Comments on: Joe Morgan: Chase Utley Could be Best Hitting Second Baseman Ever http://larrybrownsports.com/baseball/joe-morgan-chase-utley-hitting-baseman/1489 Brown Bag it, Baby Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:28:37 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: Gene http://larrybrownsports.com/baseball/joe-morgan-chase-utley-hitting-baseman/1489#comment-118079 Gene Tue, 22 Apr 2008 03:33:13 +0000 http://larrybrownsports.com/baseball/joe-morgan-chase-utley-hitting-baseman/#comment-118079 In that case, people should stop using the word "ever" and start saying "post WWII" or "past 50 years". Babe Ruth's stats, and those of the pitchers, such as Lefty Grove, Christy Mathewson, Walter Johnson, etc. are still utilized, so it isn't just the era. Hornsby was not the nicest guy. His press agent was probably an ancestor of Barry Bonds' PR guy. As a result, not many people are aware of the monster years he had in the 1920's. In that case, people should stop using the word “ever” and start saying “post WWII” or “past 50 years”. Babe Ruth’s stats, and those of the pitchers, such as Lefty Grove, Christy Mathewson, Walter Johnson, etc. are still utilized, so it isn’t just the era.

Hornsby was not the nicest guy. His press agent was probably an ancestor of Barry Bonds’ PR guy. As a result, not many people are aware of the monster years he had in the 1920’s.

]]> By: Larry Brown http://larrybrownsports.com/baseball/joe-morgan-chase-utley-hitting-baseman/1489#comment-117692 Larry Brown Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:08:14 +0000 http://larrybrownsports.com/baseball/joe-morgan-chase-utley-hitting-baseman/#comment-117692 It's probably because of the era he played in that Hornsby gets overlooked. Those stats are tough to equate to today's game. It’s probably because of the era he played in that Hornsby gets overlooked. Those stats are tough to equate to today’s game.

]]> By: Gene http://larrybrownsports.com/baseball/joe-morgan-chase-utley-hitting-baseman/1489#comment-117607 Gene Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:15:51 +0000 http://larrybrownsports.com/baseball/joe-morgan-chase-utley-hitting-baseman/#comment-117607 It is indeed shocking to hear that Joe Morgan gave any credit to anyone who did not, or does not, play for the Cincinnati Reds. Utley truly does have the potential to surpass Jeff Kent IF he can stay healthy. However, everyone seems to be overlooking the guy who will probably never be surpassed as the greatest hitting second baseman. I know "never" is a long time, and the guy I'm thinking of is acknowledged to be the consummate horse's ass, but Rogers Hornsby's feats with the bat do indeed appear to be beyond reach. For instance, in 1922, the guy hit .401 with 42 homers and 152 rbi. He also had 250 hits and 46 doubles that year. His lifetime average of .358 is second only to Ty Cobb's .367. Get the picture? It is indeed shocking to hear that Joe Morgan gave any credit to anyone who did not, or does not, play for the Cincinnati Reds. Utley truly does have the potential to surpass Jeff Kent IF he can stay healthy.

However, everyone seems to be overlooking the guy who will probably never be surpassed as the greatest hitting second baseman. I know “never” is a long time, and the guy I’m thinking of is acknowledged to be the consummate horse’s ass, but Rogers Hornsby’s feats with the bat do indeed appear to be beyond reach. For instance, in 1922, the guy hit .401 with 42 homers and 152 rbi. He also had 250 hits and 46 doubles that year. His lifetime average of .358 is second only to Ty Cobb’s .367.

Get the picture?

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