Jason Giambi’s 407 career homers tie him with Duke Snider for 43rd on baseball’s all-time list. Does anyone besides this old-school fellow remember Snider?

Edwin Snider, the Duke of Flatbush, was the third best center fielder in New York City from 1952 through 1957. Considering the other two were Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle, that’s nothing to be ashamed of. He was also the third-best centerfielder in all of baseball during that time.

From 1949 through Mays’ and Mantle’s rookie seasons of 1951, Snider was the best center fielder.

Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese were the sparkplugs of the Boys of Summer, and Roy Campanella and Gil Hodges provided plenty of power, but Duke Snider was the best all-around hitter on those legendary Brooklyn Dodger teams.

From 1953 through 1957, he hit 40 or more homers in an era when 40 was a very big deal.

In the seven seasons spanning 1950-56, he had at least 100 RBIs six times, including a NL-leading 136 in 1955, Brooklyn’s only World Series championship.

And in the six-year span of 1950-55, Snider batted .300 or better five times, including .336 in 1953 and .341 in 1954.

Snider hit 11 homers in 36 World Series games, including four in the 1955 Dodgers’ win.

Heck, he even had double digits in stolen bases four times.

Giambi will soon pass Snider in career homers. But the Duke should never be forgotten.