Sadaharu Oh
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Re: Sadaharu Oh
[ Author: Guest: Jim Albright | Posted: Jan 5, 2004 1:59 AM
]
Actually, Oh was a high school pitcher, and was moved to first very shortly after coming to NPB (in camp, iirc).
I think in this case, I'd stay with Ruth and forget the Negro Leaguers. First, while a young Ruth had some speed, as he aged, he lost what little he had. Oh was certainly not noted for speed afoot. Charleston and Torriente, OTOH, were both noted for having at least above average speed throughout much of their careers (though Oscar's last years were as a somewhat heavier first baseman). Further, as good as Charleston and Torriente were, I don't think they dominated their competition the way Oh and Ruth did.
Jim Albright
I think in this case, I'd stay with Ruth and forget the Negro Leaguers. First, while a young Ruth had some speed, as he aged, he lost what little he had. Oh was certainly not noted for speed afoot. Charleston and Torriente, OTOH, were both noted for having at least above average speed throughout much of their careers (though Oscar's last years were as a somewhat heavier first baseman). Further, as good as Charleston and Torriente were, I don't think they dominated their competition the way Oh and Ruth did.
Jim Albright
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Yes, I started with the easiest. If only Oh had pitched a little or not been such a great fielder or had been an outfielder, this would have been an exact comparison. But with this type of domination, there is only one major leaguer that correlates best, and that would have to be none other than Babe Ruth.
It's amazing how Ruth dominated batting and how well some of his records have lasted even though they were set years ago.
For a Negro League correlation, we might go with Oscar Charleston or Cristobel Torriente.