most underappreciated player ever?

Question

My vote goes to Jimmie Foxx

Answer 1

I don't know if he's the most underappreciated ever, but I think Tom Seaver doesn't get his due from baseball fans. You could make the argument that, for his career, he's the best righthanded pitcher in the National League since Christy Mathewson. You have to go back to pitchers from the dead ball era to find someone who has both a lower career ERA and more innings pitched.

Instead he's "merely" regarded as one of the best pitchers of his era (right with Carlton and Palmer).

Fortunately the baseball writers have it right- got into the HOF with the highest voting percentage ever.

Answer 2

Luis Aparicio, Chicago White Sox (mostly; spent some time with the O's and Red Sox)
He's basically the Jose Reyes of decades past. An exciting, speedy, great defensive player that could give the team a spark at any point in the game. I would go so far as to say a top 5 shortstop of all time.
-2677 career hits
-506 career stolen bases
-1956 A.L. Rookie of the Year
-MLB Stolen Base Champ 9 years in a row (1956-64)
-9 Gold Gloves
-10 All-Star Selections
-Hall of Fame Class of 1984
Yet, how many times do you hear his name mentioned for top SS's in the game's history? Even though HOF's aren't really underappreciated, this guy never gets enough credit for what he did.

Answer 3

My vote does not go to any "Hall of Fame" player. I look at those who were instrumental in their team's success but not "the man" for their team. All they did was hit in the clutch, make great defensive plays, and assisted the stars in getting the big wins. There are quite a few of these kind of players. Examples are Ben Ogilvie of the Brewers, Matty Alou of the Pirates, Don Kessinger of the Cubs, and one more; Travis Fryman when he was with the Tigers.

My vote has to go to Brett Butler of the Braves. Excellent outfielder, hit well, had great speed on the bases, and laid down the best sacrifice bunts. He was not the "Superstar" of the team but he helped create others and helped the Braves emerge into the Dynasty they became (during the regular season, anyway).

Answer 4

This will surprise some people but my vote goes to Hank Aaron. I mean this guy is the greatest hitter of all time. Not only has he held the all time home run record for 31 years, but a lot of people also forget that he also has the record for most career total bases (6,856), RBI (2,297), and extra base hits (1,477). He was an All Star 24 times, and also had a great glove, winning a Gold Glove 3 times. He was the first player ever to reach 3,000 hits and 500 home runs. He is the only player to hit 30 home runs for 15 straight season and is the only player ever to hit 20 home runs in 20 seasons. He also holds the MLB record for most consecutive seasons with 150 or more hits (17). I mean most guys think of him only for the home run record, but this guy in my opinion was the greatest player of all time.

Answer 5

I tend to think of guys like Dave Kingman,Goose Gossage and Bert Blyleven.My first choice would be Thurman Munson.
Jimmi Foxx does get overshadowed by his contemporaries but at least he is a recognized Hall of Famer,and Pete Rose who is always talked about because of his non hall selection(he should never go) gets alot of publicity.Another name if we are to consider Rose would be shoeless Joe Jackson as underappreciated

Answer 6

Edgar Martinez hands down. He probably won't make the hall despite his numbers. He played third base for the Mariners yet he's still considered a player without a position

Answer 7

Not that I am disputing your choice, but how can a Hall of Famer be considered "underappreciated"?

Good question, though, and not easy to answer. My vote would actually go to Josh Gibson...if he had been allowed to play in the majors, Bonds would be chasing HIS record (and would probably be a lot farther from breaking it!)

Answer 8

Stan Musial. He has the numbers to indicate that he is one of the best all around players ever, (power, average, defense, speed) but never even gets mentioned in the conversation.

Answer 9

Satchel Paige.

Answer 10

Joe Gordon or Bert Blyleven.