[Bigwaved]

Originally Posted by jonumberone

While I agree Hamels is no Gibson or Drysdale, part of what made them so great was their ability to pitch inside and intimidate hitters.
That is a tool not available to today's pitchers.

They were mean, nasty, and fierce competitors.
Gibson once threw at Reggie Jackson in an old timers day.
And they always ran their mouth to the players they hit.

Here are some quotes

"I hated to bat against (Don) Drysdale. After he hit you he'd come around, look at the bruise on your arm and say, 'Do you want me to sign it?'" - Mickey Mantle

"My own little rule was two for one. If one of my teammates got knocked down, then I knocked down two on the other team." - Don Drysdale

I couldn't find any direct quotes from Gibson, but it was never a mystery as to what he did on the mound.
I think the big difference is today, Harper getting hit is a story, 50 years ago it would have only been a footnote.

I also don't see how fans aren't upset about the pitch, just what was said.
Iv'e always admired straight shooters and try not to waste my time with people who look me in the eye and lie to me.

As far as today's pitchers not being able to establish the inside of the plate goes, I agree. They are not allowed to do that anymore.

Hamels did not go to Harper and ask him if he wanted an autograph after the game. He was not trying to establish the inside of the plate either. This was not a story until he ran his mouth after the game to a reporter. Before that, it was over with. He beaned the kid. He was hit on his 1st plate appearance as payback. That should have been it.