BASEBALL’S 10 GREATEST HITTERS

We’ll leave the pitchers for another day.  You may think this list favors the power hitters (it does!), but it is this writer’s strong belief that run production is the most important single variable to a player’s overall value to a team.  Yes—base running and glove work were considered in this list, but with the realization that direct production of runs through batting is most important.  For example, the difference in runs given up between a very good outfielder like Mickey Mantle (at least in the ‘50’s) and a great outfielder like Willie Mays would not amount to much over the course of a season compared to their offensive run production.  That is the primary reason I give a slight edge to Mantle in this list (post season play is another reason).  Anyway, the Mantle vs. Mays argument has been going on for decades, and I will elaborate further in a future blog.

HERE THEY ARE!  THE 10 GREATEST OFFENSIVE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS

1.  Babe Ruth    No surprise here.  His career slugging average (.690) and on base plus slugging (1.164) are easily the best in history.  Babe Ruth obliterated season and career power records and his 1920 season revolutionized the game.  His home run production in that season created an excitement the sports world had never experienced.  The fact that Babe Ruth was a dominant pitcher early in his career wasn’t considered for the purposes of his number one ranking on this list, but certainly contributed to his icon status.
2.  Barry Bonds   I may take some heat for this selection—I want to hear what you have to say!  In my mind, Barry could easily have gone as low as 4 or 5 on this list.  All players in the top 5 were magnificent and had impressive statistics over a long period of time.  I’m giving Bonds the number 2 spot based upon his level of absolute brilliance from 2001 to 2004, combined with the balanced quality of his game (hitting, fielding, and running) over such a long career.  In my opinion, his .609 on base percentage in 2004 is the single most absurd statistic in baseball history, at least at the professional level.  He truly stood out as a man among boys.  I doubt anyone will ever come close to that number.  Ted and the Babe couldn’t even do it. 
For those of you who believe he shouldn’t be eligible because of performance enhancing drugs, I can’t really argue with you.  I don’t know whether he did or didn’t.  Looking at the other great sluggers of the era (Sosa, McGuire, Palmeiro, Sheffield, Bagwell, Thome, Ramirez, Rodriguez, etc), it seems quite possible we may ultimately find out virtually all the great sluggers “supplemented” a little.  Bonds was truly dominant like no person since Ruth.
3.  Lou Gehrig     A virtual tie with Ted Williams.  I’m giving the nod to Gehrig based upon a superior post-season history. 
4.  Ted Williams    Red Sox fans can point to his career best on-base percentage (.482) and argue he should be number one.  Sorry about the raw deal for Ted.  I acknowledge the years he lost to the war and recognize this hero didn’t have the supporting cast appreciated by Ruth and Gehrig.  However, think of the minimal consideration Karl Malone gets when compared to Michael Jordan and Jordan’s supporting cast (Malone’s stats are superior to Jordan’s in many ways).  Jordan’s titles set him above the rest.  The lack of championships also sets Williams back.  I realize Bonds didn’t win a World Series either.  Life is not always fair.
5.  Jimmy Foxx   History seems to have forgotten Foxx, but this monster’s statistics are too big.  He was awesome and would be great today as well.
6.  Albert Pulhols    I’m struggling hard with this selection and could see myself leaving Albert off the list altogether in future revisions if his production drops substantially in years to come.  At this point in time (2012), his career OPS (1.025) ranks high and he appears headed toward the top of all time lists in home runs, RBI’s, runs, and doubles before his career is finished if he can remain healthy.  
7.  Mickey Mantle    Great career was stifled by chronic knee problems.  Despite Mantle’s statistical collapse in the mid ‘60’s, he still ended up with a career on base percentage of .421, far ahead of Mays and Aaron.  Mantle was definitely the most dangerous hitter of the three during their peak years.  He also gets a huge nod over the other two based upon his post-season play, ending his career with a record 18 World Series home runs.  Mantle possessed dazzling speed and was a solid center fielder.  Mays fans will argue Willie stole more bases and didn’t strike out as much as Mickey.  I will point out that Mantle had a higher stolen base success rate and hit into far fewer double plays.   The argument goes on.
8.  Rogers Hornsby     As a second baseman, Hornsby hit for average (.358) and power (301 home runs, slugging average of .577).  His career totals would have been more impressive if he had more at bats.  You could still argue he should be higher on this list.
9.  Willie Mays    Electrifying player with power and speed.  Phenomenal center fielder with a powerful arm and flair.  
10.  Alex Rodriguez    As a Yankee fan, I’m angry with Rodriquez right now.  He seems to be underperforming and his career batting average, on base average, and slugging average are plummeting.  Nevertheless, I have to remember he will probably own several key career statistics (HR’s, RBI’s, etc.) before he is through, and he played much of his career as a gold glove caliber shortstop.  A good base runner too.  Pretty amazing.  The steroid argument is valid and will be another day’s topic of discussion.

 
Like my list?  No?!?!   Forgive my arrogance in pretending I know it all.  That’s what makes it fun.  I can understand your frustration in the omission of genuine superstars like Aaron, Greenberg, Cobb, and DiMaggio (and others).  Tell me why they should rank higher than my choices. 
My next baseball blog will likely be “the most over-rated baseball player in history”.  Prepare yourself San Diego Padres fans.