Rickey Henderson vs. Nap Lajoie

[Cowtipper]

Here are two players with semi-similar resumes. They both played a long time. They each hit a lot of singles. They could both steal bases well. They each have over 3,000 career hits and they both walked more than they struck out.

That said, they are hardly carbon copies of each other. Henderson stole over 1,400 bags, Lajoie just under 400. Lajoie hit .338, while Henderson hit .279. Henderson posted an on-base percentage over .400, Lajoie was 20 points away from the mark. Lajoie beats Henderson in both black and grey ink, while Henderson beats Lajoie in WAR. Henderson never led the league in batting average, Lajoie did it five times. Lajoie never led the league in walks, Henderson did it four times.

Two stellar players...but which one was better?

[chicagowhitesox1173]

I went with Lajoie, better defense.

[GiambiJuice]

Lajoie for me too.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Rickey says Rickey was better. :hyper:

Rickey Henderson 1a.jpg

Nap Lajoie 1.jpg

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Can anyone imagine Nap Lajoie wearing this cool outfit? I think NOT!

Rickey_Henderson_Day_Saturday,_Aug._1.jpg

[GiambiJuice]

just looking at the picture of Rickey lifting second base, I would be absolutely shocked if he wasn't using steroids during the second half of his career.

[Bothrops Atrox]

just looking at the picture of Rickey lifting second base, I would be absolutely shocked if he wasn't using steroids during the second half of his career.

Interestingly, Canseco, who ratted out everybody who he even had the slightest suspicion about said that Rickey was not using steroids. Either we are making assumptions that muscles = PEDs or Canseco and Rickey are friends. And who wouldn't be friends with Jose and Rickey?

[chicagowhitesox1173]

Interestingly, Canseco, who ratted out everybody who he even had the slightest suspicion about said that Rickey was not using steroids. Either we are making assumptions that muscles = PEDs or Canseco and Rickey are friends. And who wouldn't be friends with Jose and Rickey?

Jose Canseco did say that there is one steroid user already in the hof. It's either Nolan Ryan or Rickey henderson. I would probably vear more towards Rickey Henderson. Although I do still think Ryan was on something to pitch that well at a late age.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

just looking at the picture of Rickey lifting second base, I would be absolutely shocked if he wasn't using steroids during the second half of his career.

There is no way to say for certain obviously. The amount and type varies with everyone. In some you have the bloated appearance a la Sosa and Bonds. You could have the unnatural suddenly shredded appearance and performance of Brady Anderson, or the not-so muscular Palmeiro. Rickey has been a stellar shape and a top-notch athlete his entire life, playing hoops, football, baseball and even ran some track. His work ethic has always been there. Who knows. From the looks of his rookie card, he was always shredded bro

RookieCard1.jpg

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Rick had the Barry Sanders body before Barry did. Ricky was just muscular and ripped since day 1.

rickey-henderson.jpg

mlb_g_henderson_600.jpg

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Rickey in the minor leagues. He was a teenager at this time.

migrated.jpg

Rickey Henderson minors 2.jpg

Rickey Henderson minors 1.jpg

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Rickey in 1980! :hyper:

Rickey henderson 1980.jpg

[Honus Wagner Rules]

This may be Rickey's first ever major league AB!!

Rickey Debut.jpg

[1905 Giants]

Does everything have to be about steroids now?

[Bothrops Atrox]

Jose Canseco did say that there is one steroid user already in the hof. It's either Nolan Ryan or Rickey henderson. I would probably vear more towards Rickey Henderson. Although I do still think Ryan was on something to pitch that well at a late age.

Or Ripken or Molitor or Eckersly any number of guys. Why just those two? You have seen the list of banjo hitters, middle infielders, and scrub relief pitchers with suspensions, right? But Canseco unequivocally said he did not think/has never seen Rickey do anything.