Posted By:
Don"Well, that's exactly why Mantle is not a top 5 HOFer; he wasn't one of the best of all time. While I love the Mick, he had like 4 100 RBI seasons..."
Mantle never had a decent leadoff man batting ahead of him, and he also walked a lot.
Mantle led the league in Runs six times. Mays led the league in Runs twice.
Career Adjusted OPS (pre-steroid era adjustments)
Mantle -- 1000
Mays -- 953
Mays played in the NL which had more hitter-friendly parks.
Mantle had more power, more speed, and more "intangibles" than Willie Mays did.
Mays one advantage was fielding. And Mantle was a very good defensive player.