Which HOF "manager" was the best "player"?

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Posted By: Gilbert Maines

Gee Ryan, I thought that my e-mail could be assessed thru my log on info. People have previously had success with that. In any case, My e-mail address is identify7@aol.com.

As you note, McGraw was not a slugger. He was the type of player who hit well, got on base a lot, and stole bases often. A very exciting player, exemplary of the period in which he played.

To achieve the 25th highest batting average ever is, to me, a noteworthy accomplishment. To compliment that achievement with his proficiency in stealing bases adds significantly to his reputation. But what puts him over the top in my estimation is that roughly half of the time that he faced a pitcher, he was successful in getting on base.

He is in pretty elite company here. Those players whose OBP can be rounded off to .5 include Ruth, Williams, McGraw and Hamilton.

Although a man to man comparison regarding achievements is prone to inadequacies; I feel a man to man comparison between similar players is most valid. I do not think that McGraw was as good as Hamilton , but he was in his league.

It is ok if you do not agree with my evaluation of this player, Ryan and Jay. I fail to see your points. Particularly considering the caliber of player elected to the hall during the past few decades.

But if the comparison is really who was better: Foster or McGraw? The comparison is not completely fair to Foster, since most assessments of his playing credentials rely on recollections rather than documentation. I tend to put much emphasis on recollections, but wish the history was better documented.