the defenition of a five tool player, the only player to have ever have over 3000 hits, over 650 home runs, 300 stolen bases, a career 300 average and 12 gold gloves hands down the greatest all round player ever only griffey comrares to him in my eyes, he also lost 2 prime years due to his service in the korean war.

I saw him. I tell everyone about him. I gave him a standing ovation, along with 36,000 others at Connie Mack Stadium because he climbed vertically up that grey wall to make a spectacular catch.

Wille Mays was the very definition of great centerfielding. His defensive skills being second to none (the only one who came close to what he could do at centerfield was/is Ken Griffey, Jr.), Mays was a flyball hitter's nightmare, and a defensive-minded manager's dream come true. Blessed with power (660 career homeruns, 1900+ RBIs) and precision behind the plate (.302 lifetime batting average) and a gun for an arm (he could throw literally anyone out from centerfield on a good day), the Say-Hey Kid was THE quintessential player of his era, and now the greatest ballplayer alive today (with all due respect to both Hank Aaron and Stan Musial).

I think he may be the best to play the game period. Hitting, running, fielding, throwing, he had it all and nobody can really find a weakness.

Greatest of them all. No doubt.

In terms of talent in every aspect of the game, Mays is not only the most talented guy on this list, there is a strong sense from observers and writers that this is the complete package, and the greatest of all-time. I regard Ruth as the most dominant player ever, and Mays as probably the most talented player ever.

Is anyone else even close? Nah.

say hey

He could do it all. The best all around player of all time.

Could hit for average, hit for power, field with spectacular aplomb, throw like a sniper, and run the bases like a deer. Maury Allen picked him as the greatest player all-time, as have many others. I don't know that I agree with that, but he's clearly the best center fielder.

What more could you ask for than practically flawless defense, career average of over 100 RBI's and 660 homers? The catch was the greatest defensive play in baseball history.

THE centerfielder. the position was unchallenged until Griffey came along in 89.

The Say-Hey Kid was the best 5-tool player the game has ever seen; Hit for Average, hit for power, steal bases, field, and baserunning. Not many players in today's game can hold a candle to him.

I once had the honor of having a conversation with old-time player, coach and manager Herman Franks. When I posed the question of who the greatest player in baseball ever was. Franks, who witnessed players from Ruth to Barry Bonds, instantly replied, Willie Mays. It's hard to argue. Mays was the greatest 5-tool player ever (hits for average, hits for power, steals bases, fields well, and throws well). He hit greatly in a period where the game (raised mound, larger ballparks, etc.) favored the pitcher. Better fielder than Bonds; his catch of Vic Wertz's deep fly in the '54 World Series was one of the best I ever saw. What couldn't Mays do?

The best defensive outfielder in the history of the game.

C'mon, it's Mays. The classic 5-tool player might be the greatest player who ever lived.