Pulled from the other thread, courtesy of Ray Zorback who supplied the ital part.
My dad always said Willie was the best he ever saw but Mickey Mantle was neck and neck with him. I have only seen them in clips. The best I have seen in my lifetime is Ohtahni, but he has to have a long career of excellence to be considered in the conversation. I think all in all, my "best ever" would have to be Hank Aaron.
Some to add for consideration, at least in the conversation or around the Top 10:
Pete Rose, Albert Pujols, Mike Trout, George Brett (best pure hitter I ever saw).
This is Tim Kurkjian's list from 2016
10. Walter Johnson
The greatest pitcher ever: 417 wins, 110 shutouts, a 2.17 ERA. I am a little biased. I went to Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, Maryland.
9. Ty Cobb
The all-time leader in batting average, an extra-base hit machine and the greatest base stealer the game had seen for nearly 50 years.
8. Stan Musial
He won three MVPs, had four second-place MVP finishes and is the most underrated superstar in the game's history.
7. Mickey Mantle
In his prime years, he was as good, if not better, than Willie Mays. His career was shortened by injuries, but his career was highlighted mostly by winning championships -- seven.
6. Barry Bonds
Early in his career, Bonds was the game's best player with his speed, power and defense. Later, as sluggers go, he was third only to Ruth and Williams.
5. Hank Aaron
The all-time leader in total bases and RBIs, he also was a top five defensive right fielder.
4. Lou Gehrig
If he hadn't fallen sick, he might be the record holder in runs scored, RBIs and who knows what else.
3. Ted Williams
The second-greatest hitter ever. If it weren't for his military service, which was exceptional and heroic, he might have been the greatest.
2. Willie Mays
When he arrived in the big leagues in 1951, he was the greatest combination of power, speed and defense that the game had ever seen. And 65 years later, he still is.
1. Babe Ruth
He's the greatest hitter ever. He was also the first to hit 30, 40, 50 and 60 homers in a season, and still has as many career shutouts (17) as Pedro Martinez.
I agree with Kurkjian's list except now, I would put Ohtani at the top if his career doesn't get cut short for some reason.
I would also add an honorable mention for Nolan Ryan. (324 wins, 5714 Ks (MLB record), 7 no-hitters (MLB record), 5316 innings pitched, 8 time all-star.
Without so many injuries, I think Griffey Jr would be near the top of that list.
Quote from: arreferee on Sep 02, 2026, 01:38 PMWithout so many injuries, I think Griffey Jr would be near the top of that list.
I agree.
It's just so hard to compare ballplayers of different eras. The game changes. I am old enough to remember seeing Mickey Mantle play his last few years. No doubt if he had been healthier (and maybe drinking less) he would have been in the top 2 or three of all time.
But I agree that Ohtani is it right now, and will say if he can play at this level for a few more years, he will be no. 1.
I also think pitchers should be a separate category, generally. Bob Gibson and Nolan Ryan are right up there.
I did a study to find the best baseball player for independent studies in high school based on offensive and defensive statistical criteria I pulled out of my ass. I think Mel Ott came out on top.
Best baseball player ever?
(https://y.getyarn.io/6a19d401-db09-4b8d-8e86-68ae1d709594_text.gif)
Albert Pujols belongs nowhere near.
Quote from: Boarat on Sep 02, 2026, 04:35 PMAlbert Pujols belongs nowhere near.
trying so hard to be outrageous ::)
Quote from: egregious on Sep 03, 2026, 02:14 AMtrying so hard to be outrageous ::)
That's not remotely a controversial statement. He sucked the last decade of his career. Had a good run in St. Louis when he was juiced to the tits.
Don't know about the best ever, but the best I ever saw was 2010/2011 Josh Hamilton.
Unreal.
Quote from: mde114 on Sep 03, 2026, 09:13 PMDon't know about the best ever, but the best I ever saw was 2010/2011 Josh Hamilton.
Unreal.
Cocaine's a hell of a drug