Top 3 — Most Important

[bbcard1]

Originally Posted by BobbyStrawberry

I would argue with it, as King Kelly was the game's first superstar, not Cobb

I came here to say that, though more in the context of Anson than Cobb. King Kelly was a fasciating player in that he was the first to transcend baseball and be a full blown celebrity.

[robw1959]

Originally Posted by bbcard1

I came here to say that, though more in the context of Anson than Cobb. King Kelly was a fasciating player in that he was the first to transcend baseball and be a full blown celebrity.

However, Anson was a renown racist and an influential one who probably was the MLB figure most responsible for delaying integration until Jackie Robinson finally broke that barrier.

[Casey2296]

Originally Posted by robw1959

However, Anson was a renown racist and an influential one who probably was the MLB figure most responsible for delaying integration until Jackie Robinson finally broke that barrier.

I think racism in baseball has been addressed, the more relevant question is how we avoid creeps like Wander Franco from having sex with minors.

[Peter_Spaeth]

I would have to list six. The first answer to almost any baseball question is Ruth. Jackie, for obvious reasons. Cobb, for obvious reasons. One not mentioned, yet, or not mentioned much, Mantle.. The personification of baseball in one of its greatest decades. An American folk hero. Clemente. Not the first Latin player, but the first great one. And finally, same concept, Ichiro.

[oldjudge]

Originally Posted by Casey2296

I think racism in baseball has been addressed, the more relevant question is how we avoid creeps like Wander Franco from having sex with minors.

To me that’s like saying: “We’ve discussed that already but wasn’t John Wilkes Booth a hell of an actor”?

[Casey2296]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

To me that’s like saying: “We’ve discussed that already but wasn’t John Wilkes Booth a hell of an actor”?

I'm sure my comment would be taken that way. Is there a point where racism is not the only narrative? Racisim is a horrible thing and should never be tolerated. We should recognize Anson's racism and the general Southern racism that is thanfulliy dying out. That being said, let's not be lazy and rely on old racist memes. Shouldn't we be more concerned with the bad behavior of our current sports stars no matter the color of their skin?

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by Casey2296

I'm sure my comment would be taken that way. Is there a point where racism is not the only narrative? Racisim is a horrible thing and should never be tolerated. We should recognize Anson's racism and the general Southern racism that is thanfulliy dying out. That being said, let's not be lazy and rely on old racist memes. Shouldn't we be more concerned with the bad behavior of our current sports stars no matter the color of their skin?

Agree. In no way am I minimizing racism, but actual violent criminal behavior is, to me, worse than the most vile words. My mom used to say, "Actions speak louder than words..." Beating up a woman is worse than calling her a racist name.

[thescooper]

My Grandad
My Dad
My Son

[oldjudge]

Originally Posted by Mark17

Agree. In no way am I minimizing racism, but actual violent criminal behavior is, to me, worse than the most vile words. My mom used to say, "Actions speak louder than words..." Beating up a woman is worse than calling her a racist name.

Mark, I think you are missing the point. Anson's racism cost hundreds of great ball players the chance to compete at the major league level. That affected them financially, physically and emotionally. No matter what Anson did with a bat it can't, at least in my mind, overcome the harm he caused to the game.