Who is the greatest BB player you ever SAW?

[4815162342]

I saw Cal Ripken, Jr. play (Yankees @ Orioles) on 4th of July week his last season (2001).

[David W]

Albert Pujols

[Kalineman]

Willie Mays. Five tools as a player. A tool as an autograph guest.

[scottglevy]

I saw Dwight Gooden pitch several times in 1985. While the guy's career got sunk by drug use, I've never seen a more consistently dominating player than Dwight during that season --- what a pity!

I suppose that if we're talking about the best career player I've seen though I'd have to vote for one of the following:
Griffey Jr.
Clemens
Maddux
Pete Rose
(sadly I never got to see Nolan Ryan)

[Mikehealer]

Easy one. George Brett.

[oldjudge]

Best players I ever saw: Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols, Mariano Rivera

Most overrated players I ever saw: Mickey Mantle (and I'm a Yankee fan), Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith

[BIN at VCP]

I think OP got it right: Frank Thomas. I'm only 24, but I don't think there's been a better all-around hitter since Ted Williams. I won't comment on Pujols, as I rarely watch the National League.

Since its hard to compare pitchers and hitters, I'll mention Maddux, too. Not sure if he's necessarily the best pitcher I've ever seen, but he's the best pitcher I've ever seen considering his relative physical prowess and athletic ability. As a White Sox fan, Mark Buerhle reminds me of him, except about three levels below him.

[barrysloate]

Jay- how was Nolan Ryan overrated?

[martyogelvie]

Lots of players come to mind but only one player sticks out;
Don Mattingly

[slidekellyslide]

Best Pitchers
Roger Clemens - pre-juice era.
Nolan Ryan - threw a two hitter in the game I saw him

Best players
George Brett
Bo Jackson
Wade Boggs
Don Mattingly
Sammy Sosa

[Touch'EmAll]

Nolan Ryan - I grew up about 30 minutes from Anaheim Stadium in the 1970's. My dad took me to the game CalTech timed Ryan at 100.9 mph for the Guiness book records fastest!

I remember literally EVERY game the question arose - "Is he going to pitch another no hitter today?"

Ryan has the lowest opponent batting average allowed in the entire history of Major League Baseball.

Also - Bo Jackson. Remember the 1989 All Star game - he had a leadoff homerun and an absolutely wicked throw from the warning track to gun out on the fly Harold Reynolds at the plate.

I honestly believe it to be the best outfield throw ever - prove me wrong on this one. My dad said Carl Furillo was pretty bad ass with the throwing arm as well. Sorry Clemente fans, Bo had a better arm - and accurate as all get out!

[Beatles Guy]

Still playing but I have to go with Albert Pujols.

[thekingofclout]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Jay- how was Nolan Ryan overrated?

Agreed Barry.

I've never seen so many Major Leaguers afraid to face a pitcher. The look of defeat written all over their face BEFORE they stepped into the box!

Also, I saw "the Great One" play a few times at Chavez Ravine, and I can tell you that they gave him that nickname for a reason.