I saw Johan Santana get 17 Ks in 8 innings before Ron Gardenhire sent Joe Nathan out for the ninth. But the greatest player i saw was Greg Maddux (well past his prime, but i saw him)
From the UK and I’ve only ever watched one game live. Marlins v Rockies. Saw Stanton, Arenado, Ozuma, Yellich, Story. Stanton was well on his way to 59 HRs that season, so I guess he’s the greatest I’ve seen in person!
In (close to ) his prime, I saw Tom Seaver. I saw Henry Aaron once or twice, Willie Mays in last season. I saw Many times Doc Gooden didn't have best career but I saw him often in amazing 1985.
I saw Maddux versus Bonds at Candlestick in 1997. Maddux was throwing a no hitter for 5+ innings until the Giants pitcher (Mark Gardner) got a hit to break it up. Bonds went hitless.
I grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and went to AAA games every summer. I have a scorecard somewhere where Maddux is pitching and Grace, Dunston & Palmeiro are in the lineup. Had to be mid 80s, I suppose. I went to a Giants game in SF the year Bonds hit 73 HRs and he went 0-4 that day, too. 😆
Trout. 2015 All Star game. Lead off homer against Zack Greinke after Greinke dominated the first half. And after seeing him mash at tmobile for years I was convinced he's the best I'll see.
Ken Griffey Jr. jumps to mind for me, but it’s hard not to think by position as well. Joe Morgan, Mike Schmidt, Johnny Bench at their respective positions. Best pitcher was Nolan Ryan, most fun to watch was Fernando Valenzuela. He could really hit, too!
Comments
Pujols
Maddux
Griffey Jr.
I’m not sure who I would consider the greatest among them. Steroids and position players vs pitcher and whatnot.
Best Person - Tony Gwynn
On the mound: Randy Johnson
prime when I saw him)
Pitcher: Late ‘15/Early ‘16 Jake Arrieta
Greg Maddux (pitcher)
Ohtani.
Ichiro Suzuki
Willie Mays
Roberto Clemente
Pick one for me?
In person only, all of the above.
09 pujos
14 Kershaw
24 Ohtani
Hitter - Pudge Rodriguez, Bo Jackson, Jose Altuve
The best of which was watching Ryan vs. Bo. Bo snapped multiple bats that day lol
Pitcher - Seaver