who is better cal ripken or barry bonds?

Answer 1

its interesting to see the variety of answers, some well tought out, some of pure jealousy and hatred. But lets go on facts! People forget that Bonds has won 8 gold gloves so its not like he was a slouch at outfield. Ripken in comparsion only won 2 gold gloves. Ripken hold the major league record for Most grounded into double plays at 350, Bonds has only done that 148 times! Ripken has hit .260 or lower 8 times in a 20 yr career, Bonds has only done that 3 times (including this year which is not over) in his 20 year career. Everyone knows about Bonds base running in his career, stealing over 500 bases at a nearly 80% success rate, Ripken stole 36 bases at a 48% success rate. Bottom line, Ripken was never in Bonds class even without the home runs. Ripken hurt his team by not being a team player and taking a day off when he was banged up. He was out there for hundreds of games where he should have taken a day or two off so that he would be refreshed and play at a higher level. Bonds recognizes that he needs some time off so come Late July-September he is fresh and ready to go.
Bonds was the better player even if you take away the home runs, bottom line.
Now if you are talking attitude and being an ambassador to the game then you can say ripken. I guess the question is kind of vague in that respect.

Answer 2

This one is a no brainer, Cal Ripken. Ripken was the ultimate team player. We aren't just talking stats and steroids. We are talking about a true ambassador of the
game. Ripken was selfless on the field and emulated what sports is all about; playing for the true love of the game. Since his retirement, Ripken has devoted a ton of time working with kids. Barry on the other hand can't even autograph a friggin' home run ball for a soldier about to go to Iraq. At no time can I ever remember Ripken not running out a pop-up, can Bonds say the same thing.....nope.

To me, guys like Ripken, set the example of what an athlete should be, a positive role model for kids and adults to look up to. That goes a ton deeper than just hitting home runs and being a self-centered individual player in what's supposed to be a team sport.

Answer 3

Cal ripken is by far the better player, he was and still is the model basball player that I think that kids today should follow and pattern their game after. Barry bonds has too much conteversy following him with the steroids rap that has been hanging over him. Cal Ripken Jr. is one of the best shortstops and 3rd basmen to play the game , and the reigning ironman of baseball, yes bonds maybe number 2 on the all time home run list but ripken played in more games hurt, and sick.

Answer 4

Player Career Rank
1 Cal Ripken Jr. 8
2 Rickey Henderson 10
3 Harold Baines 15
4 Tony Gwynn 58
5 Tim Raines 68
6 Barry Bonds 91
7 Rafael Palmeiro 100
Now you decide yourself Sir!!

Answer 5

Cal Ripken is the better player hands down. Without even looking at statistics he was a team player and a workhorse who holds the record for most consecutive games played. Barry Bonds is an arrogant SOB who wouldn't be that good if he had not taken so many steroids. You can look at his home run total, but it will always have an asterisk next to it because he is the biggest cheater since Pete Rose.

Answer 6

Cal Ripken because of his skills on and off the field. Barry Bonds is great no doubt though. He's just not a very good role model and isn't very kind to his fans.

Answer 7

Cal Ripken. It isn't even a question of doubt. Ripken played 3rd base with the fairness that Bonds will never have.

Answer 8

It is hard to put someone up against a player who we all know is on steroids. If Bonds wasn't on the juice I would give it to him as a better player. As for a player who played the game and truely loves the game it is no contest, Ripken takes that. Ripken is also very fan friendly, unlike Bonds. Ripken played the game like it was suppose to be played. Many other players need to look up to this guy.

Answer 9

Bonds is by far a better baseball player - even before steroids came into play. It's unfortunate that people seem to forget Bonds was already a Hall of Famer before he ever took steroids.

That being said, if I were to draft a team today and could choose one or the other, I'd pick Cal because there's more to making a team successful than on-the-field talent.

As an aside, Bolan listed some player ranking deal above. Considering the names and rankings on that list I clicked on the link because I'm always interested in seeing others perspectives. What that link takes you to is a list of active players ranked by number of games played through 2001. Use stats wisely, grasshopper. :-)

Answer 10

Cal Ripken, better role model.