As the great Yogi Berra once said, “Baseball is 90% mental, the other half is physical.” This statement rings true in the case of hitting, as it takes a great combination of physical and mental abilities to be a great hitter. Hitting is one of the most difficult skills to master in all of sports and when it is done right, it can be a thing of beauty. So who is the greatest hitter of all time?
The Debate: Babe Ruth vs. Ted Williams
When it comes to picking the greatest hitter of all time, two names always come up: Babe Ruth and Ted Williams. Both men had long and storied careers, both are considered to be two of the greatest hitters in history, and both are enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame. So who is the greatest?
The Case for Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth is widely regarded as one of the greatest hitters of all time, and for good reason. He is the all-time leader in home runs (714), RBIs (2,213), slugging percentage (.690) and total bases (5,793). He also holds the single season record for home runs (60 in 1927) and slugging percentage (.847 in 1920). Ruth’s dominance of the plate was so great that his name is still synonymous with hitting.
The Case for Ted Williams
Ted Williams is widely regarded as the greatest pure hitter of all time. He led the league in batting average six times and had a career average of .344, the highest of all time. He also holds the single-season record for on-base percentage (.551 in 1941) and walks (232 in 1949). Williams was also known for his plate discipline and his ability to hit for power, as he was the last player to hit .400 in a season (.406 in 1941).
The Verdict
Both Babe Ruth and Ted Williams were great hitters in their own right and it is difficult to decide who is the greatest of all time. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference as both men had amazing careers and achieved remarkable feats. Ruth’s ability to hit for power and his longevity in the record books make him a compelling case, while Williams’ pure hitting ability and plate discipline make him a formidable candidate.
Honorable Mentions
When it comes to the greatest hitter of all time, there are a few other names that should be mentioned. Hank Aaron holds the all-time record for RBIs (2,297), while Ty Cobb holds the record for highest career batting average (.366). Stan Musial’s .331 career batting average and .559 slugging percentage also make him a worthy candidate for the title of greatest hitter of all time.
Conclusion
When it comes to picking the greatest hitter of all time, it is a matter of personal preference and opinion. Babe Ruth and Ted Williams are both considered to be two of the greatest hitters of all time and both have compelling arguments for being the greatest. Ultimately, the choice comes down to the individual and their opinion of what makes a great hitter.