Top 10 Baseball Hitters

The art of hitting is one of the most complicated parts of baseball. There is nothing more exhilarating for a fan to watch than a favorite player connecting on a game winning hit. The ten players profiled in this book have gotten their share of hits and thrilled many crowds. Players like Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron were known more for their power, while others, such as Ty Cobb, Pete Rose, and Tony Gwynn are known for their ability to reach base by hitting the ball to all fields. Other players profiled include Rogers Hornsby, Stan Musial, Frank Thomas, Honus Wagner, and Ted Williams. In Top 10 Baseball Hitters, author Bill Deane profiles ten of the most dangerous men to ever set foot in the batter's box.

This informative yet fun text highlights the top ten hitters in baseball and includes their career stats, nicknames, teams, positions, and achievements. Full-page photos of the players in action accompany each spread.

"A collective biography of the top 10 home run hitters, both past and present, which includes accounts of game action, career statistics, and more"--Provided by publisher

Since Babe Ruth started drawing big crowds with his big bat in the 1920s, the home run has meant more to baseball than just about any other individual achievement. What can be more exciting than the crack of the bat and the ball flying to the far reaches of a baseball stadium? From Ruth to Aaron to Bonds, Ken Rappoport examines the ten greatest sluggers to ever step up to the plate. The other players included are Lou Gehrig, Josh Gibson, Ken Griffey, Jr., Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Sadaharu Oh, and Alex Rodriguez.

"A collective biography of the top 10 pitchers, both past and present, which includes accounts of game action, career statistics, and more"--Provided by publisher

Comparing major league players has always been a popular topic among baseball fans. Debating the strengths and weaknesses of such greats as Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams, Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle, or Tom Seaver and Greg Maddux continues to stir up controversy among fans eager to champion their heroes. In Baseball’s Top 10, Bob Kuenster has compiled a ranking of the game’s best players by position, highlighting the achievements of nearly 300 individuals. In addition to the top 10, Kuenster includes Honorable Mentions—players who were considered but didn’t make the final list—and Dishonorable Mentions—players who were left off the rankings due to alleged steroid and performance enhancing drug use. Drawing upon original interviews conducted by the author, this ranking reveals the best players in major league history as seen through the eyes of former players, managers, and announcers. Player entries include biographical information, individual achievements, stats, and quotes. Organized by position—first base, second base, third base, shortstop, left field, center field, right field, catcher, designated hitters, multi-position players, right-handed starting pitchers, left-handed starting pitchers, and closers—280 outstanding players made the cut as the most elite pitchers, hitters, and fielders in MLB history. Baseball’s Top 10 features interviews with some of baseball’s greatest personalities—including players who have since passed, such as Al Lopez, Bob Feller, Stan Musial, Lou Boudreau, Andy Pafko, Ron Santo, Harry Caray and Harry Kalas. With over 50 photographs and a comprehensive list of suggested titles for further reading, this book is sure to interest baseball fans and historians who love to debate the many outstanding players who have appeared in the major leagues.

Meet the members of the most exclusive club in Major League Baseball. There is no award, there are no ceremonies, but nothing can compare to the pride and glory felt by a player as he hits that miracle milestone: 3,000. Since Cap Anson first reached the mark in 1897, only twenty-eight baseball players have ever heard the crack of ball and bat over 2,999 times; this newly updated edition of The 3,000 Hit Club captures the unique stories and career highlights of each one. In this distinctive collection of history and stats, veteran sportswriter Fred McMane takes readers onto the field and up to the plate with baseball’s greatest players. From Pete Rose and Willie Mays to Ricky Henderson and Derek Jeter, The 3,000 Hit Club has it all.

Bill Deane profiles powerful home-run hitters of the past, like greats Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth; as well as contemporary talents like Frank Thomas. They, along with seven other long-ball hitters: Jimmie Foxx, Harmon Killebrew, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Willie McCovey, Fred McGriff, Mike Schmidt, have earned a place in baseball history.