Joe Posnanski: Willie Mays is the greatest MLB player of all-time

[Professor Emeritus]

I don't really know anything about that era or Mays's career, but my grandpa used to talk about Mays like he was a god, the same way adults my age talk about MJ.

 

[Rocket Scientist]

Willie Mays obviously funny no one mentions Hank Aaron

 

[Professor Emeritus]

Willie Mays obviously funny no one mentions Hank Aaron

Aaron's career reminds me of Karl Malone. He was one of the best hitters in the league for forever, but no one really talks about him being spectacular at any one moment or clearly the best player at any point in time. Whenever people talk about him they talk about great career numbers, not so much individual seasons or performances.

 

[Miggs]

I’m curious as to what makes y’all put Bonds over Mays.

Statistically they’re very similar (Even with Mays missing nearly two full seasons due to military service). But Mays’ numbers came at a time when pitching was better, the ball wasn’t as lively, and the strike zone was expanded. And even though they were both great in the field in their prime Mays played the tougher defensive position.

Pitching was not tougher in the 50s and 60s...pitching like everything else in the game got better over time...

Which is why you cant compare players from eras directly,you have to compare there dominance vs there contemporaries.

 

[Miggs]

Willie Mays obviously funny no one mentions Hank Aaron

Its weird that Hank Aaron never gets mentioned in this argument and you might say hes underrated but until Bonds he held the all time HR record for decades so it is strange he doesnt get recognized because his numbers are amazing...He was an all star 21 times,he hit 30 HR 15 diff season he had like 15 seasons of 100 RBIS and he had 13-14 seasons he hit over .300 he was Tony Gwynn with way more power and yet its always Babe Ruth,Willie Mays,Mantle,Bonds,Griffey that get mentioned.

 

[THEREALBRAND]

Pitching was not tougher in the 50s and 60s...pitching like everything else in the game got better over time...

Which is why you cant compare players from eras directly,you have to compare there dominance vs there contemporaries.

I agree that pitchers have gotten better, but expansion diluted the talent pool across the board. Some of the pitchers that were in the league in Bonds' day wouldn't have made a team in the 50s or 60s.

And the higher strike zone that was enforced during Willie's career made pitchers of that generation much more effective.

 

[Cyber]

One of many with a good case. I can only go off of numbers and what was said in his time but he didn't seem to have a weakness

 

[Maluma]

You mean Ted Williams and PedGOAT Martinez.

No.

 

[calh45]

I’m curious as to what makes y’all put Bonds over Mays.

Statistically they’re very similar (Even with Mays missing nearly two full seasons due to military service). But Mays’ numbers came at a time when pitching was better, the ball wasn’t as lively, and the strike zone was expanded. And even though they were both great in the field in their prime Mays played the tougher defensive position.

I was living in the Bay Area when he was peak Bonds. Went to a ton of games. He was fukking incredible. Every at bat was a shot at a home run. He made those black jerseys with the orange letters a GOAT jersey contender all by himself.

 

[ISO]

I’m curious as to what makes y’all put Bonds over Mays.

Statistically they’re very similar (Even with Mays missing nearly two full seasons due to military service). But Mays’ numbers came at a time when pitching was better, the ball wasn’t as lively, and the strike zone was expanded. And even though they were both great in the field in their prime Mays played the tougher defensive position.

Mays also didn’t juice

 

[Trot LaRoc]

Mays also didn’t juice

Nor did he have a rag arm like Barry

I love Bonds but he wasn't the greatest all-around player

 

[PortCityProphet]

Happy Birthday to The Say Hey Kid
90 years young

 

[MJ Truth]

It's crazy to think of how much talent and legendary performances and players were stopped from making NFL history because CACs didn't want to have a Black quarterback.

Willie Mays throwing 60 yard jump passes is insane.

 

[MikelArteta]

If somebody came up and hit .450, stole 100 bases and performed a miracle in the field every day, I’d still look you in the eye and say Willie was better, manager Leo Durocher said.

 

[sdizzy1]

Mays also didn’t juice

No he did greenies. Told Barry about it too.