Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth
I think the logic of Travis' argument would also dictate that Jesse Owens was slow, Mark Spitz was mediocre, Bill Russell would be a bench player today, and so forth. It's a fair argument if you're consistent with it, but personally I think it is much more meaningful to evaluate athletes relative to their time than on an absolute scale.
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What a coincidence…JUST finished reading a chapter on Cool Papa Bell in Joe Posnanski’s truly awesome The Baseball 100 book.
It starts and ends with Owens’ apparent reluctance to race Cool Papa because he didn’t think he could beat him. More likely, they were two of the fastest humans on earth at the time, their legend so mighty, there was no point in racing, lest they risk tarnishing the loser’s legacy. Leave the world wondering who was truly faster forevermore.
Sorry, too coincidental not to mention. Back to southpaws…
*But seriously, The Baseball 100 is an absolute must read.