Who is the greatest player of the Pre-War Era?

[insidethewrapper]

I'll go with the BBWAA who voted for the first class of HOF'ers in 1936. This was right after Ruth's career and since everyone hated Cobb (according to current belief, though he helped a lot of players with fiancial problems). The top 3 vote getters from the 226 writers were : 1) Cobb 222, 2) Ruth 215 and 3) Wagner 215. These voters were from the same era. Hard to believe with Cobb's reputation, he still received the most votes. He must have been "one hell of a player ". He gets my vote.

[g_vezina_c55]

My vote : Ruth

[FrankWakefield]

Wagner

As a kid I would have said Ruth... I didn't see them play. I did read Mr Ritter's book, The Glory Of Their Times, listened to the album, and have repeatedly listened to the CD's that have more material. I've read old, contemporary articles in old Baseball Magazines. Again and again, from the minds of the people that played with Ruth, Cobb, Young, Mathewson, Johnson, Jackson, Lajoie, and the rest, the player that rises to the top is Honus Wagner. Branch Rickey knew a right smart about baseball, he says Wagner. Sam Crawford played beside Cobb and he says it was Wagner. I'm inclined to believe the many who were there and oughta know.

Aaron was a great player, but he didn't have much of an impact on baseball in the Pre War era. Neither did Mays. Pre-War.

[obcbobd]

Originally Posted by insidethewrapper

I'll go with the BBWAA who voted for the first class of HOF'ers in 1936. This was right after Ruth's career and since everyone hated Cobb (according to current belief, though he helped a lot of players with fiancial problems). The top 3 vote getters from the 226 writers were : 1) Cobb 222, 2) Ruth 215 and 3) Wagner 215. These voters were from the same era. Hard to believe with Cobb's reputation, he still received the most votes. He must have been "one hell of a player ". He gets my vote.

I think many of these writers were from the "small ball" era and worshiped Ty, who exemplified everything good about that style of play. Then along comes Babe, and suddenlty everything changes. I am not surprised that 7 or these writers would vote for Ty and not Ruth, almost as a way to say if was better back in my day.

Of more interest would be the 215 who voted for Babe, Honus and Ty. How would they rank them 1-2-3?

[SteveMitchell]

Originally Posted by insidethewrapper

I'll go with the BBWAA who voted for the first class of HOF'ers in 1936. This was right after Ruth's career and since everyone hated Cobb (according to current belief, though he helped a lot of players with fiancial problems). The top 3 vote getters from the 226 writers were : 1) Cobb 222, 2) Ruth 215 and 3) Wagner 215. These voters were from the same era. Hard to believe with Cobb's reputation, he still received the most votes. He must have been "one hell of a player ". He gets my vote.

Can't argue with this logic except to say the BBWAA gets the easy picks and leaves the tougher ones for other committees. Consequently, I don't put great stock in that esteemed body. Still, Cobb was detested by many and still earned first place on the initial ballot. (I wonder if he would even get 75% from today's BBWAA?)

My vote went to Babe Ruth.

[Leon]

A lot of knowledgeable baseball guys and girls on this board. Look at the voting. Believe it. My vote, Ruth, Ruth Ruth........ then everyone else, for all of the reasons mentioned.

[EvilKing00]

was an easy choice