Astoria Athletic - 07 March 2008 07:09 PM
What is your opinion of the results of the recent New York Daily News poll to select the greatest Yankee at each position that is resulting in Mickey Mantle wiinning out over Joe DiMaggio?
I grew up in New York City in the 50’s and Mickey Mantle was my favorite player by far but both myself and Mickey would agree that Joe DiMaggio was the greatest Yankee centerfielder hands down.
I welcome thoughts on this poll result.
Mantle wasn’t just better than DiMaggio, he was batter than DiMaggio by a LOT.
DiMaggio batted .325 to Mantle’s .298, but Mantle played in an era where batting averages were much lower. DiMaggio’s career batting average was 18% above average, Mantle’s was 16% above average.
Mantle’s OBP was significantly higher than DiMaggio’s, both adjusted and unadjusted. Mantle was .421 and 28% above average, DiMaggio was .398 and 12% above average.
DiMaggio’s slugging percentage was higher than Mantles, but again, when adjusted for era, Mantle has the edge—.557 and 44% above average to .579 and 43% above average.
Mantle stole a lot more bases at a higher success rate.
DiMaggio’s career OPS+ was 155 to Mantle’s 172. DiMaggio’s career high was 184, Mantle had five full seasons better than that, including seasons of 210, 223 and 206, which mitigates DiMaggio losing his prime years to the war.
DiMaggio was great. Mantle was one of the greatest.
