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Posted By: runscott

Jay, I'm not so sure you are right about that. I think some of the greats from long ago would MAKE the majors, just not necessarily be successful. And I think some of the greats from the 1800's wouldn't have made it past double-A.

Without even considering things like better nutrition, training habits, etc, here are some population stats. Also keep in mind that it's now 2006 and the ML's draws from Japan and other countries (and blacks), whereas in 1910 and 1880 you were drawing purely from white America. So back then, ML'ers were the best of a much smaller population base.

In 1880, 52 million, including blacks who weren't allowed to play
In 1910, 90 million, including blacks who weren't allowed to play, supplying 16 teams
In 2000, 281 million (50 states only), supplying 30 teams
In 2006, ???, supplying 30 teams