Which pre-war stars could play today?

[prewarsports]

In response to the racism argument, Black Men were playing MORE baseball back then than now, by far, and it actually helps the argument. Just because they were excluded by the Major Leagues does not mean we dont know who they were, and they absolutely belong in the argument. Gibson, Paige, Bell, Leonard, etc. all would be stars today and the fact that they did not play in the Major Leagues does not really mean anything when assessing pure talent. The black talent 100 years ago was better than today because now they would be wearing Kobe and "D-Wade" jerseys and refusing to play such a "boring" game like most kids across this Country.

Rhys

[Orioles1954]

Originally Posted by prewarsports

In response to the racism argument, Black Men were playing MORE baseball back then than now, by far, and it actually helps the argument. Just because they were excluded by the Major Leagues does not mean we dont know who they were, and they absolutely belong in the argument. Gibson, Paige, Bell, Leonard, etc. all would be stars today and the fact that they did not play in the Major Leagues does not really mean anything when assessing pure talent. The black talent 100 years ago was better than today because now they would be wearing Kobe and "D-Wade" jerseys and refusing to play such a "boring" game like most kids across this Country.

Rhys

Hey Rhys,

Systematic racism absolutely does not detract from the quality of Negro League players. HOWEVER, can we really say how well Ruth, Cobb, etc. would translate it today's game when they never played against African-Americans or the Latin American influx of big league talent? I know we tend to romanticize the past, but there's nothing wrong in realizing the limitations of pre-1947 big league baseball. Just something to think about.

[bigtrain]

I recall reading that in the late 40s, Feller's fastball was clocked at 98 mph using a device that was used to measure the velocity of artillery shells. This measurement was as the ball crossed the plate, not as it left his hand, so it probably more like 100 mph. Even considering that the measuring device may have been less accurate than modern technology, that is some heat. And that was Feller slightly past his prime. I would think that guys like Paige and Johnson had similar speed.

[wrapperguy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMPxpOapRuU

That catcher is scared shitless!

[drc]

As baseball was the #1 sport, I would imaging that the old players were more familiar with the game, the details and techniques than today's players. Advantage in the details if not the muscle. I mean, I would think Cobb would know a lot more about batting and running that any of today's players.

[esd10]

I think some of the dead ball era players could play today and be great. Y ou have to remember the balls they played with where almost black in color and if you could hit .400 against that then you should be able to hit a brite white ball.The thing is they didnt have radar guns for the speed these players thrown so we dont know how fast walter johnson ot matty could throw so its like comparing apples to oranges.Another thing is they didnt swing for the fences in those days they wanted to get on base and they played small ball and it wasnt about themm selves it was about the team and they didnt make crap either and it was for the love of baseball not the money. we just dont know thats it point blank.

[pitchernut]

I think about it they would match up because a good athlete is a good athlete no matter what era

[B O'Brien]

Sisler would still be a stud!

I think a lot of folks would be able to play today. When you watch some of the old films, a lot of players seem to be fundamentally sound on both sides of the ball. I also think the new grass would be great for these guys in the field. I would think most of those old parks would be like fielding on a bad middle school field.

Hope all is well,
Bob

[FrankWakefield]

Thanks for the youtube link, Jeff. Gotta figure that if the ball hit the edge of that frame it would be like a foul tip coming at that catcher... that would scare anyone.