where do you rank roberto clemente on your all- time greats list?

Answer 1

For playing I'd rank him somewhere in the top 20-30 range.
He is more important for his off field actions, he was a real role model and inspiration to a lot of people and if ranking based on that he goes way up. Some could play the game better but were no comparison when it came to integrity and just being a good person.
He also goes up for his breaking ground for Hispanic and Latino players. While it wasn't quite as harsh as what Robinson faced, Clemente opened the doors to MLB for all the Hispanic players we see today...

Answer 2

Honestly he's top 30 as a baseball player in my book. This is coming from a Pirates fan too. He doesn't have the power numbers to rank with the Ruths and Aarons and his career wasn't cut all that short. He was 18 years pro by the time he died and while he would have had maybe 1 or 2 years left in the tank it wouldn't have made much of a difference.

As a person he's probably one of the best people the world has ever seen. His humanitarian efforts are unparalleled and the way he died will be remembered forever.

Answer 3

Babe Ruth
Lou Gehrig
Stan Musial
Rogers Hornsby
Hank Aaron
Ty Cobb
Ted Williams
Joe DiMaggio
Willie Mays
Joe Jackson

All the respect in the world for Clemente though, he ranks.

Answer 4

actual he's top 30 as a baseball participant in my e-e book. this is coming from a Pirates fan too. He would not have the means numbers to rank with the Ruths and Aarons and his profession wasn't decrease all that short. He was 18 years expert with the aid of the element he died and mutually as he could have had in all probability a million or 2 years left interior the tank it won't have made dissimilar a transformation. As a guy or lady he's often a number of the outstanding human beings the international has ever glaring. His humanitarian efforts are unheard of and the terrific way he died could be remembered ad infinitum.

Answer 5

Chipmaker is correct in putting him around 30th.

I know he was a great guy who died tragically, and a great fielder to boot. But, how do you put a guy with an .834 OPS - not even in the top 200 of all-time in that category - in the top 5 or 10 players ever? Thankfully, his RC numbers were excellent.

I'm not trying to knock Clemente. He was a great player and a deserving HOFer, but his legend is bigger than his actual production. I'm sure that will get some negative reaction on here, but it's the truth.

Answer 6

I met Roberto and got his autograph at Candlestick during the 1972 season. I'd have to put him in my second string outfield All-Time. He was simply the best defensive outfielder and got 3000 hits in a pitcher's era.

First String: Ruth, Mays, Aaron

Second String: Bonds, Mantle, Clemente

Answer 7

Top 40, but not top 20. He doesn't have quite the power to match up with some of the other greats from his era like Mantle, Aaron, and Mays.

Edit: Craig has it right. He's a great player, but his legend is bigger than his actual on field performance. I'm not even sure he's the greatest player in the history of the Pittsburgh Pirates- Honus Wagner gets that distinction, IMO.

Answer 8

i have never seen anyone who could throw a guy out at third from deep right on a no hopper. clemente had the best arm i've ever seen in an outfielder. maybe eric davis came close. great clutch hitter. i'd definitely say top 10.

Answer 9

I'd put him in my top 20 for sure, I dont know if he'd make the top 10, but he's definitley in the top 20. I think he could possibly be one of the 5 greatest players of all time if his career wasnt cut short.

Answer 10

hes a top 10 for sure.. maybe 5. im not sure.. but clemente did it all. ran. caught. had a heck of an arm. hit. MVP. great person. yeh so prob. top 5