Drawing Comparisons

How does one compare what Hidecki Matsui did in the 2009 Series, and post season against the same or similar feats performed by one George Herman Ruth.

The topic came up because of Matsui's 2009 numbers in post season, and that only Ruth had ever batted over .600 in a World Series before, so the stories began filtering out. Matsui had reached hallowed ground, equally the immortal Babe, and maybe surpassing it.

There is an argument, and a strong one that Babe Ruth could not perform at his level of excellence in today's game.

To that point I would have to agree, I do not think Ruth could perform the way he did in the 1920's in the modern era. His personal conditioning would be an issue, the length of the season, the travel, these things would wear the Bambino down too much.

The media scrutiny with facebook, twitter, blogs ( like mine ) you tube, it is a lot for anyone to make sense of, and while the Babe was the centre of baseball, there was radio and newspapers, and that was it.

The game is also too detailed, departmental now, pinch runners, defensive replacements, left handed set up relievers. Games are run through computer simulations, hitting zones, very advanced stuff, and all the Babe knew was, I can hit this guy's best pitch a mile. Watch me do it again.

The Babe would not adjust well to the current game, but by the same token, Matsui would not thrive in the 1920's the way he did in 2009. The reasons are many, and easily understood. Players today are pampered, well fed, very well paid demi gods. Yes, the Babe was a demi god in his time, but he still led a more quiet life away from the game. Could Matsui handle the train travel, sleeping in cramped berths, playing defense every out of every game, year after year.

Could he deal with lesser equipment, and could he handle perhaps even worse than the language barrier, but maybe the racism that would have existed.

What about the rougher playing fields, the "no give " fences, these things all add up to a much more difficult environment for Godzilla.

Someone told me he would be surprised if Ruth could hit 15 home runs in the modern game. Maybe, I think the big palooka would not reach his 60 homer status, but more than the 15 dingers. Pitching while specialised, but he talent is arguably not as strong, enough so that Ruth could hit for average at least. The Babe being a gamer, I know he could DH and play 1 or 2 days in the outfield, much like Matsui does now. He'd at least get starts on grass surfaces, and oh, he should know Fenway.

Now it sounds like I am describing Matsui, a DH , a defensive liability, and occasional outfielder, and a high average, moderate power hitter. I guess I am.

However the difference is, I think Ruth in 2009 plays on the this version of the Yanks, but Matsui would have a hard time even making those mid 20's squads or Murderers Row.

Matsui was not even the 3rd best player on his team, Ruth dominated the game, his team, and his league. The 27 Yanks had Earl Coombs ( .356 ), Tony Lazerri ( .309 ), Bob Meusel ( .337 ), Lou Gehrig ( .373 ) and Babe Ruth ( .356 ). Ruth and Gehrig combined for 342 RBI's that year.

Matsui is an excellent hitter, and his 2009 production in the post season are not to be ignored, but comparing his feats to Ruth's, well you just haven't done your homework.

End of story.