THAT’S THE WAY I SAW IT
HOW WOULD YOU HAVE VOTED?
The July 12, 2004 Sports Illustrated has a short article, “The Poll Position.” Sports Illustrated was asking people to vote on the greatest All-Star outfielder of all time. Polls are very cool now. The poll posted 4 All-Star outfields: 2004-Bonds, Griffey and Sosa. 1966-Aaron, Mays, and Clemente. 1957-Aaron, Mays and Frank Robinson. 1956-Williams, Mantle, and Kaline. The results were to appear in the next issue. Further along in this issue were listed Triple Crown Winners (batting average, home runs, and RBI’s). Listed were Ted Williams, ’42 & ’47, Mickey Mantle, ’56, and Frank Robinson, ’66. There have only been 14 Triple Crown Winners, Roger Hornsby, and Ted Williams twice.
The results after 50,000 votes cast was as follows:
1966-46%, Aaron, Mays and Clemente
1956-21%, Williams, Mantle and Kaline
1957-21%, Aaron, Mays and Robinson
2004-12%, Bonds, Griffey, and Sosa
As you look at these results you try to understand the rational behind the voting. The 1957 and 1966 outfields are very similar. It doesn’t look like 25 points difference. All players of the 1956, 1957 and 1966 outfields are Hall of Famers.
The 50,000 voters ought to be listed by ages to explain this poll. I would have voted for the 1956 outfield and I think the results should be close to this.
1956-40% Williams, Mantle and Kaline
1957-25% Aaron, Mays, and Robinson
1955-25% Aaron Mays and Clemente
2004-10% Bonds Griffey, and Sosa
That’s the Way I Saw It.
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