faster than any player in major league history. Michael Clarke Duncan has played a lot of bouncers and bodyguards as an actor, but his breakthrough role came as seven-footer John Coffey in the 1999 film The Green Mile.

Evan Longoria

The third overall pick in the 2006 draft, Evan Longoria tore through the minor leagues and arrived in Tampa for good on April 14, 2008. Longoria was the fans' pick for the final roster spot on the AL All-Star roster. Keith Urban is a Grammy Award-winning country star from New Zealand. Urban married actress Nicole Kidman in 2006.

Carlos Ruiz

Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz didn't exactly tear the cover off the ball this season, hitting .219 with four home runs in 117 games for the NL champs, but he still has more pop than... Mario Lopez. The former Saved by the Bell star has hosted Miss America and Miss Universe, and has competed on Dancing with the Stars and American Gladiators. He also auditioned to host The Price is Right, but the gig went to Drew Carey.