Do you think the greatest player or participant of all time in any sport you can mention is currently active?
Like MLB's Shohei Ohtani, for example?
Lugwho · 61-69, M
I think it's hard to see anyone getting close to Don Bradman in cricket. He finished with a test batting average of 99.94. Second on the all time list has an average of 62.66. An average above 50 is generally considered world class, so Bradman's stats make him twice as good as most of the best.
rinkydinkydoink · M
@Lugwho
Thank you for introducing me to someone I've never heard of before - so I googled him
It looks like there has been considerable debate about his place in the sport's history but in the 5 minutes or so I spent reading the back-and-forths here - -
https://www.quora.com/Was-Don-Bradman-really-a-great-batsman-or-is-he-overrated-I-have-seen-his-videos-and-I-think-that-the-quality-of-bowlers-were-very-low-at-that-time#:~:text=Ans:%20Let%20us%20again%20go%20back%20to,days%20play%20309%20v%20England%2C%20Leeds%2C%201930.
- - it looks like he is indeed THE man.
Thank you for introducing me to someone I've never heard of before - so I googled him
It looks like there has been considerable debate about his place in the sport's history but in the 5 minutes or so I spent reading the back-and-forths here - -
https://www.quora.com/Was-Don-Bradman-really-a-great-batsman-or-is-he-overrated-I-have-seen-his-videos-and-I-think-that-the-quality-of-bowlers-were-very-low-at-that-time#:~:text=Ans:%20Let%20us%20again%20go%20back%20to,days%20play%20309%20v%20England%2C%20Leeds%2C%201930.
- - it looks like he is indeed THE man.
Lugwho · 61-69, M
@rinkydinkydoink Some other things to consider about the period he played in
The grounds were generally a bit bigger so he had to hit the ball further.
The bats weren't as good as modern ones.
The pitches weren't covered during rain, so became more favouable to bowlers.
His career was interrupted by WW2
The grounds were generally a bit bigger so he had to hit the ball further.
The bats weren't as good as modern ones.
The pitches weren't covered during rain, so became more favouable to bowlers.
His career was interrupted by WW2
rinkydinkydoink · M
@OlderSometimesWiser
I agree with you on both points. I don't know how any tennis player's knees can take that abrupt stop-and-go and quick change of direction kind of punishment year in and year out.
I agree with you on both points. I don't know how any tennis player's knees can take that abrupt stop-and-go and quick change of direction kind of punishment year in and year out.
@rinkydinkydoink Yes, withstanding the physical punishment and having the physical and mental stamina/strength to maintain that level of excellence for so many years. They’re just another breed. Djokovic seems to be taking the same route as Serena Williams. Still fabulous but the handwriting on the wall when younger players start taking them out in matches.
SomeMichGuy · M
rinkydinkydoink · M
SomeMichGuy · M
@rinkydinkydoink That's what I was considering.
rinkydinkydoink · M
@SomeMichGuy
I just remembered - there's a Swedish-American pole vaulter ("Mondo" Duplantis) who makes what he does look easy.
I just remembered - there's a Swedish-American pole vaulter ("Mondo" Duplantis) who makes what he does look easy.
SpudMuffin · 61-69, M
rinkydinkydoink · M
@SpudMuffin
You selected THE very best in their fields.
My runners-up would be Jim Clark (not just in F1) and the marathoner Abebe Bikila (as far as Olympians go).
You selected THE very best in their fields.
My runners-up would be Jim Clark (not just in F1) and the marathoner Abebe Bikila (as far as Olympians go).
SpudMuffin · 61-69, M
@rinkydinkydoink thanks!
Good choices, though I don't think either of them get the credit they deserve these days!
Good choices, though I don't think either of them get the credit they deserve these days!
HowtoDestroyAngels · 46-50, M
rinkydinkydoink · M
HowtoDestroyAngels · 46-50, M
@rinkydinkydoink Agreed.
This comment is hidden.
Show Comment
rinkydinkydoink · M
@BrewCityBarfly
Or when he wins an e.r.a. title as a pitcher and sets records as a batter that still stand 90 years after he retires. I'm referencing The Babe, of course.
As to your photo - rest in peace, Mr. Baseball.
Or when he wins an e.r.a. title as a pitcher and sets records as a batter that still stand 90 years after he retires. I'm referencing The Babe, of course.
As to your photo - rest in peace, Mr. Baseball.