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-   -   Baseball's Greatest Living Player...who is it? (http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=197473)

Sean 11-26-2014 03:27 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fred (Post 1348319)
Why not stir the pot.... Barry "Frigging" Bonds. :p
Makes more sense than Pete Rose. :rolleyes:

Sean 11-26-2014 03:32 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by 100backstroke (Post 1348340)
Its just a shame, totally not right, that Baseball and/or Football Hall of Fame does not put in Bo. think about it…hall of FAME. Nobody was ever as famous at one point as Bo, except perhaps Ruth or Satchell Paige or Jordan. Of all the two bit barely make it players the Hall has allowed in, come on folks, give Bo some love, respect and acknowledgement he is well deserved due.
Bo might have become a great baseball player, but (paraphrasing Bill James) you aren't a great player just because you could have been a great player.

Sean 11-26-2014 03:33 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Centauri (Post 1348342)
As to the question of Jeter - how about greatest living short stop. Would you take Ozzie Smith over Jeter? Jeter better at the plate, Ozzie in the field. Both were very successful in regular season and post season.
I would take Jeter over Ozzie, and Ripken over both of them. :D

Peter_Spaeth 11-26-2014 03:46 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by kengoldin (Post 1348407)
Name career hits HR RBI AVG OPS MVPS GGs top 3 MVPs World Series champ
MAYS 3283 660 1903 302 941 2 12 6 1
Aaron 3771 755 2297 302 928 1 3 7 1
XXXXX 2519 520 1603 317 991 3 2 8 1


Sorry for formatting.....
what a skewed audience though.

player xxxxx should have won 5 MVPs as he was 2nd twice to Barry Bonds. 8 time top 3 in MVP voting 8 times in 10 years.
Player xxxxx is still putting up numbers, and unquestionably without peer during a 10 year period was considered the best player in the game....and likely the most consistent player from his rookie year to 12th season ever to play the game.
Player xxxx hit 3 home runs in a world series game to boot.
of course its Albert Pujols.
BTW, not saying he is 'the greatest living ballplayer' but it is amazing some of the names that HAVE been mentioned, and he hasn't been mentioned once.
Ken I think we tend to think of the question as referring to retired not active players.

Touch'EmAll 11-26-2014 05:03 PM
Bo not great?
 
Bo wasn't a could have been great player...he was a great player. Refresh yourself with a youtube tour of Bo highlights. Not great players don't get the media attention, mega endorsements, and a nations infatuation the way Bo did.

Now if you mean he wasn't a great player only because he didn't play long enough, you have a case. Apparently, both Halls of Fame side with this conclusion.

There are sometimes exceptions to the rule. In Bo's case, imho, he was an exception.

Centauri 11-26-2014 05:16 PM
Bo would definitely be in any Hall of Awesomeness. Unbelieveable to be an all-star in both sports.

Peter_Spaeth 11-26-2014 05:25 PM
Bo hit .250 lifetime. He had great potential but I wouldn't call him a great player. And for all his remarkable speed he didn't steal much.

ejharrington 11-26-2014 06:18 PM
Bonds hands down.

brick 11-26-2014 07:31 PM
Willie Mays

Griffins 11-26-2014 07:55 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by iwantitiwinit (Post 1348242)
In Bench's defense his '71 season was significantly harmed by his lung surgery during the off-season.
Bench's lung surgery was 1st week of December '72.

On the original question, Mays.

Bigdaddy 11-26-2014 08:32 PM
1. Willie Mays
2. Hank Aaron
3. Pete Rose
4. Mike Schmidt
5. Randy Johnson
6. Ken Griffey, Jr
7. Johnny Bench
8. Tom Seaver, Steve Carlton - tie
9. Cal Ripken
10. Rickey Henderson

I'd put Bonds no lower than #3 if not for the steroids. And Clemens would make the top 10 also. The bad part is that Bonds could probably have cracked the top 10 without the 'roids.

icollectDCsports 11-26-2014 08:55 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigdaddy (Post 1348541)
1. Willie Mays
2. Hank Aaron
3. Pete Rose
4. Mike Schmidt
5. Randy Johnson
6. Ken Griffey, Jr
7. Johnny Bench
8. Tom Seaver, Steve Carlton - tie
9. Cal Ripken
10. Rickey Henderson

I'd put Bonds no lower than #3 if not for the steroids. And Clemens would make the top 10 also. The bad part is that Bonds could probably have cracked the top 10 without the 'roids.
I'd put Frank Robinson at #3.

midwaylandscaping 11-26-2014 10:20 PM
1. Mays/Bonds
3. Aaron
4. Maddux
5. Griff Jr.

drmondobueno 11-26-2014 11:48 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by I Only Smoke 4 the Cards (Post 1348309)
Deon would also be on the list for greatest athlete.
Deon couldn't tackle. :o

Steve D 11-27-2014 12:23 AM
For me, it's:

1. Willie Mays
2. Hank Aaron
3. Ken Griffey Jr
4. Barry Bonds
5. Dave Winfield
6. Rickey Henderson

Pitchers:

1. Randy Johnson
2. Sandy Koufax
3. Steve Carlton (can't believe he hasn't gotten more votes)
4. Roger Clemens
5. Greg Maddux
6. Nolan Ryan
7. Tom Seaver
8. Pedro Martinez

Steve

Tabe 11-27-2014 02:25 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Centauri (Post 1348342)
As to the question of Jeter - how about greatest living short stop. Would you take Ozzie Smith over Jeter? Jeter better at the plate, Ozzie in the field. Both were very successful in regular season and post season.
ARod was better than both. And a lot better than Ripken.

alaskapaul3 11-27-2014 04:19 AM
According to Baseball-references career WAR
 
Bonds 162.4
Mays 156.2
Aaron 142.6
Clemens 140.3...(note precipitous drop off after these 4)
Arod 116.0
Rickey Henderson 110.8
Seaver 110.5
Frank Robinson 107.2
Maddux 106.8
Schmidt 106.5
Randy Johnson 102.1
Joe Morgan 100.3

followed by Pujols, Niekro, Yaz, Ripken, Blyleven, Kaline, Boggs, Perry, Carlton who are all in the 90's...couple of surprises in there !!


-Paul

talkinbaseball 11-27-2014 04:29 AM
The Sey Hey Kid

brookdodger55 11-27-2014 04:47 AM
Sandy Koufax

I Only Smoke 4 the Cards 11-27-2014 09:23 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth (Post 1348404)
430 HR, 3200 hits, 2 MVPs, about a zillion all star appearances and he was vastly overrated how?
In my opinion the only reason Ripke those milestones was because of the "iron man" streak. Regardless of what the record books say I will never view him as more durable than Gherig, not even close. Lowest BA in the 3000 hit club. Next closest was Rickey and he was a leadoff hitter. I don't give any weight to ASG appearances because it has turned into a popularity contest.

bbcard1 11-27-2014 09:40 AM
Would probably edge Aaron over Mays. Jim Brown as all time best living.

Danny Smith 11-27-2014 09:50 AM
I'll second this.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iron Horse (Post 1348169)
Hitters: Mays & Aaron
Pitchers: Koufax & Ryan

brian1961 11-27-2014 11:11 AM
Hank Aaron and Sandy Koufax. ---Brian Powell

Sean 11-27-2014 12:06 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by rats60 (Post 1348378)
Mays and Koufax. I can't consider someone who was never the best player in the game to be the best living player (looking at you Aaron).
+1

mark evans 11-27-2014 01:07 PM
Willie Mays (although I may be partial to the heroes of my youth)

Roofman4 11-27-2014 07:25 PM
Top 5...plus 1!
 
1. Mays
2. Aaron
3. Koufax
4. Brooks Robinson
5. Ryan

and 1 more for good luck...

6. Cal Ripken Jr

vthobby 11-27-2014 08:32 PM
Mays
 
"Say Hey" Willie Mays but I wanted so BAD to say Koufax because he was MONEY.

#1 Willie
#2 Sandy
#3 Hank
#4 Mike Trout!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!
#5 Berra
#6 Pete Rose

peace, mike

ZenPop 11-28-2014 12:59 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by rats60 (Post 1348378)
Mays and Koufax. I can't consider someone who was never the best player in the game to be the best living player (looking at you Aaron).
+infinity

JustinD 07-15-2015 11:23 AM
I will say that I am a bonds hater of immense magnitude, but I can't in good conscience leave him off an honest list. For all the hate for the steroids era, everyone had their crutch. From Cobbs sharpened cleats, to the vaseline balls, 15 inch mounds and Greenies like halloween candy, there was never a "clean" era in my mind. With the magnifing glass the current players live under, we may be seeing the cleanest it's even been. I know this will be controversial, but here goes -

My list is -
Aaron
Mays
Bonds
Rose
Clemens

and an honorable mention to Ryan and Koufax.

packs 07-15-2015 11:45 AM
Best players overall I gotta say Hank Aaron and Rickey Henderson.

Bocabirdman 07-15-2015 12:46 PM
Two Words.....

Sidd Finch

Howe’s Hunter 07-15-2015 01:02 PM
Mario Mendoza
 
He set the standard by which all hitters are compared.

DaveW 07-15-2015 02:02 PM
How about Mike Trout? OK, maybe someday. For now it's got to be Mays or Aaron.

ksabet 07-15-2015 02:09 PM
I am with the Bonds crowd. Doesn't matter to me. He was light years better than the other 80% of players who also cheated during this era. We judge Ruth against his contemporaries why not Bonds as well considering they all cheated.

GoldenAge50s 07-15-2015 02:24 PM
Being an "old school" type guy who grew up idolizing Mickey Mantle & the players of the late '40's & '50's, I am beginning to think Mike Trout may turn out to be one of the greatest of all!

He reminds me of a young Mickey w/ all the tools, BUT, none of the frailties that beset Mantle.

This kid may break ALL the records before he's done.

tbob 07-15-2015 02:56 PM
1. Willie Mays
2. Hank Aaron
3. Bob Gibson
4. Yogi Berra (and not Johnny Bench who gets all the hype but Yogi was CLUTCH).

obcbobd 07-15-2015 03:00 PM
Mays
Aaron
Frank Robinson

Can't see that Jeter is in the top 20

Jewish-collector 07-15-2015 05:07 PM
I agree with Mays/Aaron/Frank

A side question between Mays, Aaron, and Frank Robinson. Who was better defensively in the outfield ? Who had the better throwing arm ? Who was faster in the outfield ? Who was the better clutch hitter ? Power ? Better Base runner ? More speed on the basepaths ? etc,...

rgpete 07-15-2015 05:12 PM
Pete Rose

bbcard1 07-15-2015 07:29 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth (Post 1348163)
I would agree re Koufax. I would take at least Seaver, Gibson, Maddux and Johnson over him, if I can't take Clemens.
While we all concur he hung on too long, Steve Carlton would round that rotation out nicely.

brewing 07-15-2015 07:41 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by rats60 (Post 1348378)
Mays and Koufax. I can't consider someone who was never the best player in the game to be the best living player (looking at you Aaron).

Playing in Milwaukee and Atlanta has that effect. OPS+ of 140+ for 19 straight years, WAR of 6+ for 16 of those seasons. He belongs in the discussion. My vote goes to Mays for his superior defense.

I can't consider some who was great for 4 yrs, good for another 2 to be in the discussion for greatest ever (looking at you Koufax).

poorlydrawncat 07-15-2015 07:51 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ksabet (Post 1431593)
I am with the Bonds crowd. Doesn't matter to me. He was light years better than the other 80% of players who also cheated during this era. We judge Ruth against his contemporaries why not Bonds as well considering they all cheated.
I feel similarly Lance Armstrong. They're both scumbags and I can't root for them, but you can't deny that they were once-in-a-generation athletes with or without the cheating, for the reason you mentioned.

Although I'm more impressed by Ruth because his contemporaries probably took better care of themselves than he did (I know everyone smoke and drank, but Ruth took it to another level and gorged himself on food to boot). I'll never understand how he was so much better than everyone else around him.

Hot Springs Bathers 07-15-2015 08:03 PM
1. Mays
2. Aaron
3. Berra
4. Seaver
5. Koufax
6. Schmidt
7. F. Robinson
8. Maddux
9. B. Robinson
10. Ryan

jerrys 07-15-2015 09:02 PM
1. Mays
2. Rose
3. Berra
4. Aaron
5. Seaver

tjb1952tjb 07-15-2015 09:45 PM
5 tool..........
 
1 Attachment(s)
Willie could do it all, albiet he hung on a year or two too long (Mets).

pokerplyr80 07-15-2015 10:00 PM
1. Mays
2. Bonds
3. Aaron
4. Rose
5. Griffey, JR

I'm a little biased with the Griffey selection as he was my favorite as a kid, but he sure had a beautiful swing. It seemed almost effortless. He wasn't bad in the field either.

Bored5000 07-15-2015 10:13 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by poorlydrawncat (Post 1431739)

Although I'm more impressed by Ruth because his contemporaries probably took better care of themselves than he did (I know everyone smoke and drank, but Ruth took it to another level and gorged himself on food to boot). I'll never understand how he was so much better than everyone else around him.
Ruth, of course, was great, almost certainly the greatest of all time. But he also played in an era of few minorities and no black players at all. "Everyone else around him" excludes a significant segment of the population.

prewarsports 07-15-2015 10:23 PM
Ruth also played in the pre-expansion era so he faced the best pitchers in baseball regularly. Considering how few teams there were he missed facing a handful of great black pitchers, no doubt, but he faced great pitchers all the time. Now the best pitchers are spread out over 32 teams and only pitch every fifth day. How many times a year does Mike Trout have to face a teams ace?

Best living player, my vote:

Ken Griffey Jr. By far the biggest casualty of the steroids era and ranked the number one player of all time during much of his career ahead of Aaron and Mays.

poorlydrawncat 07-15-2015 10:37 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bored5000 (Post 1431801)
Ruth, of course, was great, almost certainly the greatest of all time. But he also played in an era of few minorities and no black players at all. "Everyone else around him" excludes a significant segment of the population.
True! Very good point. And very depressing.

Jdoggs 07-15-2015 10:40 PM
Mays is the best.


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