I always think you need one "elder statesman" and we have two right now, Aaron and Mays. They were all-time greats, but so were Bench and Schmidt, who are in waiting with Ripken behind them. I am not sure a pitcher can ever ascend to that level. Ryan is the best candidate, though Gibson and Carlton have the resume and Maddux will take the crown at some point. Koufax currently holds that mantel among pitchers, but I don't think a pitcher is ever considered as the greatest living player.
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