which of these two players is more popular

[onionring9]

gibson taking the eck deep :evil:

 

[Vagrant]

This is like asking who is more popular between Hideo Nomo and Jason Schmidt. Schmidt has slightly better numbers, but people were enraptured by Nomo to a degree that Schmidt never will be.

Kirk Gibson's home run is one of the most iconic in baseball history. Right up there with Carlton Fisk waiving the ball fair. Right up there with Joe Carter. Robby Thompson. Mazeroski.

If you had to select one player to honor baseball, it should be the one that created the biggest impact in the game and on the hobby. Baines never did anything memorable. He was a journeyman DH who put out modest numbers like a machine but left a legacy of a general shrug in both the hobby as well as the game.

I believe that a player can have ONE moment in time where he makes a play that will forever etch him into the baseball lexicon for good or bad. Bill Buckner. Kirk Gibson. It doesn't matter where you are, you hear those names and you immediately think of one play that is etched in your mind forever.

There will never be a moment when Gibson can step onto the field at a Dodgers game and not be given a standing ovation upon being announced. Where can that happen for Harold Baines? That should solve your problem of popularity right there.

 

[matfanofold]

This is like asking who is more popular between Hideo Nomo and Jason Schmidt. Schmidt has slightly better numbers, but people were enraptured by Nomo to a degree that Schmidt never will be.

Kirk Gibson's home run is one of the most iconic in baseball history. Right up there with Carlton Fisk waiving the ball fair. Right up there with Joe Carter. Robby Thompson. Mazeroski.

If you had to select one player to honor baseball, it should be the one that created the biggest impact in the game and on the hobby. Baines never did anything memorable. He was a journeyman DH who put out modest numbers like a machine but left a legacy of a general shrug in both the hobby as well as the game.

I believe that a player can have ONE moment in time where he makes a play that will forever etch him into the baseball lexicon for good or bad. Bill Buckner. Kirk Gibson. It doesn't matter where you are, you hear those names and you immediately think of one play that is etched in your mind forever.

There will never be a moment when Gibson can step onto the field at a Dodgers game and not be given a standing ovation upon being announced. Where can that happen for Harold Baines? That should solve your problem of popularity right there.

These are all very good points!

However, the underlyning point being made is a matter of opinion. It's your opinion, and the opinion of many, that ons single moment can outweigh the entirety of a productive career. It's my opinion that it can not. When I remember kirk Gibson, I remember a single moment in time. When i remember Baines, I remember a quality career with production and distinction.

What makes one more popular to me(as is the actual original question.)? A quality productive career, each and every time.

 

[onionring9]

Though I agree with your logic, the world popular by definition is about public opinion, not personal!

 

[leatherman]

i agree, Raines

1981 is a bad year for RCs

Are you kidding me?

You of all people should love all of these (in addition to Baines, Raines, Gibson, and Fernando):

Mookie
John Tudor
Mike Boddicker
Joe Charboneau
Lamarr Hoyt
Steve Howe
Lloyd Moseby
Luis Leal (remember when this was a $1.50 card)
Jeff Reardon

All of these were HOT at one point.

If it is between Baines and Gibson, then I go with Baines. However, 1981 belonged to Fernando. It's gotta be that card. He's even on there with Mike Scoscia!

David