Doesn't that support the "he played with a much weaker level of competition argument"?

 

I think what he's getting at is that the quantity and quality of minority players is significantly higher now than it would have been then, even if they'd been allowed to participate. The fact that it wasn't a possibility likely hindered participation to some degree at least. As it became acceptable, I'm certain more young minority boys and men grew up with the dream of being an athlete, whereas it wasn't even an option before. So, even if they'd allowed minorities to play during Ruth's time, I wonder if the talent pool would have been as deep and developed as we see now. I don't know the answer. I'm just guessing, but I don't think so.

 

Still, I think the argument is overstated. I don't think Ruth's numbers would have been affected in any significant way. I do, however, think some other great offensive players could have emerged to possibly challenge him. Josh Gibson has been called the black Babe Ruth...so who knows? If he'd been allowed to play, perhaps the list would have 9 players and he'd be at the top.

Sounds like a job for Bill James to sit down and quantify.

 

Nah, I don't need any math nerds poking holes in my airtight theories …