Final Four: #1 Ted Williams vs. #1 Willie Mays

Jocephus · Post by **Jocephus** » March 26 07, 6:29 pm

Mays was conscripted into the U.S. Army in 1952 - this despite the fact that he was the sole support for his unemployed stepfather and stepbrothers and stepsisters. [6] As a result of the conflict in Korea, he missed part of the 1952 season and all of the 1953 season. This despite the fact that he did not see any combat action and spent most his Army time at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Mays

TGantz · Post by **TGantz** » March 26 07, 6:39 pm

Mays.

Dillagii · Post by **Dillagii** » March 26 07, 8:13 pm

Willie Mays.

Post by **Radbird** » March 26 07, 10:01 pm

Ted Williams was arguably the best hitter ever. But if he played today, he'd likely be a DH.

Willie Mays was a better ballplayer.

M1IRONMIKE · Post by **M1IRONMIKE** » March 27 07, 6:32 am

This is undeniably the toughest round yet. Williams may very well be the purest hitter to ever play the game but Mays could do it all. Hit for average, and power, steal bases, catch the baseball and he had a great arm.
The famous catch he made in the 54 series was incredible but equally as incredible was the throw he made after the catch. Few people realize that he threw a strike back to second base keeping the runner from scoring from second on the catch.

Both lost significant time to military service. If I were drafting a team from all time rosters I would take Mays before Williams.

M1IRONMIKE · Post by **M1IRONMIKE** » March 27 07, 6:48 am

in 1981 even at 50 the sey hey kid could do it

http://youtube.com/watch?v=jUMXK128OS0

and of course the 1954 catch

http://youtube.com/watch?v=7dK6zPbkFnE

jim · Post by **jim** » March 27 07, 8:20 am

No question Mays was a better rounded player. But the contributions they made to help winning games, that's what I'm looking at and why I went with Williams. Yeah, Williams was said to be distracted in the field. But looking at the best numbers we have that include defense, a number that even the inventor has said overvalues defense, Williams probably comes out in front without losing time in the military.

Mays lost 1.75 years, Williams 3. Mays was still green, he lost his ages 21 and 22 seasons, Williams his 24,25, and 26 seasons.

I'll take the bat over the glove.

maddash · Post by **maddash** » March 27 07, 8:47 am

Williams in a no doubter for me.

JL21 · Post by **JL21** » March 27 07, 9:19 am

I think that Williams' defense is probably every bit as bad as advertised. He put absolutely no effort into it. None. And it's well-documented. The Manny analogy is not a bad one at all..... except that his offensive contributions were so amazing that I prefer a comparison to 1999-2006 Bonds.

His defense was bad, Mays' was amazing.... and I'd still take Williams. That's how productive he was at the plate.