Best there ever was and likely will be. Second place doesn't come close.

Wagner's entries in the record books are truly eye-popping! Players must first be considered against their peers from the era in which they played and Wagner, in his league, was completely without peer. This was the "dead" ball era, but there was nothing dead about the Dutchman's stats. In addition to the eight batting titles, Wagner also led the league in doubles 8 times, hit ten or more triples 13 times (including highs of 22,20,19 twice,17, and three additional seasons where he hit 9.) he stole 722 bases, hit .300 or better for 17 consecutive seasons and was highly regarded for his defensive skills. At 5'11" and 200 pounds, he must have looked like a bull-elephant charging down to second to steal or break up a double play and was as fast as anyone in baseball including Ty Cobb. We'll never know how he would have faired against modern competition but one thing is almost certain, the stars of any era would have stood a good chance, given the same benefits of training, equipment, and playing surfaces, and baseball, of all the major sports, allows for a better comparison due to the natures of the game. The bases are still ninety feet apart. The mound is still 60 feet, 6 inches from the plate. And 400 feet is still 400 feet. One doesn't need to weigh in excess of 200 pounds to become a star in this game but the fact that Wagner was built as solidly as he was would definately not have hurt him.

Though he is even older than Babe Ruth, his amazing statistics are formidable even by today's standards. Wagenr led the NL in BAVG 8 times, RBI 5 times, and was runner-up for home runs twice. He is one of the first shortstops to be a long ball threat. I guess the closest modern equivalents to Wagner would be Robin Yount and Derek Jeter.

Like Ripkin,Wagner was the total package. Time may diminsh his legit legendary status, but baseball historians know that Wagner is one of the top three SS's to play the game.

Agree completely with Szinhonshu, never mind his rank amongst shortstops, Wagner is one of the very, very greatest players ever.

Honus Wagner is #9? Nine? Is everyone here on dope!?! Some of you need to familiarize yourselves with the record book and stop relying on ESPN Classic highlights. Newsflash for the uninitiated/uninformed: Honus Wagner is largely considered to be the greatest shortstop in history. And I have never heard anyone argue that he was anything less than #3. Please, if you don't know the game, DON'T VOTE!

Good player but not in the class of conception or smith

His greatness should never be underestimated but probably will due to the passing of time. Check the history books for a better understanding of the greatness of Honus Wagner.

One of the greatest defensive players in the history of the game, which is particularly impressive considering the conditions he played under. A ferocious hitter, Wagner was the soul of every team he played for. Played into his late thirties, and except for his final season was very tough at a very tough position.

Wagner is one of the 3 greatest baseball players of all time, and the greatest infielder of all time.

Honus Wagner is the greatest shortstop that ever lived.

The best hitter in the National League in his era, also the best base stealer, and an A or A+ fielder at shortstop. No shortstop in history, not even A-Rod, has dominated his time the way Wagner dominated his. Remembered by casual fans, if at all, as the player on the most expensive baseball card in history, he's still the easiest choice at his position in the all-time starting lineup. Branch Rickey, John McGraw and many others said he was the greatest player they ever saw at any position.