Hank Aaron overrated? Who ever believes this doesn’t know baseball

I wrote an article about a poster who claimed I knew nothing about baseball. You can read my debate on Sandy Koufax being overrated. Allan Rosteing also made the remark “Aaron never hit over 44 homerunsin a season.” Okay, and?

Aaron is easily one of the top 5 players of all time. Actually, I’d rate him fourth all time behind Ruth, Walter Johnson and Willie Mays. It is true that Aaron was not flashy like Ruth nor possessed the power of Ruth. Yes, Aaron’s career high in home runs was 44. Along with Ty Cobb and Pete Rose, Aaron was one of  baseball’s most consistent hitters.

Aaron played from 1954 until 1976. He made 25 All-Stars (some years there were two all-star games during his playing time). Aaron holds the MLB records of RBI’s, extra base hits and total bases. He is 2nd in home runs behind cheater Barry Bonds, 3rd in hits, and tied for 4th in runs. Aaron is one of only four players with at least 150 hits in 17 straight seasons. He also hit 24 or more home runs from 1955-1973. Most people also forget the fact Aaron won three Gold Gloves for his great and underrated defense. 

Besides this Allan Rosteing dude, nobody else besides racist people seem to think Aaron is overrated. Sporting News rated Aaron 5th all time on their list of players, scholar Molefi Kete Asante ranks Aaron as the greatest black player in MLB history and SABR ranks Aaron 4th like me, Dugout Central ranks Aaron 7th all time,  andAaron also made the All-Century team which proved beyond a doubt, he clearly belongs in the top ten MLB players of all time.

Aaron is a living legend within the baseball realm. He was not only good in his prime, but was still a star at age 40. Most players like Johnny Bench and Sandy Koufax were done in their early 30’s. If you think Aaron is overrated, you truly don’t understand the game of baseball.

Earle Combs – one of MLB’s most underrated players

Randy Johnson graded rookie card – 10.0 Gem Mint

You have a Picture Mail from mburks83@pm.sprint.com

Here is a Randy Johnson card I own in GEM mint (10.0 graded). Just like the day they cut if from the sheet.

Favorite players to collect in baseball

Since I blog a lot about my baseball card collection, I should let the world know on my favorites to collect.

From age 5 to this present day, Cal Ripken Jr. has been my favorite player. He is also my favortie player to collect. I have between 250 and 400 different cards of his.

In 2nd place would be Nolan Ryan, who was pitching some 15 years before I was even born. He pitched for 27 years, 1966-1993. I have around 200 cards of his.

Third would be just about any former great from the Altanta Braves. I own dozens upon dozens of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Chipper Jones cards, many being rookies.

Lately I have been working on two sets I want. I am calling them sadly, “I love the 80’s” which is my hope to collect as many 1980 hall of fame players along with their rookies such as Tony Gywnn, Kirby Puckett, Wade Boggs and Ryan Sandberg.

I am also working on “I love the 70’s”. I have been working on getting some Eddie Murray rookies, Carlton Fisk and Jim Rice cards, among others.

Two of my graded baseball card rookies

Greg Maddux, sure Hall of Famer

Mark McGwire, graded a nine (mint)

My current collection of baseball cards

Albums – 53 (they hold between 270 and 370 cards each)

Complete sets – 31

Traded/Rookie sets – 9

3,200 count boxes – 7

I also have tons of old Baby Wipe boxes that are filled with cards worth $1.50 and up. If I had to guess, I’d say they are over 500 in them. You do the math, not a bad collection.