There's no way for me to keep everyone happy with this list, so I openly acknowledge its imperfection. Taking into account the differences in eras -- ballparks, styles, and substances -- it's impossible to find a flawless ranking system. With that in mind, here's what I've come up with:
(1) For hitters, I consider the following four categories the most important: (in no particular order) batting average, home runs, RBI, and OPS (combined slugging and OBP). ;
(2) For pitchers, I consider the following four categories the most important: (again, in no particular order) wins, ERA, strikeouts per nine innings, and opponent's batting average against. Let's call the last two "K's/9" and "Opp. BA." ;
Total strikeouts is an unfair category because pitchers went deeper into games in the past. Thus the starters from the mid and early 20th century have a distinct advantage there, due to a longer leash from their manager and organization, and subsequently more innings pitched. K's/9 provides a level playing field. At least, level in comparison to total strikeouts. ;
Continue reading "The Top 30 Players in MLB History"
