[Charles Henrickson]

Yes, both Ted Williams and Willie Mays (especially Williams) lost prime years due to military service and otherwise may have passed Ruth's career total in home runs. But then Babe Ruth himself lost some years when he could have been pounding more homers: Ruth spent his first four-five years in the majors as the best left-handed pitcher in baseball, before he became a full-time outfielder!

[Chu Gary]

'Yes, both Ted Williams and Willie Mays (especially Williams) lost prime years due to military service and otherwise may have passed Ruth's career total in home runs. But then Babe Ruth himself lost some years when he could have been pounding more homers: Ruth spent his first four-five years in the majors as the best left-handed pitcher in baseball, before he became a full-time outfielder!'

Very true, and he had a pitching record of about .667, a huge winning percentage. Before Don Drysdale broke the it, Babe Ruth had the record for most cosecutive shutout innings!

IMHO, the best player ever, no umbrage to Ted (also great).