Legitimate 500HR hitters of 80s and 90s

[markakis8]

I am one that does not believe Thomas took steroids. He's been that big from day one. Would not suprise me though if he did.

Either way, I believe Thomas would not have the power numbers he has if it wasn't for his massive strength. This is why I labled him in the sheer power category. I don't think most of Thomas' homers came as a result of his natural swing or his discipline/vision at the plate. His serious decline in offensive numbers over the years prove that. Face it, his great season with the Athletics was just sheer power and nothing else.

And the nagging injuries really cannot be a valid argument for him b/c Chipper has only had one terrible season in the midst of several great seasons and has shown no signs of decline with age. He has had just as many injuries as The Big Hurt. The combination of Chipper's great vision and natural, sweet swing had helped him get to 400 HR.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not discrediting Frank Thomas in anyway. He was a great hitter, 1st ballot HOF, yadda yadda yadda. I was just trying to prove my point on the difference between the two aforementioned hitters.

Chipper really was not known as a home run type guy though. Sure he put up several 30 HR seasons with the one 40 MVP season, but he was just a COMPLETE player and his power was way above average. I think more of his home runs were a result of his sweet swing and great presence at the plate than it was sheer power/strength (a la Delgado, Thomas, etc.)

There seem to be a lot of misconceptions about Frank in this thread. I'm not going to hash hairs about steroids...I'm sure you can figure out where I stand...but Frank's home runs aren't power numbers either. He's much more of a get on base kind of guy, a great all around hitter. He just happens to have the strength to backup great technique.

 

[theplasticman]

I'd be surprised if Thomas was roiding.

 

[BunchOBull]