The First Five, Who Are You Going To Take

[butchie_t]

I’m taking the train, The Big Train. Barney is the conductor of the team.

[ValKehl]

Keep in mind that Johnson's peak strike-out years were during the dead-ball era when batters were swinging to make contact, rather than swinging for the fences, which made batters harder to strike out. But, even in the 1920's after the advent of the lively ball and when Johnson was in the downside of his career, he led the A.L. in strike outs three times (1921, 1923 & 1924) and MLB once (1921). I daresay that if Johnson were pitching in the 21st century, IMO, he would accumulate 6,000 or more strike outs because there are so few contact hitters in today's game.

[ksfarmboy]

Thanks for discussing guys! My mindset when I started this was they would have the same career if dumped into 2023, silly maybe. Remember the player is on your team not necessarily the Red Sox and Yankees like Ruth would have been. I also wanted to see some pics and cards of these guys. Thanks for they ones that shared photos. JC what is that Cobb that looks like a Turkey Red? Notebook cover?

[JustinD]

Personal answer is Cobb, logical answer is Ruth.

[t206fanatic]

I think I'm going with Johannes Wagner, one of the best ever at a premium position.