Who is the greatest BB player you ever SAW?

[oldjudge]

Best players I ever saw: Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols, Mariano Rivera

Most overrated players I ever saw: Mickey Mantle (and I'm a Yankee fan), Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith

[BIN at VCP]

I think OP got it right: Frank Thomas. I'm only 24, but I don't think there's been a better all-around hitter since Ted Williams. I won't comment on Pujols, as I rarely watch the National League.

Since its hard to compare pitchers and hitters, I'll mention Maddux, too. Not sure if he's necessarily the best pitcher I've ever seen, but he's the best pitcher I've ever seen considering his relative physical prowess and athletic ability. As a White Sox fan, Mark Buerhle reminds me of him, except about three levels below him.

[barrysloate]

Jay- how was Nolan Ryan overrated?

[martyogelvie]

Lots of players come to mind but only one player sticks out;
Don Mattingly

[slidekellyslide]

Best Pitchers
Roger Clemens - pre-juice era.
Nolan Ryan - threw a two hitter in the game I saw him

Best players
George Brett
Bo Jackson
Wade Boggs
Don Mattingly
Sammy Sosa

[Touch'EmAll]

Nolan Ryan - I grew up about 30 minutes from Anaheim Stadium in the 1970's. My dad took me to the game CalTech timed Ryan at 100.9 mph for the Guiness book records fastest!

I remember literally EVERY game the question arose - "Is he going to pitch another no hitter today?"

Ryan has the lowest opponent batting average allowed in the entire history of Major League Baseball.

Also - Bo Jackson. Remember the 1989 All Star game - he had a leadoff homerun and an absolutely wicked throw from the warning track to gun out on the fly Harold Reynolds at the plate.

I honestly believe it to be the best outfield throw ever - prove me wrong on this one. My dad said Carl Furillo was pretty bad ass with the throwing arm as well. Sorry Clemente fans, Bo had a better arm - and accurate as all get out!

[Orioles1954]

That I personally saw at a ball park? Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols, Cal Ripken and Eddie Murray.

[oldjudge]

Barry--Ryan was an excellent pitcher, but nowhere near an all time great. For his career he is 32 games over .500. 1/3 of his seasons were losing seasons. He never won a Cy Young award. He was only an all star in 8 of his 27 seasons.

and as for Mickey Mantle, hitting third for what was probably the best lineup in baseball, he only had over 100 RBIs four times in 18 years. Berra and Skowron were great clutch hitters; Mantle was not.

[HercDriver]

As a Cubs fan, I would say watching Ryne Sandberg was fun, although probably not "the greatest." Mark Grace was the best from a "guy I want on my team" perspective. However, if I had to pick the greatest I saw consistently, it would be Mike Schmidt for the way he tore us up every time he walked on the field. He was awesome to watch...

Take Care,
Geno

[Robextend]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

Barry--Ryan was an excellent pitcher, but nowhere near an all time great. For his career he is 32 games over .500. 1/3 of his seasons were losing seasons. He never won a Cy Young award. He was only an all star in 8 of his 27 seasons.

Wasn't most of what you said a product of the teams he was on? I don't think that should take away from his ability.

I also disagree with Mantle being overrated, but I am too young and really have little value in my argument.

[53Browns]

Pete Rose - Not much in the way of talent but 110% heart. IMO played harder than anyone - ever.

[M's_Fan]

I'm going to go with Randy Johnson. I've never seen a more dominating player.

[Beatles Guy]

Still playing but I have to go with Albert Pujols.

[thekingofclout]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Jay- how was Nolan Ryan overrated?

Agreed Barry.

I've never seen so many Major Leaguers afraid to face a pitcher. The look of defeat written all over their face BEFORE they stepped into the box!

Also, I saw "the Great One" play a few times at Chavez Ravine, and I can tell you that they gave him that nickname for a reason.