Originally Posted by siberian khatru (Post 15499335)

I've argued for years he's actually underrated. People think of the home runs, but he was an all-around great player -- hit for average, had 3,700 hits, stole bases, was a good fielder in the prime of his career. He led the league in HRs only four times, but he was amazingly consistent and durable. Just a towering figure.

Originally Posted by tredadda (Post 15500089)

I am not one who usually sees race in things, but if not for race I wonder what would have caused some not to vote for him. His numbers easily justified it and being the all time HR leader would have been a shoo in, regardless of era.