After Ken Griffey Jr. joined the 600 club yesterday afternoon, it got me thinking about where he stands with the other members of this 6 man club. I could not honestly say that he deserves to be behind guys like Sosa and Bonds, so I did a bit of research (as usual) to determine where he stands. Lets look at the numbers.
Barry Bonds: 762 HR
AB/HR: 12.92
AB/HR before roids (2001): 15.09
HR/RBI ratio: 38%
HR/H ratio: 26%
Hank Aaron: 755 HR
AB/HR: 16.38
HR/RBI ratio: 33%
HR/H ratio: 20%
Babe Ruth: 714 HR
AB/HR: 11.76
HR/RBI ratio: 32%
HR/H ratio: 25%
Willie Mays: 660 HR
AB/HR: 16.49
HR/RBI ratio: 35%
HR/H ratio: 20%
Sammy Sosa: 609 HR
AB/HR: 14.47
HR/RBI ratio: 37%
HR/H ratio: 25%
Ken Griffey Jr: 600 HR
AB/HR: 15.08
HR/RBI ratio: 37%
HR/H ratio: 23%
There is a lot of data to interpret here. First HR/RBI shows us that if every HR they hit was a solo shot, how much percentage of RBI that would be. Basically, shows how they produced runs on non-HR's. HR/H shows us how many hits the players have that are not HR's.
I refuse to think that Bonds is the best HR hitter in history. I am willing to let him into the Hall of Fame because he was already worthy before he juiced up.
Based on AB/HR, Ruth was the greatest, hitting a dinger every 11.76 At Bats. The overall best hitter of the group is Hammerin' Hank. Only 33% of his RBI's came from HR, and only 20% of his hits were bombs.
My conclusion of the best Home Run hitter of all time is..............Babe Ruth. I am in no way an old fashioned guy, but with his amazing AB/HR, he deserves this title.
Keywords: Babe Ruth, Barry Bonds, Cincinnati Reds, Hank Aaron, Ken Griffey Jr., Sammy Sosa, Seattle Mariners, Willie Mays
Comments