[jeffDavis1861]

Let us not forget Ted Williams (the last 400 hitter) who in the prime of his career served his country in the USMC. In my opinion, the best player ever.

[wbill]

I'm a Yankees fan, and I'd agree that Williams was the greatest hitter, ever. Best player likely goes to Ruth, IMHO. :-)

I read an article about Williams. He was at a party not too long before his death and had occasion to pick up a baseball bat. The author of the article said that the entire party went silent - it was about like watching Michelangelo pick up a paintbrush or a chisel.

An apt comparison, in my opinion. I only wonder what Williams would have done with what, 5 extra years? of prime playing time.

[Jacquerie]

No only was he the best, he left baseball twice, in WWII and the Korean War to fly fighters in defense of his country.