Quote Originally Posted by Matt3467 View Post
If we're talking just pure hitting then a lot more should be added to the list. Ty Cobb, Rose, and Ichiro immediately come to mind.
I agree with Cobb but if any contemporary player you want to consider as a great pure hitter, it would have to be Tony Gwynn long before Rose and Ichiro. If you are talking a great pure hitter. Rose has more to do with his career hit record but a career average of .303 vs Gwynn .338 which is 18th all time. A great record and a great hitter but not one of the greatest of all time. Ichiro was great lead off but not a ?pure hitter? and Ricky Henderson was a better lead off man, much higher OBP and OBS and of course the SB?s.

Hank Aaron has to be considered in a Top 5-6 of all time as well. Lifetime .305 average (better than Bonds .298) with the HR?s to boot. Griffey, Jr. without the injuries probably has the stats to put him high on a list of great pure hitters but it didn?t happen for him.

Personally Ted Williams is the best pure hitter and would hit still today. His swing plays no matter the era. Not to mention he would have had 600-650 HR?s added to his total without serving for 3 years during WWII during his prime. Hit 36 HR the year before he left and 38 HR the year returned after those 3 years. Incredible pure hitter.