Who is the greatest BB player you ever SAW?

[Mikehealer]

I'm not sure, but Bonds led the league in intentional walks basically every year from 1992 forward. Here is a picture of him in 1992, doesn't look all that big.
He was easily the best player in baseball from 1990 until he retired. I couldn't care less if he or any of the steroid users get in the HOF, but there is no denying he was the best player in baseball before and after steroid use.

[glenv]

In 7 years Bonds hit .275 for Pittsburgh and his best HR season was 34. He was the best in baseball at the time???

[Mikehealer]

Originally Posted by glenv

In 7 years Bonds hit .275 for Pittsburgh and his best HR season was 34. He was the best in baseball at the time???

If you read my post I said from 1990, which would include his final three years in Pittsburgh.

[Kenny Cole]

Tony,

I responded, because you had first responded to my post. I don't care if you like my selection or not. And discussing steroids is a waste of time as far as I'm concerned. Do you really think that your rant about what you believe on that issue, stated as if its the only viewpoint that can possibly exist, matters to me at all? If you do, you are very much mistaken.

The question you asked was who was the best player you ever saw, not who was the best player you ever saw who you can unequivocally state didn't cheat. My answer was Bonds. That's still my answer. The fact that you don't seem to like my answer changes nothing.

[SteveMitchell]

Having a prime seat just north of Seattle, I had opportunity to see Ken Griffey, Jr., many times in person and on TV. He was awesome - except for his dogging it down to first base after a ground-out.

Edgar Martinez was the best DH - a real, professional batsman. He could hit the ball wherever announcer Ron Fairly would frequently indicate it ought to go - given the situation.

I saw Ted Williams (on TV) in his final AB, so must follow the rules and not pick my favorite all-time hitter, and I never saw Mays, Musial, Aaron, Clemente, Mantle or a handful of others post-1960 enough to really have a legitimate opinion of them. All-around, I'd guess Mays or Griffey, Jr. were the best I've seen but, strictly speaking (given the parameters), KGJr. is #1.

[stadiumechoes]

Hitter: Barry Bonds
Pitcher: Nolan Ryan or Greg Maddux
All around: The great one, Roberto Clemente.

Interesting though, while giving this some thought, I honestly kept coming back to Dave Parker. I know you can't look at his whole body of work, but I don't think I would be out of line saying that for a short period in the late
70s, he was or was close to the most feared hitter and best all around baseball player in the game.

[chris]

I am not a Bonds fan. But, he was unbelievable to watch. Had he retired in 1998 I'm confident he still would have been a first ballot HOF. He was the best I ever saw play.

[rdixon1208]

Originally Posted by SteveMitchell

Having a prime seat just north of Seattle, I had opportunity to see Ken Griffey, Jr., many times in person and on TV. He was awesome - except for his dogging it down to first base after a ground-out.

Edgar Martinez was the best DH - a real, professional batsman. He could hit the ball wherever announcer Ron Fairly would frequently indicate it ought to go - given the situation.

I saw Ted Williams (on TV) in his final AB, so must follow the rules and not pick my favorite all-time hitter, and I never saw Mays, Musial, Aaron, Clemente, Mantle or a handful of others post-1960 enough to really have a legitimate opinion of them. All-around, I'd guess Mays or Griffey, Jr. were the best I've seen but, strictly speaking (given the parameters), KGJr. is #1.

I've been hearing a lot of talk about Martinez lately, particularly naming him the best DH ever. It's kind of silly to me. His only job was to hit the ball, and he was never an all time great as far as hitters go IMO. Assuming that he was the best DH ever....that doesn't mean much to me. He was just a better hitter than the other guys that also couldn't play defense.

[old-baseball]

The best pure hitter I've seen in my lifetime has to be Rod Carew. He could flat stroke the ball where ever / whenever he wanted to.

A lot of people have mentioned Bo Jackson and I can remember seeing him in Cleveland in his rookie season playing for the Royals. He struck out first three time up to bat and looked pretty bad in the process, but you could just see the power in his swing as he whiffed pitch after pitch. After he struck out for the third time I leaned over to my friend I was at the game with and told him that if he ever connected the ball was going to travel a long way. The fourth time up he did connect, hitting a screaming line drive that the short stop jumped and just missed catching. The ball landed well over the left center field wall (in old Cleveland Municiple Stadium) and just missed making the bleachers (which was a heck of a poke). The short stop just missed catching it and neither the center or left fielders moved - just turned their heads and watched it go.

[quinnsryche]

Originally Posted by Kenny Cole

Tony,

I responded, because you had first responded to my post. I don't care if you like my selection or not. And discussing steroids is a waste of time as far as I'm concerned. Do you really think that your rant about what you believe on that issue, stated as if its the only viewpoint that can possibly exist, matters to me at all? If you do, you are very much mistaken.

The question you asked was who was the best player you ever saw, not who was the best player you ever saw who you can unequivocally state didn't cheat. My answer was Bonds. That's still my answer. The fact that you don't seem to like my answer changes nothing.

Kenny, I just responded to your original comment, you are the one who got all defensive and jumped me. Seems that it's always the steroid defenders never want to answer any questions ever posed. I asked 2 simple questions in my original response to which you answered neither then became belligerent. After looking at your responses, looks like you are the one who is only entitled to an opinion. This will be my last post on this issue.
Thanks for sharing!

[Kenny Cole]

Tony,

Excellent. Tell you what, the next time I want your opinion, I'll ask you for it. You can do the same for me. That way we don't have to waste each other's time. Have a nice day.