Who is most influential to today's MLB? Ruth, Robinson, or Clemente?

Question

I am writing an English paper on this topic and I would like some feedback to include. I am wanting your opinion about which player has had the most impact on today's game. If you think it is someone besides Ruth, Robinson, or Clemente go ahead and give reasoning as well. Thanks everyone.

Answer 1

I think he's talking about Jackie Robinson... and I think he's the most influential. If he hadn't done what he'd done, the MLB could easily still be all-whites. He was a perfect player for the role, too, making him even more influential. He worked hard to get where he was.

Answer 2

None of the above. Kenesaw "Mountain" Landis, the commissioner of baseball from 1920 to 1944. Why was he more influential than the players? For one he prevented black players from entering the majors including stopping Josh Gibson from entering the MLB and stopping the Phillies from being bought by an owner who wanted to stock the team with ***** league players. Jackie Robinson was only allowed to enter the majors after Landis died (you didn't say this had to be a GOOD influence). He also had the ball changed to a more tightly woven model which was changed many times a game which is the only reason that Babe Ruth EVER had a massive influence on the way the game was played. As for Clemente...his selflessness in charity and on the field are almost never seen in the game anymore so I would question the influence he had on the game today.

Answer 3

If your focus is strictly the game on the field the figure having the most influence could at least arguably still be Ruth since his being the first to hit large numbers of homeruns changed the way the game was played and the emphasis on the homerun has been consistent in in the 80 odd years since. On the other hand some have argued that Robinson's walking on the field is the single most important event in 20th century America due to the social significance of his breaking that barrier.

Answer 4

The name Babe Ruth transcends all generations. There are few conversations that are discussed in the game today that exclude his name. Robinson, whether it be Frank or Jackie left their mark but certainly. Both having been "firsts". First black manager and first black player in the major leagues. Their influence is unquestionable. Robert Clemente leaves a sightly lesser mark on the game however he was a great player but a greater man. His humanitarian work helped countless people. When he died in a plane crash it left a giant hole in the game.

They all influenced the game in a positive way. All worthy of credit and should equally mentioned in your report.

Answer 5

Ironically my guy is none of the above and would be Bonds for ALOT of reasons, some good some bad.

The good: his intentionally walks is outstanding, far surpassing anyone else in the history of baseball, the fear he puts in opposing pitchers or team is like none other. He is a complete 5 tool player who is only guy with 500 HR and 500 SB that has won gold gloves and can hit for average. He has dominated offensivley like noone else ever has. He has also the biggest story always good or bad in a media market that often gots lost nationaly. He has many many numerous records even though they may be tainted by steroid allegations, they are still his records.

The bad: he defines the steroid good or bad probably mostly bad. He is the poster boy for steroids and its performance enhancing capabilities. He is one of the most unliked player since Ted Williams and is very defiant and stubborn. He is this era's bad boy who is not liked and doesn't care. He has the most media scrutiny of any celebrity while many others in the steroid ring get a free pass. He has defined the hitters era of late 90s to the present. He is the most hated or the most loved depending on who you talk to, there is no in between.

So in recap Bonds has influenced, based on his performance, steriods, media and records like noone else in history of sports.

Influence is not always a good thing, like breaking race barriers or how good a person is, for example Hitler's consquences has a huge influence on the world today similar to what Bush's will be andthe question you asked was who is the most influential in baseball and the answer is Barry Bonds.

Answer 6

Obviously Frank Robinson, as his decisions as manager of the Washington Nationals affect the outcome of at least 162 games this year. The legacies of Ruth and Clemente are strong, but they can not influence the outcome of any individual game the way Frank can.

Answer 7

Go with Jackie Robinson, he changed the game. Just think how different the records would look if black players had been allowed since 1900.
What if athletes such as Owens, Sugar Ray and Joe Louis had played MLB.

Answer 8

None of the above. Even though Robinson is still in Baseball as a manager of the Nats, they are not concidered what is called "modern" baseball. The answer, even though I don't like him is Roger Clemens of the Houston Astros. He's won more Cy Young awards and won more games than Cy Young, so I'd say Clemens is the most influential in today's baseball

Answer 9

Ruth because he made home runs popular. before him, home runs were considered almost "unsportsmanlike" but thousands flocked to see ruth. he popularized the power element of baseball more than anyone else, and his outsized personality was unlike anyone else. robinson was influential true, but there were others who would have been the first black major league player. but no one else would have come even close to what ruth did.

Answer 10

Babe Ruth, because he introduced the concept of showmanship and celebrity to baseball. There were many legends who were much better PLAYERS, but The Babe was the show, the one people paid to see. He was the first player to ever dare call his shot (and make it), and he was the first to be publically known as an alchoholic wife beater, Ever since then baseball has been about the game as well as it's charachters and showmanship, thanks to George Herman Ruth.