The Hall of Pretty Good
Yes it is that time of year again, Baseball Hall of Fame induction time. This weekend Wade Boggs and Ryne Sandberg were enshrined into Cooperstown amongst the baseball legends: Babe Ruth, Roberto Clemente, Bob Gibson, Rick Ferrell, Jim Bunning, and Eppa Rixey. Go ahead look it up; those last three clowns I named are actually in the Hall of Fame. The Hall was once reserved for the giants of the game, men whose names were synonymous with greatness.
However, that all changed years ago, when the “Veteran’s Committee” began to have a say at who deserved to be in the Hall of Fame. It was just a good ole boys network elected their buddies so they had someone to talk to on Hall of Fame Weekend (Hootie Johnson must be proud). Rixey was elected 30 years after he finished playing, Bunning 25 years, Ferrell 37 years and the peace de resistance Phil Rizzuto who was elected 38 years after finishing is undistinguished career. In reality they should somehow separate these non-com’s from the rest of the Hall. Maybe they should erect a separate wing for immortals, or record holders. Or maybe just not polish the plaques of guys like Bid McPhee, George Davis, and Red Schoendienst.
The debate rages on over guys who have recently been put in, Sandberg, and guys who are on the outside looking in, Bert “Be Home” Blyleven and Tommy John (who should be in the Hall not only for his on the field achievements but for coming back and winning 170 games after the groundbreaking surgery which now bares his name as a special contributor to Baseball).
So we here at The Wisdom have decided to make our own game of things. We know that we have a baseball heavy audience, one that loves a great debate. So I have decided to list the accomplishments of players, with no discernable biased toward anyone, and let you decide who should be in, who should be out, and who is already in. Most of these guys come from the contemporary era from 1970 until now (no current players will be included, only guys who have retired). I will give you there important overall career numbers, All Star appearances, special awards (Gold Glove or Cy Young), and the number of times they were amongst the league leaders in seasonal statistical categories. The last thing means they had to have finished among the Top 5 in their league in Strikeouts (for a pitcher) or RBI (for a hitter). Lastly I will highlight there signature season. Let the fun begin!!!!
The Hitters
Player #1
17 seasons 1974-1990. 5 time All-Star, NL MVP, 11 Gold Gloves, and one time Batting Champ. Top 5: 3 times Batting Average, 4 times in Runs, 7 times in OBP, and 5 times in Doubles. Career totals: .296 BA, .384 OBP, .436 SLG, 2182 hits, 1124 runs, 426 Doubles, and 1071 RBI. Played in 3 LCS and won 2 World Series Titles. Signature Season: .344 BA, .417 OBP, 210 Hits, 116 Runs, 48 Doubles, and 105 RBI.
Player #2
23 seasons 1964-1986. 7 time All-Star. Top 5: 3 times in HR, 2 times in Doubles, and 5 times in RBI. Career Totals: .279 BA, .341 OBP, .461 SLG, 2732 hits, 1272 Runs, 505 Doubles, 379 HR’s, and 1652 RBI. Played in 6 LCS, 5 World Series and won 2 Titles. Signature Season: .317 BA, .401 OBP, .589 SLG, 40 HR 129 RBI 106 Runs
Player #3
19 seasons 1969-1987. 10 time All-Star, NL MVP, 4 Gold Gloves and 2 time LCS MVP. Top 5: 2 times Batting Average, 7 times Hits (6 200 hit seasons), 5 times RBI, and 4 times Doubles. Career Totals: .294 BA, .446 SLG, 2599 Hits, 1143 Runs, 440 Doubles, 272 HR’s, and 1308 RBI. 5 LCS, 5 World Series, and 1 title (.338 11 HR 31 RBI in 55 games). Signature Season: .315 BA .497 SLG 204 Hits 28 HR 110 RBI 92 Runs.
Player #4
19 seasons 1974-1992. 11 time All-Star and 3 Gold Gloves. Top 5: 3 times HR, 4 times RBI and 2 times Doubles. Career Totals: .262 BA, .439 SLG, 2092 Hits, 1025 Runs, 324 HR’s, and 1225 RBI. 3 LCS, 1 World Series title. Signature Season: .294 BA .487 SLG 27 HR 106 RBI.
Player #5
14 seasons 1982-1995. 6 time All-Star, AL MVP, 9 Gold Gloves, and 1 Batting Title. Top 5: 4 times Batting Average, 3 times SLG, 3 times Hits, 5 times RBI, and 5 times Doubles. Career Totals: .307 BA .358 OBP .471 SLG 2153 Hits, 1007 Runs, 442 Doubles, 222 HR, and 1099 RBI. Signature Season: .352 BA .573 SLG 31 HR 113 RBI 117 Runs, 53 Doubles, and 238 Hits.
Player #6
12 seasons 1984-1995. 10 time All-Star, 6 Gold Gloves, 1 Batting title, and LCS MVP. Top 5: 5 times Batting Average, 6 times hits (5 200 hit seasons), 3 times Runs, 2 times RBI, and 5 times Doubles. Career Totals: .318 BA .360 OBP .477 SLG, 2304 Hits, 1071 Runs, 414 Doubles, 207 HR, and 1085 RBI. 2 LCS and 2 World Series Titles. Signature Season: .356 BA .545 SLG, 24 HR, 121 RBI, 42 Doubles, 109 Runs, and 234 Hits.
Player #7
16 seasons 1974-1989. 8 time All-Star, AL MVP, and 3 HR titles. Top 5: 4 times Batting Average, 5 times SLG, 5 times Hits, 5 times HR, 7 times RBI and 2 times Triples. Career Totals: .298 BA .352 OBP .502 SLG, 2452 Hits, 1249 Runs, 382 HR, and 1451 RBI. 2 LCS and 1 World Series. Signature Season: .315 BA .600 SLG, 46 HR, 139 RBI, 213 Hits, 15 Triples, and 121 Runs.
Player #8
16 seasons 1981-1997. 10 time All-Star, 9 gold Gloves, NL MVP, and 1 HR title. Top 5: 3 times SLG, 8 times Runs, 5 times Hits, and 2 times HR. Career Totals: .285 BA .452 SLG, 2386 Hits, 1318 Runs, 282 HR, 403 Doubles, 344 SB, and 1061 RBI. Signature Season: .306 BA .559 SLG, 40 HR, 100 RBI, 116 Runs, 30 Doubles and 25 SB.
The Pitchers
Pitcher #1
23 seasons 1966-1988. 4 time All-Star and 1 ERA title. Top 5: 4 times ERA, 4 times Wins (One 20 win season), 8 times Shutouts, 2 time W-L%, and 3 times Strikeouts. Career Totals: .559 W-L% 324-256 3.26 ERA, 58 shutouts, and 3574 K’s. 5 LCS and 4 World Series. Signature Season: 19-9 2.08, 272.7 IP, 9 Shutouts and 207 K’s.
Pitcher #2
22 seasons 1970-1992. 2 time All-Star and 1 strikeout title. Top 5: 7 times ERA, 2 times Wins (One 20 win season), 9 times Shutouts, 3 times W-L%, and 13 times K’s. Career Totals: .534 W-L% 287-250 3.31 ERA, 60 Shutouts, and 3701 K’s. 3 LCS, 2 World Series, and 2 titles (4-1 2.47). Signature Season: 20-17 2.52, 325 IP, 25 CG, 9 Shutouts, and 258 K’s.
Pitcher #3
24 seasons 1965-1987. 5 time All-Star, 5 Gold Gloves, 1 ERA & Strikeout title. Top 5: 3 times ERA, 5 times Wins (Three 20 win seasons), 5 times Shutouts, 2 times W-L%, and 6 times K’s. Career Totals: .537 W-L% 318-274 3.35 ERA, 45 Shutouts, and 3342 K’s. 2 LCS. Signature Season: 20-13 2.38, 302.3 IP, and 6 Shutouts.
Pitcher #4
14 seasons 1975-1988. 4 time All-Star, 5 Gold Gloves, AL Cy Young, and 2 ERA titles. Top 5: 3 times ERA, 4 times Wins (Three 20 win seasons), 3 times Shutouts, 2 times W-L%, and 5 times K’s. Career Totals: .651 W-L% 170-91 3.29 ERA, and 26 Shutouts. 3 LCS, 3 World Series, and 2 titles (5-2 3.02 postseason). Signature Season: 25-3 1.74, 273.7 IP, 9 Shutouts, and 248 K’s.
So there you have it. Some guys are in and some aren’t. Four of the hitters listed are in and two of the pitchers. Let me know which guys you think should be in, and maybe even who is who, if you are good. Now obviously you could cheat and look it up, but give it a shot first. I will reveal the answers later on after I see what you the fans have to say.
However, that all changed years ago, when the “Veteran’s Committee” began to have a say at who deserved to be in the Hall of Fame. It was just a good ole boys network elected their buddies so they had someone to talk to on Hall of Fame Weekend (Hootie Johnson must be proud). Rixey was elected 30 years after he finished playing, Bunning 25 years, Ferrell 37 years and the peace de resistance Phil Rizzuto who was elected 38 years after finishing is undistinguished career. In reality they should somehow separate these non-com’s from the rest of the Hall. Maybe they should erect a separate wing for immortals, or record holders. Or maybe just not polish the plaques of guys like Bid McPhee, George Davis, and Red Schoendienst.
The debate rages on over guys who have recently been put in, Sandberg, and guys who are on the outside looking in, Bert “Be Home” Blyleven and Tommy John (who should be in the Hall not only for his on the field achievements but for coming back and winning 170 games after the groundbreaking surgery which now bares his name as a special contributor to Baseball).
So we here at The Wisdom have decided to make our own game of things. We know that we have a baseball heavy audience, one that loves a great debate. So I have decided to list the accomplishments of players, with no discernable biased toward anyone, and let you decide who should be in, who should be out, and who is already in. Most of these guys come from the contemporary era from 1970 until now (no current players will be included, only guys who have retired). I will give you there important overall career numbers, All Star appearances, special awards (Gold Glove or Cy Young), and the number of times they were amongst the league leaders in seasonal statistical categories. The last thing means they had to have finished among the Top 5 in their league in Strikeouts (for a pitcher) or RBI (for a hitter). Lastly I will highlight there signature season. Let the fun begin!!!!
The Hitters
Player #1
17 seasons 1974-1990. 5 time All-Star, NL MVP, 11 Gold Gloves, and one time Batting Champ. Top 5: 3 times Batting Average, 4 times in Runs, 7 times in OBP, and 5 times in Doubles. Career totals: .296 BA, .384 OBP, .436 SLG, 2182 hits, 1124 runs, 426 Doubles, and 1071 RBI. Played in 3 LCS and won 2 World Series Titles. Signature Season: .344 BA, .417 OBP, 210 Hits, 116 Runs, 48 Doubles, and 105 RBI.
Player #2
23 seasons 1964-1986. 7 time All-Star. Top 5: 3 times in HR, 2 times in Doubles, and 5 times in RBI. Career Totals: .279 BA, .341 OBP, .461 SLG, 2732 hits, 1272 Runs, 505 Doubles, 379 HR’s, and 1652 RBI. Played in 6 LCS, 5 World Series and won 2 Titles. Signature Season: .317 BA, .401 OBP, .589 SLG, 40 HR 129 RBI 106 Runs
Player #3
19 seasons 1969-1987. 10 time All-Star, NL MVP, 4 Gold Gloves and 2 time LCS MVP. Top 5: 2 times Batting Average, 7 times Hits (6 200 hit seasons), 5 times RBI, and 4 times Doubles. Career Totals: .294 BA, .446 SLG, 2599 Hits, 1143 Runs, 440 Doubles, 272 HR’s, and 1308 RBI. 5 LCS, 5 World Series, and 1 title (.338 11 HR 31 RBI in 55 games). Signature Season: .315 BA .497 SLG 204 Hits 28 HR 110 RBI 92 Runs.
Player #4
19 seasons 1974-1992. 11 time All-Star and 3 Gold Gloves. Top 5: 3 times HR, 4 times RBI and 2 times Doubles. Career Totals: .262 BA, .439 SLG, 2092 Hits, 1025 Runs, 324 HR’s, and 1225 RBI. 3 LCS, 1 World Series title. Signature Season: .294 BA .487 SLG 27 HR 106 RBI.
Player #5
14 seasons 1982-1995. 6 time All-Star, AL MVP, 9 Gold Gloves, and 1 Batting Title. Top 5: 4 times Batting Average, 3 times SLG, 3 times Hits, 5 times RBI, and 5 times Doubles. Career Totals: .307 BA .358 OBP .471 SLG 2153 Hits, 1007 Runs, 442 Doubles, 222 HR, and 1099 RBI. Signature Season: .352 BA .573 SLG 31 HR 113 RBI 117 Runs, 53 Doubles, and 238 Hits.
Player #6
12 seasons 1984-1995. 10 time All-Star, 6 Gold Gloves, 1 Batting title, and LCS MVP. Top 5: 5 times Batting Average, 6 times hits (5 200 hit seasons), 3 times Runs, 2 times RBI, and 5 times Doubles. Career Totals: .318 BA .360 OBP .477 SLG, 2304 Hits, 1071 Runs, 414 Doubles, 207 HR, and 1085 RBI. 2 LCS and 2 World Series Titles. Signature Season: .356 BA .545 SLG, 24 HR, 121 RBI, 42 Doubles, 109 Runs, and 234 Hits.
Player #7
16 seasons 1974-1989. 8 time All-Star, AL MVP, and 3 HR titles. Top 5: 4 times Batting Average, 5 times SLG, 5 times Hits, 5 times HR, 7 times RBI and 2 times Triples. Career Totals: .298 BA .352 OBP .502 SLG, 2452 Hits, 1249 Runs, 382 HR, and 1451 RBI. 2 LCS and 1 World Series. Signature Season: .315 BA .600 SLG, 46 HR, 139 RBI, 213 Hits, 15 Triples, and 121 Runs.
Player #8
16 seasons 1981-1997. 10 time All-Star, 9 gold Gloves, NL MVP, and 1 HR title. Top 5: 3 times SLG, 8 times Runs, 5 times Hits, and 2 times HR. Career Totals: .285 BA .452 SLG, 2386 Hits, 1318 Runs, 282 HR, 403 Doubles, 344 SB, and 1061 RBI. Signature Season: .306 BA .559 SLG, 40 HR, 100 RBI, 116 Runs, 30 Doubles and 25 SB.
The Pitchers
Pitcher #1
23 seasons 1966-1988. 4 time All-Star and 1 ERA title. Top 5: 4 times ERA, 4 times Wins (One 20 win season), 8 times Shutouts, 2 time W-L%, and 3 times Strikeouts. Career Totals: .559 W-L% 324-256 3.26 ERA, 58 shutouts, and 3574 K’s. 5 LCS and 4 World Series. Signature Season: 19-9 2.08, 272.7 IP, 9 Shutouts and 207 K’s.
Pitcher #2
22 seasons 1970-1992. 2 time All-Star and 1 strikeout title. Top 5: 7 times ERA, 2 times Wins (One 20 win season), 9 times Shutouts, 3 times W-L%, and 13 times K’s. Career Totals: .534 W-L% 287-250 3.31 ERA, 60 Shutouts, and 3701 K’s. 3 LCS, 2 World Series, and 2 titles (4-1 2.47). Signature Season: 20-17 2.52, 325 IP, 25 CG, 9 Shutouts, and 258 K’s.
Pitcher #3
24 seasons 1965-1987. 5 time All-Star, 5 Gold Gloves, 1 ERA & Strikeout title. Top 5: 3 times ERA, 5 times Wins (Three 20 win seasons), 5 times Shutouts, 2 times W-L%, and 6 times K’s. Career Totals: .537 W-L% 318-274 3.35 ERA, 45 Shutouts, and 3342 K’s. 2 LCS. Signature Season: 20-13 2.38, 302.3 IP, and 6 Shutouts.
Pitcher #4
14 seasons 1975-1988. 4 time All-Star, 5 Gold Gloves, AL Cy Young, and 2 ERA titles. Top 5: 3 times ERA, 4 times Wins (Three 20 win seasons), 3 times Shutouts, 2 times W-L%, and 5 times K’s. Career Totals: .651 W-L% 170-91 3.29 ERA, and 26 Shutouts. 3 LCS, 3 World Series, and 2 titles (5-2 3.02 postseason). Signature Season: 25-3 1.74, 273.7 IP, 9 Shutouts, and 248 K’s.
So there you have it. Some guys are in and some aren’t. Four of the hitters listed are in and two of the pitchers. Let me know which guys you think should be in, and maybe even who is who, if you are good. Now obviously you could cheat and look it up, but give it a shot first. I will reveal the answers later on after I see what you the fans have to say.
7 Comments:
OK, that's a pile of stats:
# 8 right off look like it might be Sandberg, but I'm not looking it up so who knows.
My list of those guys that should be in:
#5, #6, #7, #8
Looking at the #'s of those 4 guys show me that they hit for power, avg, and played defense. All around great players. A power hitter that can't even hit 380 homers shouldn't be in the HOF especially with a sub .280 avg
I like this post. Heres' why, and this may be just as long as you're own blog:
Do you think Doc Gooden should be in the HOF??? I don't and I doubt many other will either. However lets look at his career numbers compared to another HOF pitcher who was inducted on his first ballot, Dizzy Dean:
Dean:
12 seasons, 150-83 .644 win %, 3.02 ERA, 1163 K, 5 all stars, 1 MVP
Gooden:
16 seasons, 194-112 .634 win %, 3.51 ERA, 2293 K, 4 all stars, 1 Cy Young, 1 ROY
Dean is a first ballot HOFer and Gooden will never get close. The criteria for HOF caliber players is so suspect.
One other point about HOF worthy people....Rafael Palmeiro!!!!
If Raffy plays 2 more seasons he will have a great shot at finishing his career with 2000 RBI, joining only Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth and Cap Anson. Think about that...2000 RBI. That's 100 RBI for 20 seasons!!!! He's on pace for 92 this year which would leave him at 1867....133 shy. If he gets 67 RBI over the next 2 seasons, he's there.....very possible! Bonds is currently 157 shy and maybe 1 year left in him.....he also has an outside shot at it.
Raffy also has 569 home runs, currently 9th all time. He's on pace to hit 28 this year which will leave him with 579 and 7th all time. If he plays 2 more seasons, he will surely hit 600 homers.
With 3017 hits....how many players in the history of the game have hit 600 homers, 2000 RBI and 3000 hits???
Currently??? 1 - Hank Aaron (755, 2297, 3771). Babe Ruth only has 2800 hits. So essentially Raffy Palmeiro has the chance to be one of the elite greatest baseball players off all time and people think he won't be a first ballot HOFer or a HOFer at all???? Lets get a clue here people!!!
I forgot your pitchers:
I think #1 is my man Nolan and I'd would put all 4 of these pitchers in the Hall.....
How could Raffy be a HOFer? He played DH for part of his career. Ortiz can't be MVP because he Dh's some, so Raffy can't go to the hall because he DH'd once or twice.
Looks like old Raffy is a shoe-in for the "Needle in Butt Hall of Fame". Right next to Ivan Drago, and Ben Johnson. In regards to the Hall Of Fame, it's a Musuem with bronze plaques of baseball players and memoribiala in it, it's not a group of world leader determining the fait of the free world. How cares if Cap Anson's ugly mug is engraved in the wall or Steve Balboni's is. It is representation of baseball and commeration of group of athletes from different era's and backgrounds who had the ability to play a game at a level that 99% of us can't. What I am saying is the Hall can't just put up a picture of Ruth, Aaron, and Koufax and shut the doors. That's no fun also - I am not saying every Kevin Elster or Danny Tartabull that picked up a bat should get in either. If a player has comparable stats to someone who is already in or even has couple really memorable seasons (Doc) then then the more the merrier. Naturally Big Willie
Raffy rules
Palmeiro is not a defensive liability like Ortiz is. Raffy has won 3 gold gloves at 1B. He has less then a full seasons at bats at DH in 20 seasons. He, like many AL players, get a game or 2 here and there at DH instead of a day off....Raffy has never been on the DL in 20 years!!! Ortiz would not have a career if he were in the NL or the DH didn't exist. There is no comparison between the 2, heck Ortiz isn't even on the same level as Edgar Martinez...PUH-LEASE!
I know you hate me doing this, so I'll start with yours and then I'll go to mine...
The batters - I think #1 is Keith Hernandez, #5 is Mattingly, #6 Kirby Puckett and #8 Dale Murphy, but I'm probably off.
I think 2, 3, 6 and 7 are already in and Hernandez will have to wait for the Veterans Committee to remember his appearances on Seinfield to get him in.
Sorry, Donny Baseball just doesn't get to cry in Cooperstown, at least not before Mex...
The pitchers can't be Ryan because he has about 9 million strikeouts...
I'm horrible when it comes to pitchers, but I know Be In By Eleven is in there somewhere, you tricky little devil...
Now the me, I'm a columnist in Mississippi, so I'm probably the only one that will write anything bad about the MSU great, Raffy Palmerio, but since I'm also crying for attention, I'm dropping the column I've written on the subject. Enjoy, ignore and pick apart. Sorry once again, Kris, but you did influence it...
All the thoughts in this column are mine and mine alone, like I never thought Rafael Palmerio was a first-ballot Hall of Famer anyway.
Yes, his numbers are very impressive, but Cooperstown is for the best of the best and there’s always been at least three first basemen that I would take over Raffy.
My argument against his selection was made easier on Monday when it was finally released that he failed a drug test and would be suspended for 10 games.
There’s so much on this topic that’s just brimming at my surface, so I’ll try my best to get as much of it out...
n First off, Palmerio is the first of the eight players that have failed this year to be allowed to hold back his results until it fit better in the schedule, like after his 3,000 hit, the All-Star game and the most recent Hall of Fame ceremonies.
He was allowed to appeal the decision and only after an independent arbitrator found him guilty did the info get released, so I have to ask - If the judge found in his favor, do you think we would have heard about this at all?
n The New York Times reported on Wednesday that Raffy’s test involved “the potent anabolic steroid stanozolol...most notably linked to the Olympic sprinter Ben Johnson of Canada, who was stripped of a gold medal in 1988.”
When are we going to open our eyes are realize that not everyone that takes supplements ends up looking like Mark McGwire, the 38th governor of California or Oakland Raiders’ Lyle Alzado who, by the way, died under the belief that steroid abuse directly led to his fatal brain tumor.
n Just a quick thought, if Barry Bonds were the one that failed the test, would people still be considering him for the Hall or would they be screaming that he should retire right now?
n The thing that upset me the most is that everyone jumped to his defense, everyone was upset that Palmerio was dragged to Congress because of that awful, awful Jose Canseco and his lust for money from his book.
Raffy looked right at Congressmen, looking right at the American public and shook his finger, stating defiantly that he had “never used steroids. Period.”
Am I the only one that sees that he lied directly to us?
n The Clarion-Ledger’s Rick Cleveland, who knew Raffy when he was a “shy, skinny Cuban-American kid ripping line drive after line drive,” admitted that he knows Raffy isn’t stupid enough to take steroids.
Therefore in my mind his excuse, his defense, his reasoning for the failed test is a crock.
I believe he was arrogant enough to believe he just wouldn’t get caught. The shy kid that Cleveland knew was gone long before he became the spokesperson for Viagra.
And I’ve glanced over the side effects, but it doesn’t say anything about TESTING POSITIVE FOR STEROIDS.
n It’s Palmerio’s personality and longevity that seems to be why everyone likes him enough to curb their blows, to believe his lies and to still want him immortalized.
I’ll quietly remind you that steroids’ main usage is an energy booster that helps keep them in the weight room or on the field.
Then I’ll loudly say that Canseco arrived in Texas in August of 1992 and Raffy was gone in 1994, but the year in between marked the first time the MSU great hit more than 26 home runs and had more than 89 RBIs.
Those are the facts. I don’t care if the President is behind you, Raffy, and that’s the truth.
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