Who is the best baseball player before the human growth hormone era? And who is the best in the HGH era?

Question

My vote would go to Willie Mays in the era before human growth hormone was widely abused. And my vote for the best player in the human growth hormone era would be V. Guerrero. The guy can do almost everything.

Answer 1

Well, I was born in the 70's, so forgive me if I don't give an answer to the pre-HGH era of someone like Wille Mays, Mickey Mantle, or Babe Ruth...I never saw any of them play and refuse to grade anyone on highlights alone.

The best player I can recall seeing before 1994 (which is when I will assume the HGH era began) would be Ozzie Smith. No one was at his level defensively at his postion for as long as he was in my lifetime. Yes, he didn't put up the great offensive glory numbers, such as Home Runs and RBIs, but he was a very solid hitter who knew how to run the bases...not to mention that he was clutch in the big games.

In the HGH era, I am going to break it down to the person whom I believe are on performance enhancing chemicals and person whom I think isn't...Granted, regardless of a positive test, everyone in MLB is suspect and there is a much higher percentage using than who has gotten caught to this point...Also, I don't rate only on offensive performance...So, Ortiz and Bonds will not be on my list because they are 1 dimensional players...But as far as a player who I don't think is using - are there are not many - but I think Ichiro is the best all around player of the HGH Era who is not using... Also, can I put a vote in for Maddux for pitching???

As far as HGH player who is using...I believe that ARod is suspect and over the past 10 years the best all around player...And with Clemens pitching...

Answer 2

I agree with you on Willie Mays. In fact, Harry Kalas, the longtime play-by-play man of the Phillies, was invited into the Cubs broadcasting booth during a recent road trip and he said the exact same thing.

In the modern era, you need a guy who could hit for average, hit for power, had a little speed to pick up some stolen bases and a good team leader who maybe at the very least won ONE championship. I'm not a fan of the American League with the Fat Aging Slugger (DH) Rule, but Derek Jeter has to be at the top of the list above. We don't tend to think of him like this, but time is showing that he's really a fantastic baseball player.

Answer 3

This is one of those questions which there isn't a right or wrong answer. What do you base the "best" on? Offenseive power numbers, average numbers, defense, leadership, post season success? All of these can figure in and out. Here is my personal list

Pre HGH era that I grew up in here are the best players of "my generation".

George Brett, Rickey Henderson, Ryne Sandberg, Ozzie Smith, Don Mattingly, Frank Thomas, Rod Carew, Paul Moliter, RObin Yount. These are just to name a few.

Every player contibutes something different to the game so you can't pick a best player, you can pick a favorite or the player you believe contributed the most, but a best, not gonna happen.

Answer 4

Well, I would go with my man Cal Ripken Jr. He might not have put up the best numbers but he has the most enduring streak of all time, one which steriods cannot help you break, and he was a giant amoung men when baseball's lustrious history was being tarnished.

Now, I would say the best player is David Ortiz. I do like Guerrero alot to though.

Answer 5

More of an opinion poll than a factual question.

Pre Steroids = Babe Ruth, Bob Feller, Lou Gehrig, Ty Cobb, Cy Young, Harmon Killebrew...take your choice.

Post Steroids = Ivan Rodriquez is my favorite.

Answer 6

Willie Mays and Barry Bonds.

Answer 7

The best 2 players period:
Willie Mays
Henry Aaron

Answer 8

Before - Joe Dimaggio, Ted Williams, Nolan Ryan (tie)
After - Barry Bonds (unfortunately)

Answer 9

Tony Gwynn and Barry Bonds

Answer 10

Before i would have to say Henry(Hank) Aaron
and after i would agree by saying Vladimir Guerrero.