You make a compelling case but what pitching rotations did he consistently face. That could help seal it for me.
And who would you take Pete Rose or Barry Bonds. I compare them because they're both known to have major controversies regarding the integrity of the game. Although I would submit that Barry was probably the greatest or second greatest player ever even before the performance enhancers. He had like what 7 golden gloves and 4 or 5 MVP's ? All that before he started juicing for Homer's.
Originally Posted by Sistine Chapel
He faced the same rotations everyone else faced in his era and he won three NL batting titles doing it. But just for shits and giggles how about Don Sutton, Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan, Steve Carlton and Phil Niekro to name just a few starting pitchers he regularly faced. He wasn't in a protected spot in the lineup as a batter like Bonds was, he was usually batting leadoff. He had to work the pitcher harder and he did. The guy was considered one of the best mistake hitters in the game.
Even with a record for plate appearances he doesn't even come close to the record for SO. Bonds is in the top 100. Rose was one of the toughest outs in the game because he didn't sit on what he wanted. He could slap a ball opposite field or pull it down the line if that's what he was given.
Comparing Bonds and Rose as hitters is apples and oranges but OK. Who had more RBIs, runs, singles, doubles, triples?
As far as playing outfield, who had a better career fielding percentage?
Bonds played 22 years, Rose 24 years. Bonds had more MVPs but did you know they both ended their careers with 12 top 10 finishes in MVP voting?