Archives for November 2021

Baseball Roundtable’s 2022 Hall of Fame Debate Season is officially open!  The Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) 2022 Hall of Fame ballots were distributed last week and the results will be announced in January, with the honorees inducted on July 24 This year’s traditional ballot includes 17 holdovers from last year, along with 13 newcomers.

In this post, BBRT will share:

• Predictions on the 2021 BBWAA voting;
• BBRT’s ballot (if I had one);
• A deep look into all the candidates on the ballot;
• A link to BBRT’s unofficial fan ballot – please take a few minutes to follow the link and cast your votes.

Note: For a look at the Early Baseball Era (veterans) Committee candidates, click here.  For the Golden Days Era Committee candidates, click here. 

To skip the post (although I hope you will read on) and go right to the Fan Ballot, click here. 

––PARTICIPATE IN BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S  2022 FANS’ HALL OF FAME BALLOT—

Baseball Roundtable is once again conducting an unofficial fan ballot – to cast your vote(s), click here.  Remember, you can vote for up to ten of the nominees for 2022 induction.  If you want to read through the nominees’ bios first, there is another link to the BBRT Fan Ballot following the bios (near the end of this post).  BBRT will be providing updates on the fan balloting, as well as a post-election comparison of fan votes as compared to the final BBWAA results.  Voting on the BBRT Fan Ballot will remain open until December 28, 2021.

Also, if you leave your email address in the comments section at the end of the ballot, you will be entered in a bobblehead and baseball card “surprise-prize” drawing.

Again, to cast your votes, click here. 

As you consider this year’s slate of candidates, BBRT would stress that all the players on the ballot – even those who remain for only one voting cycle – deserve recognition. To rise to the major leagues, last ten years and make it past the Hall of Fame Screening Committee is a significant accomplishment in itself.  In fact, the annual ballot release is a highlight for Baseball Roundtable, as it provides a chance to acknowledge the accomplishments of all the candidates – not just the favorites for election.  A review of the ballot gives us the opportunity to honor Mike Buehrle’s n0-hitter and perfect game; Carl Crawford’s 480 stolen bases; Billy Wagner’s 400 saves; Torii Hunter’s nine Gold Gloves; the MVP seasons of Justin Morneau and Jimmy Rollins; Prince Fielders 50–HR season; and more.

Now on to the official 2022 Baseball Hall of Fame election process itself – and, then, a look at the players on the ballot for 2021.

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME ELIGIBILITY/CRITERIA FOR ELECTION

The basic rules for eligibility are that a player must have played at least ten seasons and be retired for at least five years. In addition, the player must be approved for the ballot by the Hall of Fame Screening Committee.

A player can remain on the ballot for up to ten years, but must receive at least five percent of the vote in the preceding year’s ballot to remain on the ballot.  Each voter can vote for up to ten candidates.  Election requires that a player be named on at least 75 percent of the ballots cast.

The criteria for election: “Voting shall be based upon the player’s record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played.”

A couple of preliminary comments.

• The 2022 ballot includes four players in their final year of eligibility – a group that generally gains some additional momentum.  However, this year’s “final ballot” group – Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa and Curt Schilling –  brings with it some controversy (PEDs, politics, personality and even a denied request to be removed from the ballot). How all of that affect voting will be interesting to watch.
• Support for the two strongest newcomers on the ballot – Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz  – may also be affected by concerns that go beyond what are clearly Hall of Fame numbers.

Now, let’s take a look at whom BBRT predicts will be elected by the BBWAA; how BBRT would vote if I had a ballot; and the bios of these year’s candidates.

—–Baseball Roundtable’s Hall of Fame Predictions for 2022—–

First, the Roundtable’s Track Record …

Last November, I noted that Baseball Roundtable was “not optimistic about balloting” producing any new HOF members – giving  Curt Schilling the best chance of election. No one was elected, while Schilling did lead all candidates with 71.1 percent of the vote.  In November 2020, Baseball Roundtable correctly predicted  the election of Derek Jeter and Larry Walker – and anticipated  “dark horse” candidate Curt Schilling would fall closer to 70 percent than 75.  Jeter and Walker were elected and Schilling fell short (at 70 percent). Three years years ago, BBRT projected the election of Mariano Rivera and Edgar Martinez and listed Mike Mussina and Roy Halladay as “dark horse” candidates with a chance to generate the needed 75 percent support.   It was a bit of a swing and miss (maybe a foul ball), as all four were elected.  Four years ago, BBRT predicted the election of Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, Vlad Guerrero and Trevor Hoffman (with Mike Mussina as a “dark horse” candidate). Jones, Thome, Guerrero and Hoffman made it, with Mussina garnering 64.5 percent (sixth-most).

2022 Prediction …

For 2021, BBRT is again “not optimistic” about the balloting.  I anticipate a second consecutive shutout.  The best chance for election this year: David Ortiz and Alex Rodriguez. 

Dark Horse Possibilities ….

1. David Ortiz.  Ortiz’ 541 home runs and 1,768 RBI, plus his post-season performance, clearly are Hall-worthy (more on Ortiz in the bio section). I put him at the top of the “dark horse” list for a couple of reasons: His positive personality and the fact that he appears more lightly brushed by the PED-controversey. Ortiz did not fail a drug test after 2004, but a positive result was noted in a “leaked” 2003 survey test.  In 2016, when asked about Ortiz’ 2003 test results, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said of Ortiz “… there were legitimate scientific questions about whether or not those (some of the test results) were truly positive.”  I think Ortiz will be treated well on the first ballot (55-65%), but there will be enough BBWAA holdouts – some on the basis of PED suspicions, others who sets a higher standard for first-ballot candidates and a few with a lingering negative bias against designated hitters- to preclude the necessary 75 percent.

2. Curt Schilling.  Schilling’s stats (detail in the bio section) were strong enough to garner him 70 percent support in 2020 and 71.1 percent last year.  It does appear his political and social views and the manner in which he expresses them have been obstacles in his path to the Hall.  He didn’t do himself any favors by requesting to be removed from the ballot and indicating he would “not allow a group of morally bankrupt frauds another year to lie about my life.”   The Hall denied his request and BBRT believes this could go one of three ways: 1) The BBWAA voters could see Schilling’s outburst as just “Curt being Curt” and the traditional final-year boost could put him in the Hall; 2) Reverse psychology could kick in and the BBWAA voters could call Schilling’s bluff and elect him (if only to see how he reacts); 3) The BBWAA voters could choose to deny Schilling one more time for past reasons and/or his more recent request and criticism.  I’m betting on option three and a slight decline in Schilling’s support.

3. (tie) Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens. Bonds and Clemens – both in their tenth and final year on the ballot – each tracked at just shy of 62 percent in last year’s voting.  While they clearly have Hall of Fame numbers, the PED-specter has shaped their candidacies. The question for 2022 is whether an adequate number of  BBWAA voters think the pair have been punished enough and are ready to add their support.  I anticipate both Bonds and Clemens falling just shy of 70 percent, and the BBWAA passing this issue on to the ERA ( Veterans) Committee (where Bonds and Clemens will eventually gain induction). If the writers are ready to “forget and forgive,” we could see a 2022 calls to Bonds and Clemens.

5. Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez clearly has Hall of Fame on-the-field numbers (see bio section), but like Bonds and Clemens is carrying PED “baggage” into his HOF candidacy.  I would have put A-Rod into a tie with Bonds and Clemens except that I am not convinced the BBWAA will want to make a player who has served a one-year suspension a first-ballot inductee. Rodriguez, however, ha s worked to restore his reputation and 55-60 percent support in year one would not surprise me.

Let’s move on to BBRT’s hypothetical – if I had one –  ballot and bios of the players I would vote for; followed by a look at the remainder of the 2021 candidates.

Side note: You will not find those most clearly caught up in the PED-controversy on my ballot. While I think the best of them will eventually be elected/inducted, if I had a ballot, I’d prefer they made the 75 percent without my vote.  As I noted in my predictions, I think it’s likely the BBWAA will “punt” on these players and “kick the ball”down the road to the Era Committee.  

So, here is BBRT’s Hall of Fame Ballot – again, if I had one – with the players listed in BBRT’s order of preference.

— PLAYERS WHO WOULD GET BBRT’S VOTE —

David Ortiz – Designated Hitter/First Base, 1992-2016 … First year on the ballot.

MLB Commissioners  Rob Manfred’s comments about the possible inaccuracy of David Ortiz’s 2003 PED test, MLB’s assurance that  the 2003 “survey” test would not result in disciplinary action and the fact that Ortiz did not test positive after 2003 put Ortiz (at least in Baseball Roundtable’s view) in a different position than a number of other candidates painted by the PED brush. So, let’s look at his HOF resume.  In 20 MLB seasons, Ortiz put up a .286-541-1,768 stat line. Career-wise, he ranks in the  MLB top fifty (among players with a qualifying number of plate appearances) all-time in home runs(17th); RBI (23rd); doubles (623-12th); (extra-base hits-1,192-eighth); total bases (4,765-32nd); slugging percentage (.552-26th); walks (1,319-41st); and intentional walks (209-16th). Ortiz collected 2,72 base hits, hitting .300 or better in six qualifying seasons

The ten-time All Star led the AL in home runs once (54 in 2006) and hit 30 or more long balls in nine campaigns; led in RBI twice and topped 100 in nine seasons; led the league in total bases once; and on-base and slugging percentage once each.  Ortiz played in 85 post-season games (.289-17-61) and was the MVP of the 2004 AL Championship Series and 2013 World Series).  With the Red Sox, he built a reputation as a team leader, clutch hitter and ambassador for baseball and Boston.

In his final season as a player (2016), the 40-year-old David Ortiz hit .315, with 38 home runs and league-leading 127 RBI. He led MLB in doubles (48); extra-base hits (87); and slugging percentage at .620.

Ortiz played for  played for the Twins  (1997-2002) and Red Sox (2003-2016).

David Ortiz’ Best Season: With the Red Sox in 2006, Ortiz hit .287, leading the league in home runs (54); RBI (137); walks (119); and total bases (355). He also scored 115 runs that campaign.

Ortiz has the numbers to earn a place in the HOF. Still, in his first year on the ballot, PED suspicions (whether warranted or not) and the fact that he spent the bulk of his time as a DH may work against him.  Still, he’d gets BBRT’s vote and should eventually make the Hall (perhaps even this year).

Jeff Kent – (Second Base/Third Base/First Base, 1992-2008) …  Ninth year on the ballot, 32.4 percent last year.

BBRT has long believed Jeff Kent is a deserving candidate, but he has not been getting much support from the writers.  Kent holds the all-time MLB record for home runs by a second baseman (351 of his 377 career round trippers were hit while in the lineup at second base). He has a healthy .290 career batting average; his 1,518 RBI are 54th all time; and his 560 doubles 30th.  His 984 extra base hits are 43^rd all-time.

Kent was a five-time All Star and the 2000 NL MVP.  As primarily a middle infielder, he hit 20 or more home runs in 12 seasons (a high of 37 in 2007) at a time when middle infielders were not especially known for power. Kent topped 100 RBI eight times. He hit .276, with nine home runs and 23 RBI in 49 post-season games.

Running with the Big Boys …

Jeff Kent has more career runs batted in (1,509 in 17 seasons) than such noted Hall of Famers (who played a comparable number of seasons) as Mickey Mantle (1,508 in 18 seasons), Billy Williams (1,475 in 18 seasons), Eddie Mathews 1,453 in 17 seasons), Duke Snider (1,333 in 18 seasons) and Orlando Cepeda (1,365 in 17 seasons). Not bad for a middle infielder.

Kent played for the Blue Jays (1992), Mets (1992-1996), Indians (1996), Giants (1997-2002), Astros (2003-2004) and Dodgers (2005-2008).

Jeff Kent’s Best Season: With the Giants in 2000, Kent put up these stats – 159 games; 196 hits; .334 average; 33 home runs; 125 RBI; 114 runs; 12 steals. His performance earned him the NL MVP Award.

Kent has the credentials, but BBRT expects the writers will keep him on the bench – a couple of Gold Gloves, at this traditionally defense-oriented position, would have really helped his case.  In BBRT’s opinion, this is a true HOF “snub.”

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Todd Helton – (First Base, 1997-2013) … Fourth year on the ballot, 44.9 percent last year.

Todd Helton moved from 16.5 percent to 29.2 percent to 44.9 percent over his first three years on the ballot. I expect he will continue to gain ground and would not be surprised to see hims climb to between 55 and 60 percent this year. Still, he is hampered by the fact that he spent his entire 17-year career with the Rockies (playing half his games in hitter-friendly Coors field).  Helton, who put up a .316 career average, hit .345 at home and .287 on the road. Despite that home/road split, Helton’s body of work deserves HOF consideration.

Helton was a five-time All Star, three-time Gold Glover and four-time Silver Slugger. He hit over .300 in 12 seasons – and won the NL batting crown in 2000 with a .372 average. His 59 doubles that season are the seventh-most all-time. Helton drove in 100 or more runs in five seasons and scored in triple figures six times. His 1,335 walks (37th all-time) indicate the respect he earned at the plate.  Helton also ranks fifth in games played at first base, second in career assists at the position, 13th in putouts and third in double plays.

The Denver 400

Todd Helton is one of only 18 players to reach 400 or more total bases in a season – and one of only seven players to have multiple 400+ total base campaigns. He is also the only player to collect 100 extra-base hits in two consecutive seasons (2000-2001).

Todd Helton’s Best Season: In 2000, Helton won the NL batting crown with a .372 average – and also led the league in base hits (216), doubles (59), RBI (147), on-base percentage (.463), slugging percentage (.698) and total bases (405).  He also scored 138 runs and hit 42 home runs.

Helton will continue to move up in support – he’s just not likely to overcome the Coors Field-bias in the short-term future.  He gets BBRT’s vote (as he has in the past).

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Omar Vizquel – (Shortstop/Third Base, 1989-2012) … Fifth year on the ballot, 49.1 percent last year.

Omar Vizquel got off to a good start toward a HOF plaque, grabbing 37 percent support on his first-ballot year, moving up to 42.8 percent in his second year and 52.6 percent in his third year.  His support appears to have plateaued, dropping to 49.1 percent in 2021.  Vizquel once again earns BBRT’s vote. If he does eventually make it into the HOF it will be more with his glove (eleven Gold Gloves) than his bat.  However, voters should be mindful of the fact that he finished his 24-season MLB career just 123 hits short of that milestone 3,000 safeties.

Vizquel delivered premier defense to the Mariners (1989-1993), Indians (1994-2004), Giants (2005-2008), Rangers (2009), White Sox (2010-2011) and Blue Jays (2012). He was a three-time All Star – and put together a string of nine straight Gold Gloves at shortstop (1993-2001).

Sacrificing for the Team

Omar Vizquel led his league in sacrifice bunts four times.

In the field, Vizquel has the highest career fielding percentage (.9847) among shortstops with at least 500 games at the position.  Vizquel is also the all-time leader among shortstops in double plays (1,734), ranks third at the position for career assists and 11th in putouts. He shares the record (with Cal Ripken, Jr.) for the fewest errors by a shortstop in a season of at least 150 games played (three).

On offense, Vizquel put up a serviceable .272 career average, with 80 home runs, 951 RBI and 1,445 runs scored. The 1,445 runs put him in the top 100 players all-time (83rd); while his 2,877 hits put him in the top 50 (44th and fourth all-time among switch-hitters). He also swiped 404 bases – topping twenty steals eight times (a high of 42 in 1999) – putting him at number-72 on the all-time list. Vizquel played in 57 post-season games, hitting .250-0-20.

Omar Vizquel’s Best Season: In 1999, with the Indians, Vizquel hit a surprising .333, with five home runs, 66 RBI, 112 runs scored and 42 stolen bases – and, of course, won a Gold Glove at shortstop.

Vizquel would get BBRT’s vote, but the BBWAA likely will make him wait.  I do feel, given this year’s ballot, he will improve on his 49.1 percent showing of a year ago.

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Billy Wagner – (LHP 1995-2010) … Eighth year on the ballot, 46.4 percent last year.

Billy Wagner made a nice  jump in support last year – going from 31.7 percent to 46.4 percent.  While he could (should) continue to make progress, each incremental point will likely get harder as he moves up the ladder.  Wagner played for the Astros (1995-2003), Phillies (2004-2005), Mets (2006-2009), Red Sox (2009) and Braves (2010). Wagner was a seven-time All Star, who amassed 422 saves (sixth all-time) in a 16-season MLB career.  He had nine seasons of 30 or more saves; a career ERA of 2.31; 1,196 career strikeouts in 903 innings; and 47-40 won-lost record.

Whiff-and-Poof

In 1992, playing for Ferrum College, Billy Wagner set an NCAA record for strikeouts per nine innings in a season at 19.3.

Billy Wagner’s Best Season: In 2003, Wagner went 1-4, 1.78 for the Astros, saving 44 games and fanning 105 batters in 86 innings.

BBWAA voters have been very demanding of relievers (although the recent induction of Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman may be a good sign – but they, of course, both had 600+ saves). It also helps that Lee Smith (478 saves) was elected by the Today’s Game Committee in 2019.  BBRT thinks Wagner belongs in the Hall (based on his 400+ saves) – and hopes that momentum continues to build, but 75 percent is still a long way off.  I’d like to see Wagner at least jump past the 50 percent mark.  He gets my vote.

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Andy Pettitte – (LHP/Starter, 1995-2010, 2012-13) … Fourth year on the ballot, 13.7 percent last year.

I had to think for a while on this one (and will probably get some push back from readers), largely because a major part of Andy Pettitte’s HOF resume was achieved in the post-season and there was some PED-controversey surrounding Pettitte.  (Note: Pettitte admitted to using HGH while recovering from elbow surgery – a couple of years before the substance was banned.  He took responsibility and apologized.)

Pettitte holds the MLB post-season marks for most wins (19 … versus 11 losses), innings pitched (276 2/3) and games started (44). His post-season accomplishments include a 3.81 career ERA, 183 strikeouts (fourth all-time) and the 2001 American League Championship series MVP Award.

Pettitte, however, was no slouch in the regular season (Yankees – 1995-2003, 2007-2010, 2012-13) and Astros (2004-06).  He finished with 256 wins (153 losses) and a 3.85 ERA. His 256 victories puts him in the top 50 all time (42nd). Pettitte won 20 games in two seasons and 14 or more games 12 times – leading the AL with 21 wins in 1996. The three-time All Star struck out 2,448 batters (46th all-time) in 2,316 innings.

Ready, Willing and Able …

Andy Pettitte started 30 or more games in a season 12 times, leading his league three times (1997, 2006, 2007.)

Pettitte’s post-season numbers, plus 256 regular-season victories and the fact that he had 100+ more career wins than losses secure BBRT’s vote. He still has a long way to go with the BBWAA voters, however.

Andy Pettitte’s Best Season: In 1997, following a 21-8 campaign in 1996, Pettitte went 18-7, with a 2.88 ERA (fourth-best in the AL), leading the league in starts with 35, finishing third in innings pitched (240 1/3) and eighth in strikeouts (166).

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Bobby Abreu – (OF, 1996-2012, 2014) … Third  Year on the ballot, 8.7 percent one year ago.

A solid .291 career hitter (2,470 base hits), Abreu hit .300 or better in six seasons. He hit 20 or more round trippers in 10 campaigns, stole 20 or more bases 12 times (a high of 40 in 2004), drove in 100 or more runs eight times and scored at least 100 runs eight times.   Abreu also walked 1,476 times – including 100 or more free passes in eight straight seasons (1999-2006).

In the Top 50 … 

Bobby Abreu’s 1,476 walks are 20th all-time; his 574 doubles are 25th; his putouts as a RF are 12th; and his assists as a RF 28th. 

Abreu played for the Astros (1996-97, Phillies (1999-2006), Yankees (2006-2008), Angels (2009-1012), Dodgers (2012) and Mets (2014).

In 20 post-season games, Abreu went 19-for-67 (.284), with one home runs and nine RBI.

Bobby Abreu’s Best Season: In 2004, as a Phillie, Abreu hit .301, with 30 home runs and 40 steals. An All Star that season, he also drove in 105 runs and scored 118.

Abreu’s 400 steals are an HOF plus, as his 30-40 season in 2004 and his eight campaigns with 100 or more RBI.  Had he reached 300 home runs; it would have really boosted his status with the writers.  He’s also hurt by the fact that he only made two All Star teams in his 18 seasons.  Still, I have votes left and his body of work earns one of them.

Ryan Howard – (1B, 2204-2016) … First year on the ballot.

Let’s call this my “Sandy Koufax” vote.  Do I expect Ryan Howard to make the Hall of Fame? That’s a bit of a long shot.  Still, I would be inclined to cast a vote to help keep him on the ballot.  The “Koufax Connection?”  Hall of Famer Koufax was elected to the Hall with only 165 victories in a 12-season MLB career sadly cut short by arm issues. If you look at Koufax’ record, he was 36-40, 4.10 over his first six seasons and 129-47, 2.19 over his final six.  (Did you know that Tommy John had just one fewer victory after his 1974 TJ Surgery – at age 31 –  than Koufax had in his career?)

Did Ryan Howard have a period of dominance as great as Koufax (three Cy Young Awards in four seasons)? No, but like Koufax, Howard had several seasons of domination in a career derailed by injury. (Unlike Koufax, Howard’s HOF-worthy seasons came early in his career (he was able to play on after a series of injuries).

In 2005, Howard was the National League Rookie of the Year, hitting .288, with 22 home runs and 63 RBI in just 88 games. Then, from 2005 to 2011, Howard continued as one of the most feared hitters in the National League – and seemed on his way to a sure Hall of Fame career. Over those six seasons, he averaged .274, with 44 home runs, 133 RBI and 96 runs scored per campaign. (If you look at the first four of those seasons, he averaged .278-50-143, with 102 runs scored.)  He was the National League MVP in 2006 and finished in the top five in NL MVP voting four times in six seasons. Then injuries began to take a toll – Achilles tendon in the 2011 NLDS (surgery); fractured big toe in 2012; torn meniscus (2013).In his final five seasons, he averaged .226, with 19 home runs and 66 RBI per campaign).  Sort of Koufax in reverse.

For his career (12 seasons), Howard went .258-382-1,194.  He led his league in home runs twice (hitting 45 or more four times); RBI three times, topping 100 six times and 135 four times; and total  bases once, exceeding 300 four times. He also scored more than 100 runs in three seasons.

Ryan Howard reached 100 home runs in fewer career games than any other MLB player (325).

Howard played his entire career for the Phillies.

Ryan Howard’s Best Season: In 2006, Howard hit .313 and led MLB in home runs (58) and RBI (149) and total bases (383) – earning the NL MVP Award.

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So, with BBRT’s unofficial ballot covered, let’s look at the remainder of candidates – in alphabetical order.  Note: Here you will find a host of players with solid (but perhaps not HOF-level) career numbers and accomplishments – as well as a few that remain on the sidelines for other reasons.

—–THE REST OF THE BALLOT—–

Barry Bonds – (Outfield, 1986-2007) … Tenth (final) year on the ballot, 61.8 percent a year ago.

Barry Bonds played for the Pirates (1986-1992) and the Giants (1993-2007). There is no doubt about Bond’s credentials – .298 average, 2,935 hits, MLB-record 762 home runs, 1,996 RBI, MLB-record 2,558 walks. He was also a 14-time All Star; 12-time Silver Slugger Award winner; his league’s MVP a record seven times; and an eight-time Gold Glove winner.  In 2001, Bonds hit .328, with an MLB-record 73 home runs and 177 RBI.  He drove in 100 or more runs 12 times and also scored 100 or more runs in a dozen seasons.  And, I could go on and on.

Base Open?  Makes Sense to Me …

Barry Bonds drew an MLB-record 688 intentional walks in his career. Second place?  Albert Pujols, with 32. In 2004 alone, Bonds drew a record 120 intentional passes. He led his league in IBB 12 times.

Still, there are there is that pesky PED-controversey – an elephant in the room (and on the ballot) that I think will keep Bonds out of the Hall for now (there is the Era Committee in the future).

Barry Bonds’ Best Season: In 2001, Bonds crushed an all-time record 73 home runs, while hitting .328, driving in 137 runs, scoring 129 – all while drawing 177 walks.

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Mark Buehrle – (LHP, 2000-15) …. Second year on the ballot, 11 percent last year. 

Mark Buehrle pitched in 15 MLB campaigns – White Sox (2000-11), Marlins (2012), Blue Jays (2013-15) – and threw 200 or more innings in all but his rookie and final seasons. Buehrle was a five-time All Star and put up a 214-160, 3.81 record, with 1,870 strikeouts in 3,283 1/3 innings. He twice led his league in starts and twice topped his league in innings pitched. He won ten or more games in 15 consecutive seasons and six times won 15 or more.  Buehrle also four Gold Glove Awards.

Near-Perfect and Perfect

Mark Buehrle’s HOF resume is bolstered by a no-hitter tossed on April 18, 2007 – when his White Sox topped the Rangers 7-0 and Buehrle faced the minimum 27 batters.  The only Texas’ base runner came on a fifth inning, one-out walk to Sammy Sosa, whom Buehrle then picked off first base.  Buehrle notched eight strikeouts in the game, which was so-o-o very close to a “perfecto.”

Buehrle got his perfect game two years later (July 23, m 2009), when he recorded a clean slate in a 5-0 ChiSox win over the Rays.  He fanned six in that one.

Mark Buehrle’s Best Season:  In 2005, Buehrle went 16-8, 3.12 for the White Sox.

If he had 250 wins to go with the no-hitter, perfect game and four Gold Gloves, Buehrle would have had my vote.  With just 214 wins, no Cy Young Award and no 20-win season, he’s short of what BBRT looks for in a Hall of Fame candidate. .

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Roger Clemens – (RHP, 1984-2007) … Tenth (final) year on the ballot, 61.6 percent last year.

Roger Clemens pitched in 24 MLB seasons; for the Red Sox (1984-1996), Blue Jays (1997-1998), Yankees (1999-2003, 2007) and Astros (2004-2006).  Clemens has Hall-worthy stats:  354 wins (ninth all-time), 4,672 strikeouts (third all-time), an MLB-record seven Cy Young Awards and the 1986 AL MVP Award. The eleven-time All Star was a five-time 20-game winner (led the league in wins four times), seven-time ERA leader, five-time league leader in strikeouts and six-time leader in shutouts.  He won the AL pitching Triple Crown (Wins/ERA/Strikeouts) three times.  Clemens also has 12 post-season wins, with 173 strikeouts in 199 post-season innings.

Grab Some Bench, Buddy

Roger Clemens shares the record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game (20) with Kerry Wood and Max Scherzer. Clemens is the only pitcher to achieve 20 whiffs in a nine-inning game twice.

Roger Clemens’ Best Season: Lots to choose from here. Like 21-6, 1.93 in 1990 – or 1987, with a 20-9 record, 2.97 ERA, 18 complete games and seven shutouts.  I take 1986. Clemens went 24-4. 2.48 and won both the Cy Young (his first) and AL MVP Awards for the Red Sox.  He led the AL in wins, winning percentage (.857) and earned run average. He was fifth in innings pitched (254) and second in strikeouts (238).

Yes, he’s got the numbers (those listed and more), but the PED controversy seems to stand between him and the Hall.  If the writers don’t vote him in this year, it’s likely the Era Committee will do it in the future.  If the writers relent, I’d look for Bonds to join Clemens.  I anticipate Clemens candidacy will pass on to the Era Committee.

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Carl Crawford – (OF. 2002-2016) … First year on the ballot.

Carl Crawford was considered on the the fastest – if not the fastest – players on the base paths in his peak years. In his first five full MLB seasons, he led the AL in steals four times averaging  53.6 thefts per season.  His career total of 480 steals ranks 43rd all-time.   Crawford also led the AL in triples four times and was a solid contact hitter (.290 career average and six seasons of .300 or better). He collected 1,931 hits, belted 136 home runs (a high of 19 in 2010) and scored 998 runs (100+ in three seasons) in 1,716 career games. Crawford was a four-time All Star and one-time Gold Glover. He ranks 15th all-time in putouts as a left fielder (3,182) and led his league in LF putouts four times.

MVP-MVP

Carl Crawford was the MVP of the 2009 MLB All Star Game, after robbing Brad Hawpe of a go-ahead home run in the seventh inning of a 4-3 AL win. A reserve, he also went one-for-three at the plate.

Crawford played for the Rays (2002-10), Red Sox (2011-12) and Dodgers (2013-16),

Carl Crawford Best Season:  In 2007, Crawford hit a career-high .315, with 11 home runs, 80 RBI, 93 runs scored and 50 stolen bases.

The 480 steals and .290 average should get him enough support to stay on the ballot for 2023.  More than one Gold Glove would have helped his ultimate case for the Hall.

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Prince Fielder – (First Base, 2005-16) … First year on the ballot. 

Prince Fielder was a power hitter (319 home runs), who could make contact (.283 career average – .290 or better in four seasons). He was also a workhorse, leading the league in games played four times and averaging 160 games per season from 2006 through 2013. Fielder led the league in home runs once (with 50 in 2007) and hit 30 or more home runs in six seasons).  The six-time All Star had 1,028 career RBI, leading the NL with 141 for the Brewers in 2009 and topping 100 RBI in six campaigns. He also led the AL in walks once and intentional walks twice,  Fielder played for the Brewers (20005-2011); Tigers (2009-13) and Rangers (2014-16).

It’s in the Genes

Prince Fielder and his father Cecil Fielder each hit exactly 319 regular-season home runs in their careers and each reached 50 home runs in one season – Cecil with 51 in 1990 and Prince with 50 in 2007).

Prince Fielder’s Best Season: Baseball Roundtable is looking at two possibilities here. In 2007, Fielder went .288-50-119, with 109 runs scored; while in 2009, he went .299-46-141, with 103 runs scored. As they say, six of one, half dozen of the other.

Fielder’s 50-HR seasons, 319 career long balls, coupled with the fact that he maintained a .283 average should get him enough support to stay on the ballot another year.  Perhaps in the 10 percent range.

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Tim Hudson, – (RHP.  1999-2015) … Second year on the ballot, 5.2 percent last year. 

Tm Hudson pitched in 17 MLB seasons: A; s (1999-2004), Braves (2005-2013); and Giants (2014-15). He was a four-time All Star – making the All Star squad with the A’s, Braves and Giants.  Hudson’s career mark was 222-133, 3.49, with 2,080 strikeouts in 3,126 2/3 innings pitched.  He won 15 or more games in a season eight times, leading the AL in wins with 20 in 2000, his second MLB season. He led his league in games started twice, nine times starting 30+ games, and in shutouts twice.

A Two-way Player …

In 1997, Tim Hudson played in 65 games for Auburn University.  As a pitcher he went 15-2, 2.97 and, as a hitter, he went .396-18-95. Appropriately, he was named SEC Player of the Year and was a consensus All-American. (He was also named All-SEC at both pitcher and outfield.)

Tim Hudson’s Best Season:  In 2000, with the A’s,  Hudson went 20-6, 4.14, leading the AL in wins and winning percentage (.769).  Also, in the running is 2001, when he went 18-9, with a 34.37 ERA.

Nearly 100 more wins than losses deserve recognition, but it doesn’t seem  likely Hudson will gain any traction this year – and may even fall off the ballot.

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Torii Hunter – (OF, 1997-2015) … Second year on the ballot, 9.5 percent lat year. 

Torii Hunter played 19 MLB seasons, suiting up for the Twins (1997-2007, 2015), Angels (2008-12) and Tigers 2013-14). He was a five-time All Star, and nine-time Gold Glover. For his career, Hunter hit .277 (2,452 hits), with 353 home runs, 1,391 RBI, 1,296 runs scored and 195 stolen bases. He hit 20+ home runs in 11 seasons, drove in 100+ runs twice and stole 20+ bases in three campaigns. Hunter hit .274-4-20 in 48 post-season games. Hunter led his league in CF assists three times, CF putouts once and double plays turned out of CF four times. He also led his league’s right fielders in putouts, assists and double plays once each.

Spider-Man

Torii Hunter earned the nicknamed spider-man for his outstanding outfield play.

Torii Hunter’s Best Season:  In 2007 (Twins), Hunter hit .287, with 28 home runs, 107 RBI, 94 runs scored and 18 steals (and won his seventh straight Gold Glove) – although he can look back on at least four seasons with very similar numbers.

If I was going to add another player to my ballot, it would probably be Hunter. Nine Gold Gloves, five All Star selections and 353 home runs represent some pretty good credentials.  What may hurt Hunter is his consistency.  He could have used a couple of standout/spectacular/memorable seasons mixed in with all those very good campaigns that fans came to expect. He should stay on the ballot for 2023.

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Andruw Jones – (CF 1996-2012 )…. Fifth Year on the ballot, 33.9 percent last year.

Andruw Jones played for the Braves (1996-2007), Dodgers (2008), Rangers (2009), White Sox (2010) and Yankees (2011-2012). In a 17-season career – primarily patrolling centerfield – he won ten Gold Gloves (consecutively, 1998-2007). At the plate, he hit .254, with 434 home runs (48th all time), 1,289 RBI and 1,204 runs scored. He topped 25 home runs in ten seasons (six over thirty and a league-leading and career-high of 51 in 2005). He scored 100 or more runs four times, drove in 100+ five times and stole twenty or more bases in a season four times.  Jones appeared in 76 post-season games, hitting .273, with ten home runs and 34 RBI.

On the Big Stage ,,,

In the 1996 World Series, Andruw Jones – just 19-years-old – hit .400 (8-for-20) with two home runs and six RBI, becoming the youngest player to go yard in the Fall Classic.

Andrew Jones’ Best Season: In 2005, Jones hit only .263, but led the NL in home runs (51) and RBI (128) – finishing second in the MVP voting to Albert Pujols (.330-41-117).

Jones’ ten Gold Gloves  and 51-home run season work in his favor, but – over the long haul – that .254 average (he only hit .300 or better once and over .270 only four times) dampen his HOF chances.  Still, he moved from 19.4 percent two years ago to 33.9 percent lat year, so he may climb a bit further before plateauing.

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Tim Lincecum – (RHP, 2007-16) … First year on the ballot.

Tim Lincecum won 110 and lost 89, with a 3.74 earned run average, over ten MLB seasons (2007-15, Giants & 2016, Dodgers), which, on the surface, are not HOF numbers.  Still, he won consecutive Cy Young Awards (2008-09), was a four-time All Star and led the NL in strikeouts three times (2008-2010), complete games and shutouts once.  He also led the league in strikeouts per nine innings three times, fanned at least one batter per inning in six seasons and whiffed 1,736 batters in 1682 career innings. He also performed well in the post season (5-2, 2.40 in 13 post-season appearances( six starts) – with 65 strikeouts in 56 1/3 innings. So, he deserves a serious look.

Tim Lincecum’s Best Season: In 2008, Lincecum went 18-5 for the Giants, with a 2.62 ERA (second in the NL) and a league leading winning percentage (.783) and strikeout total (265).

The victory total is likely to keep Lincecum out of the Hall, but a pair of Cy Youngs and a 9.3 career strikeout-to-walk ratio make him worthy of consideration. He’ll need support from West Coast writers to stay on the ballot.

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Justin Morneau – (1B, 2003-2016) … First year on the ballot.

Justin Morneau hit .281 (1,603 hits), with 247 home runs and 985 RBI over 14 MLB seasons (2003-2013, Twins ,,, 2013, Pirates … 2014-15, Rockies … 2016, White Sox.)  He was a four-time All Star, the 2006 AL MVP (Twins);  and the 2014 NL batting champion (.319, Rockies). Morneau hit 30 or more homers in three seasons and drove in 100+ runs four times. He also hit .302-2-4 in 13 post-season games.

Justin Morneau’s Best Season: In his 2006 MVP season, Morneau hit .321, with 34 home runs and 130 RBI.

Morneau could have used some benchmark numbers – 300 home runs, 1,000 RBI – to ensure at least 5 percent in this first year on the ballot.

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Joe Nathan – (RHP, 1999-2000, 2002-2009, 2011-2016) … First year on the ballot. 

Joe Nathan, who started his MLB career as a starter (29-starts in 39 appearances for the Giants in 1999-2000), made a name for himself as a closer (377 career saves – eighth all-time).  Nathan’s career took off after a trade to the Twins. For the Giants from 1999-2003, he was 24-10, 4.12 with one save.  As a Twin, from 2004 to 2009, he was 22-12, 1.87, with 246 saves – topping 35 saves for six straight seasons (three of those over 40). Nathan had Tommy J0hn surgery in 2010 – missing the entire season. He came back to record 129 saves (Twins/Tigers) from 2011 through 2014 – with 35 or more saves in three of those four campaigns.  For his career, Nathan was 64-34, with 377 saves and a 2.87 ERA. He was a six-time All Star and, while he never led the league in saves, he finished in the top five seven times. He recorded and ERA under 2.00 in five seasons (in which he pitched at least 50 innings) and fanned 11 or more batters per nine innings in four.

Joe Nathan’s Best Season:  In 2006, Nathan went 7-0, with 36 saves, a 1.58 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 68 1/3 innings.

Hall of Fame voters were not very kind to relievers for many year (although that has changed recently). Being eighth all-time in saves may keep Nathan on the ballot for next year.  Leading the league in saves a time or two would certainly have helped his case.

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Jonathan Papelbon … (RHP, 2005-16) … First year on the ballot.

Jonathan Papelbon’s 368 career saves place him tenth all-time.   He was a steady and reliable closer who never  led is league in saves, but recorded eight seasons of at least 35 saves between 2006-14.  In that  nine-season span, he put up a 2.35 ERA and averaged and 36.1 saves per year. Papelbon was a six-time All Star. His final stat line was 41-36, with 368 saves, a 2.44 ERA and 808 strikeouts in 724 2/3 innings pitched  He averaged ten whiffs per nine innings for his career and six times fanned more than ten batters per nine frames.  He finished in the top five in his league in saves five times..  He also pitched well in the post season, 2-1, 1.00, with seven saves in 18 appearances, including three saves in the 2007 World Series.

Papelbon pitched for the Red Sox (2005-11), Phillies (2012-15) and Nationals (2015-16).

Jonathan Papelbon’s Bets Season: In 2009, Papelbon was 1-1, with a 1.85 ERA and 38 saves.  He fanned 76 batters in 68 innings.

Like Nathan above, a couple of years leading the league in saves would have helped Papelbon’s case.

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Jake Peavy … (RHP, 2002-16) … First year on the ballot.

In 15 MLB seasons Jake Peavy went 152-126, with a 3.63 ERA. He was the 2007 NL Cy Young Award winner, when he went 19-7, 2.54 for the Padres. Peavy was a two-time All Star and a one-time Gold Glove winner. Peavy led the NL in strikeouts and earned run average twice each and in victories once.  He also led his league in strikeouts per nine innings (among qualifiers) twice.

Peavy pitched for the Padres (2002-2009); White Sox (2013); Red Sox (2013-2014);and Giants (2014-16).

Jake Peavy’s Best Season: In 2007, Peavey led the NL in wins with 19 (six losses); ERA (2.54); and strikeouts (240 in 223 1/3 innings. ) – capturing the NL Cy Young Award.

Peavy does have a CYA on his resume, but the fact that he won 15 or more games in just just two seasons may see him dropped from the ballot.

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A.J. Pierzynski – (C, 1998-2016) … First year on the ballot.

A.J. Pierzynski has a better case for the Hall than you might expect.  After all, he is only one of ten players to play at least half their games at catcher and collect 2.000 hits (and also one of just nine catchers  to collect 2,000 hits and 3,000 total bases). For his 19-season MLB career, Pierzynski (known as a fierce, if annoying, competitor), hit .280 (2,043 hits), with 188 home runs. 909 RBI, 807 run scored and 3,062 total bases. He hit .300 or better in four qualifying seasons, had four seasons of 15+home runs (a high of 27 in 2012). He was a two-time All Star. He appeared behind the plate in 1,936 of  of his 2.059 games. A workhorse who came to play, Pierzynski  started 100 or more games at catcher in 14 seasons.

Pierzynski played for the Twins (1998-2003); Giants (2004); White Sox (2007-12); Rangers (2013); Red Sox (2014); Cardinals (2014); and Braves (2015-16).

A.J. Pierzynski played 1,936 MLB games at catcher – ninth all-time. 

A.J. Pierzynski’s Best Season: In 2012 (White Sox), Pierzynski hit .278, with 27 home runs, 77 RBI and 68 runs scored in 135 games.

Not enough here to win a ticket to the Hall (a few Gold Gloves would have helped), but I’d like to see Pierzynski stay on the ballot for 2023. (Although I am not confident that will happen.)

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Manny Ramirez – (Outfield, 1993-2011) – Sixth year on the ballot, 28.2 percent last year.

Manny Ramirez played 19 MLB seasons, collecting 2,574 hits, a .312 batting average, 555 home runs (15th all-time) and 1,831 RBI (19th all-time). Ramirez was a 12-time All Star and led the AL in average (2002), home runs (2004) and RBI (1999) once each.  Ramirez won nine Silver Slugger Awards, including eight consecutive (1999-2006), hit .285 with 29 home runs in 111 post-season games and was the 2004 World Series MVP.  He hit 30 or more home runs in twelve seasons (five of 40+), scored 100 or more runs six times, hit .300 or better in 11 seasons and topped 100 RBI 12 times.

It’s Post Time …

Manny Ramirez’ 29 post-season home runs are first all-time, while his 78 post-season RBI rank second. In addition, he is the all-time post-season leader in walks (72, tied with Chipper Jones) and ranks third in post-season hits (117) and fourth runs scored (67).

Ramirez clearly put up HOF-caliber numbers, but two PED-related suspensions continue to hurt his chances.  (He seems to have plateaued at around 30 percent support.) He’ll be back for another shot, but he’s got a long way to do. Ramirez played for the Indians (1993-2000), Red Sox (2001-2008), Dodgers 2009-2010) and Rays (2011).

Manny Ramirez’ Best Season: In 1999, with Cleveland, Ramirez hit .333, with 44 home runs and 165 RBI (14th-most in a season all-time) in 140 games.

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Alex Rodriguez – (SS/3B, 1994-2013, 2015-16) … First year on the ballot.

Alex Rodriguez played 2,784 games over 22 MLB seasons.  He hit .295, with 3,115 hits (22nd all-time); 2,021 runs scored (sixth); 696 home runs (fourth) and 2,086 RBI (fourth).  He is also among MLB’s top 50 in total bases (seventh); doubles (33rd); walks (36th); and extra-base hits (seventh).

Rodriguez was a three-time league MVP, 14-time All Star and two-time Gold Glover.  He led his league in home runs five times and hit 30 or more long balls 14 times (with a high of 57 in 2002). He led his league in runs scored five times (with 100 or more in 13 seasons); led the league in RBI twice, (with 100 or more in 14 seasons and a high of 156 in 2007).  He also led the league in hits once; doubles once; average once (.358 in 1996); and total bases four times.

Rodriguez played for the Mariners (1994-2000). Rangers (2001-2003); and Yankees (2004-13 & 2014–16).

Alex Rodriguez’ Best Season:  So many to choose from here. Let’s go with his 2007 MVP seasons (Yankees), when he hit .314; led MLB in runs scored (143), home runs (54) and  RBI (156); and led the AL in slugging percentage (.645) and total bases (376).

A-Rod’s number belong in the Hall, but I think his 2014 full-year PED-related suspension will keep him on the outside looking in for now.  When the PED dam finally cracks (most likely  first through ERA Committee voting), Rodriguez should find his way intro the Hall.  Right now, he has ten years for the voters to change their minds.

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Scott Rolen – (Third Base, 1996-2012) … Fifth year on the ballot, 52.9 percent last year.

Scott Rolen played for the Phillies (1996-2002), Cardinals (2002-2007), Blue Jays (2008-2009) and Reds (2009-2012). The seven-time All Star (including in two of his final three seasons) flashed leather and lumber, collecting eight Gold Gloves and rapping 316 home runs. He finished with a .281 average, 316 home runs, 1,287 RBI, 1,211 runs scored and 188 stolen bases. Rolen hit 25 or more home runs seven times, with a high of 34 in 2005.  He also put up five 100+ RBI seasons, scored 100+ runs in two campaigns and reached double digits in steals five times.

Off to a Good Start …

Scott Rolen was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1997 (.283-21-92, with 16 steals).

Scott Rolen’s Best Season: In 2004, with the Cardinals, Rolen hit career highs in average, home runs and RBI (.314-34-124) and won a Gold Glove.

Those Gold Gloves should keep Rolen on the ballot.   If only he had reached 200 steals, hit 400 home runs or led the league in one of the major offensive categories.  Still, last year, he moved from 35.3 percent to 52.9 percent – so there is till time. He could reach 60 percent this year.

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Jimmy Rollins – SS, 2000-2016) … First year on the ballot. 

Jimmy Rollins was a three-time All Star, four-time Gold Glover – and the 2007 NL MVP.  Over a 17-season MLB career , he hit .264-231-936, with 2,455 hits (115th all-time), 470 steals (46th) and 1,421 runs scored (88th). He led the league in triples four times (topping double-digits in five seasons) and stolen bases  once (reaching 30 or more in ten seasons). He also led the NL in runs scored once, and scored 100 or more runs in six campaigns. He ranks 46th all-time in putouts at shortstop, 20th in assists and 12th in double plays. He was truly an ‘everyday” player, appearing in 150 or more games in ten seasons.

20-20-20-20

Jimmy Rollins one of only four MLB players with a 20-20-20-20 season (at least 20 doubles, 20 triples, 20 home runs and 20 steals). See his 2007 “best season” below for details. The others are Curtis Granderson (2007), Willie Mays (1957), and Frank Schulte (1911). 

Rollins played for the Philllies (2000-2014); Dodgers (2015); and White Sox (2016).

Jimmy Rollins’ Best Season:  In his 2007 MVP season, he hit .296 – with  212 hits, 38 doubles, a league-leading 20 triples, 30 home runs, 94 RBI, a league-leading 139 runs scored and 41 steals.

Rollins’ .264 average and the fact that he made only three All Star squads are negatives for the long haul in balloting.  That 20-20-20-20 season, his  four Gold Gloves,  470 steals and 1,400+ runs scored should be enough to keep him on the ballot.

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Curt Schilling – (RHP, 1988-2007) … Tenth (final) year on the ballot, 71.1 percent last year.

Curt Schilling pitched for the Orioles (1988-1990), Astros (1991), Phillies (1992-2000), Diamondbacks (2000-2003) and Red Sox (2004-2007).  Schilling was a six-time All Star, with 216 career wins (three seasons of 20 or more wins) over a 20-season MLB career. He recorded the 15th most career MLB strikeouts at 3,116 (three seasons of 300 or more whiffs), led his league in wins twice, complete games four times, innings pitched twice and strikeouts twice. He was also the 2001 World Series co-MVP – and has an impressive 11-2, 2.23 ERA post-season record (19 starts).

Putting the “K” in Strikeout …

Curt Schilling is one-half of one of only two tandems of teammates to strike out 300 batters in the same season. In 2002, Schilling fanned 316 batters for the Diamondbacks, while teammate Randy Johnson whiffed 324.  In 2019, Gerrit Cole (326) and Justin Verlander (300 K) joined this club.

Curt Schilling’s Best Season: In 2001, Schilling went 22-6 for the Diamondbacks (with a 2.98 ERA).  That year, he led the league in wins, starts (35), complete games (six), innings pitched (256 2/3).

As noted earlier, Schilling’s outspoken views, attack on the BBWAA voters and request to be taken off the ballot this year are all working against him. Unless, we see a little reverse psychology at work and the writers call his bluff and elect him (just to see his reaction).  I don’t see that happening.  (Side note: 250+ wins might have bought him a little more tolerance form the writers.)

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Gary Sheffield … (Outfield/Designated Hitter/Third Base/Shortstop, 1988-2009) … Eighth  year on the ballot, 40.6 percent last year.

Gary Sheffield played for the Brewers (1988-1991), Padres (1992-1993), Marlins (1993-19998), Dodgers (1998-2001), Braves (2002-2003), Yankees (2004-2006), Tigers (2008) and Mets (2009).  Sheffield was a nine-time All Star (in 22 MLB seasons). He launched 509 career home runs (26th all time) and topped 30 home runs in a season eight times (a high of 43 in 2000). He also maintained a .292 career average (hit .300+ in eight seasons); and collected 1,676 RBI (30th all-time).  Sheffield won the 1992 NL batting title (.330); topped 100 RBI eight times; and scored 100 or more runs in a season seven times.

From the Spring to the Winter of a Baseball Life …

Gary Sheffield is one of only four players to hit MLB home runs as teenagers and in their 40’s. The others are Ty Cobb, Rusty Staub and Alex Rodriguez.

Gary Sheffield’s Best Season: In 1996 (Marlins), Sheffield hit .314, with 42 home runs, 120 RBI, 188 runs scored and 16 steals.

Sheffield has the offensive numbers, but defensive questions and the shadow of PEDs are likely to keep him on the outside looking in for now.  He did jump from 13.6 percent of the vote in three years ago to 40.6 percent last year – so that’s progress.  I don’t see as big a gain in this year’s balloting.

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Sammy Sosa – (Outfield, 1989-2007) … Tenth (final) year year on the ballot, 17.0 percent last year.

Sammy Sosa played for the Rangers (1989, 2007), White Sox (1989-1991), Cubs (1992-2004) and Orioles (2005).  Sosa hit 609 home runs (9th all-time) in 18 MLB seasons – winning two HR titles, topping sixty long balls three times and also hitting 50 one year.  In the four seasons from 1998 to 2001, Sosa averaged 60 home runs and 149 RBI per season. His career numbers include a .273 average, 1,667 RBI (31st all-time), 1,475 runs scored and 234 stolen bases (a high of 36 steals in 1993).  He’s also in the top 50 all-time in total bases (40th); extra-base hits (32nd); and intentional walks (48th). Sosa was the 1998 NL MVP (Cubs), led his league in home runs twice, runs scored three times and RBI twice.

Sixty Home Runs and All I Got was this Lousy T-Shirt …

Sammy Sosa has the most 60-home run seasons in MLB history with three – yet he did not lead the league in home runs in any of them. In 1998, he hit 66 home runs (Mark McGwire hit 70); in 1999, Sosa launched 63 (McGwire had 65); and, in 2001, he hit 64 (Barry Bonds hit 73).  Talk about unfortunate timing.

Sammy Sosa’s Best Season: In 1998 (Cubs), Sosa hit .308, with 66 home runs, a league-leading 158 RBI and a league-leading 134 runs scored – and even tossed in 18 stolen bases.

Vote total make it pretty clear the writers are no ready to support Sosa’s candidacy.

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Mark Teixeira … (1B, 2003-2016) … First year on the ballot.

Mark Teixeira put up a .268-409-1,298 line in 14 MLB seasons.  Hiss 409 home runs are 56th all-time and fifth among switch hitters, while his 1,298 RBI are 119th and 11th, respectively. Teixeira was a three-time All Star and a five-time Gold Glover. He led the league in runs scored. home runs and RBI once each and in total bases twice. Teixeira hit 30 or more home runs in nine seasons (a high of 43 in 2005), drove in 100+ runs eight times (a high of 144 in 2005) and scored 100+ runs in five seasons (a high of 113 in 2010).

From Both Sides Now

Mark Teixeira holds the MLB career record for homering from both sides of the plate in the same game at 14. 

Teixeira played for the Rangers (2003-2007); Braves (2007-08); Angels (2008); Yankees (2009-16).

Mark Teixeira’s Best Season: As a Ranger in 2005, Teixeira played in all 162 games, hitting .3-1, with 43 home runs, 144 RBI and 112 run scored – and earned a Gold Glover. He led the AL in total bases with 370.

A solid career, but that .268 career average will hold him back. Should stay on the ballot.

Again, to vote in Baseball Roundtable’s unofficial Fan Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot, click here.

Primary Resources: National Baseball Hall of Fame; Baseball-Reference.com; Baseball-Almanac.com

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In early December the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Early Baseball Era (pre-1950) and Golden Days  Era Committees (1950-69) will each vote on a ballot of ten pre-screened candidates for 2022 induction into the HOF.  To be elected a candidate will need to secure at least 12 of the available 16 votes.  In this post, Baseball Roundtable will look at the Early Baseball Era candidates:

• Indicating whom Baseball Roundtable would vote for if I had a ballot;
• Profiling and ranking the candidates; and, finally,
• Attempting to predict which candidate(s), the Committee will select.

For a Baseball Roundtable’s look at the Golden Days Era ballot, and more on the election process, click here.

A Statistical Word(s) of Caution

A  cautionary note, in case readers find what they feel are some discrepancies in the stats presented in this post.

When putting together these bios on Negro League and barnstorming players, there were often differences – both major and minor –  in reported stats.  For example, consider Dick “Cannonball” Redding. The Seamheads.com Negro League Database credits Redding with a record of 8-3 for the 1915 New York Lincoln Stars of the Eastern Independent Clubs League (and credits the Giants with a 24-14-2 record).  The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum profile, however, credits  Redding  with a 23-2 record for the Stars that season, including a 20-game winning streak (which is supported by the clip from the July 24, 1925 edition of the Chicago Defender – referenced in the Center for Negro League Baseball Research‘s Redding bio).  Why the difference?  Negro League teams, like Black players of the time, took games against opponents wherever they could showcase their talents, promote the game and generate revenue. The Seamheads’ stats appear to include only  league games, while the NLBM looked, as much as possible given record keeping in the era, at total contests (all levels of competition).   You can find a similar example in the case of Buck O’Neil: The Negro League Baseball Museum credits O’Neil with a .288 career average, Baseball-Refeence.com with a .283 average and the Seamheads.com Negro League Data Base .263.  As Baseball Roundtable put together this post, I looked at a variety of statistical and anecdotal sources.  Given the  lack of opportunity facing Black players in the period covered by the Early Baseball  ballot, I consistently leaned toward the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum’s profiles. 

 

BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S BALLOT …  IF I HAD ONE

1. Buck O’Neil (Nov. 13, 1911 – October 6, 2006) … Professional Career: 1B/OF/Mgr., 1934-55

Buck O’Neil getting my first vote is the only no-brainer  on this list – based on his career, his character and his contributions to the game.

O’Neil began his professional career touring with the Miami Giants in 1934 and also toured with the New York Tigers and Shreveport Acme Giants before signing with the Negro American League Memphis Red Sox in 1937 (although he later moved to the Zulu Cannibal  Giants).

In 1938, he joined the Kansas City Monarchs and remained with the franchise until 1955.  O’Neil also played in the Cuban League, Mexican Winter League and toured  and with the Satchel Page All Stars.

O’Neil led the Negro American League in batting average in 1946 at .353 and followed that up with a .358 average in 1947. Overall, he had four seasons of .330 or better.  He played in three Negro League All Star (East-West) Games and two Negro League World Series. As a manager, he led the Monarch to five Negro League Pennants.

O’Neil  later served as a scout and coach with the Chicago Cubs (the first Black coach in AL/NL history) and as a scout for the Kansas City Royals. He played a key role in the discovery and/or signing of such players as Lou Brock, Oscar Gamble, Lee Smith, Billy Williams and Ernie Banks.

Lou Brock on Buck O’Neil

“He shaped the character of young Black men. He touched the heart of everyone who loved the game. He gave us all a voice that could be hard on and off the field.”

O’Neil, who helped establish the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, also gained recognition as one of the most eloquent spokesmen for (and advocate of) the national pastime – in particular the history of the Negro Leagues. Over the years, he cemented his reputation as an individual of great energy, spirit, integrity and character.– remaining consistently true to his passion for the game.

Here are just a few of the accolades O’Neil has already received.

• 2006 … The Presidential Medal of Freedom.
• 2007 … On the day of MLB’s first “Civil Rights Game,” O’Neil was awarded MLB’s first-ever Beacon of Life Award.
• 2008 … the National Baseball Hall of Fame established the Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award – to honor individuals of character, integrity and dignity, who have enhanced baseball’s positive impact on society and broadened the game’s appeal. O’Neil, of course, was the first recipient.

2008 … Induction into the Baseball Reliquary Shrine of the Eternals.

2012 … Induction  into the Hall of Famous Missourians.

2016 … Kansas City’s Broadway Bridge was officially renamed the Buck O’Neil Bridge.

Despite these accolades , there is one well-deserved recognition that is  overdue.  Buck O’Neil belongs in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

2. Vic Harris (January 10, 1905 – February 23, 1978) … Professional Career: OF/1B/Mgr., 1923-50

Vic Harris gets Baseball Roundtable’s second vote for a combination of his exceptional playing career and, of notable impact on my decision, his seven Negro  League Championships as manager of the Homestead Grays.

Harris spent the bulk of his professional career with the Homestead Grays (23 seasons as a player and/or manager) – considered one of the elite franchises in Black baseball history.  He was a solid, slash hitter (.299 career average), a good fielder (known for his consistent hustle) and an aggressive base runner. Harris played in six  Negro League All Star (East-West) Games.  A few career highlights:

• As a Negro Leagues rookie in 1923, Harris hit .304 for the Cleveland Tate Stars.
• In 1929, he led the American Negro League in hitting, batting .333 for the Homestead Grays.
• Playing for the Grays, he hit .324 in 1930, .348 in 1932; and .351 in 1933.
• In 1934, he hit .360 for the Pittsburgh Crawfords.

Harris played with the Homestead Grays from 1925 to 1933.  In 1934, he moved to the  Pittsburgh Crawfords, but that lasted just one season. After his 1934 season with the Crawfords, Harris was convinced to rejoin the Homestead Grays as player-manager.  As a player, Harris hit .370 for the Grays in 1935 and .380 in 1938. As a manager he led the Grays to five seven  Negro League pennants. (He also managed the  Birmingham Black Barons for one season.) Harris also played and  managed in Cuba and Puerto Rico.

Among the teams Harris played for were the: Cleveland Tate Stars; Toledo Tigers; Cleveland Browns; Chicago American Giants; Homestead Grays; Detroit Wolves; and Pittsburgh Crawfords.

3. John Wesley Donaldson  (February 20, 1891-April 14, 1970) … Professional Career: P/OF, 1908-41

The number-three spot could easily have been a tie between two premier early Black hurlers –  John Wesley Donaldson and Dick “Cannonball” Redding. Donaldson gets a slight edge, as his accomplishment are, perhaps, the best-documented of any Black player of his era.

Baseball Roundtable first wrote about John Wesley Donaldson in November of 2016 after attending a presentation (before the Halsey Hall Chapter of the Society for American Baseball Research) by Peter Gorton, founder of the Donaldson Network – an organization dedicated to documenting Donaldson’s accomplishments and making the case for his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame. For that full story, click here.  Again, Thanks to the efforts of the Donaldson Network, Donaldson’s achievements – particularly on the mound –  are probably the best documented of any of the Black stars of his era.

Donaldson’s career stretched across four decades, during which time (like many Black players of his day), he took the mound pretty much anywhere he could draw a crowd and collect a paycheck. He played (and starred) for more than two dozen teams including the famous barnstorming All Nations Team, Brooklyn Royal Giants, Chicago America Giants, Los Angeles White Sox, New York Lincoln Giants, Indianapolis ABC’s, Detroit Stars and Kansas City Monarchs.  The southpaw – who possessed a good fastball and an exceptional assortment of drops and curves, is considered one of the top pitchers of his time.

Hall of Fame MLB Manager John McGraw on John Donaldson

“I think he is the greatest (pitcher) I have ever seen.”

The Donaldson Network has documented Donaldson’s appearance in more than 700 cities and towns in the U.S. and Canada – as well as:

• 422 pitching victories;
• 5, 177 strikeouts;
• 14 no-hitters;
• Two perfect games;
• A 31-strikeout game; and
• More than 20 games of 20 or more strikeouts.

On December 9, 1917, John Donaldson, then with the Los Angeles White  Sox, faced  lineup of all major leaguers. He pitched complete-game, six-hitter, striking out 16 in a 5-3 victory.

4. Dick “Cannonball” Redding (April 15, 1890 -October 31, 1948) … Professional Career: P/OF/1B/Mgr.,  1911-38

Dick Redding’s overpowering fastball earned him the nickname “Cannonball” – and he lived up to it. Among his accomplishments (NLBM profile):

• 30 no-hitters (multiple levels of competition);
• 17 consecutive wins in his rookie season with the New York Lincoln Giants in 1911;
• A 43-12 record, seven no-hitters, and 25 strikeouts in a nine-inning game for the Giants in 1912; and
• A 20-game winning streak for the Lincoln Stars in 1915.

Redding was also known as a big-game pitcher who consistently  got the better of barnstorming major-league hitters.

Let’s Play Two

Dick Redding was considered a workhorse. His Negro Leagues Baseball Museum profile indicates he nearly always finished what he started, was more than willing to  pitch on back-to-back days and “often pitched doubleheaders two or three days in succession.”

Among the teams Redding pitched for were:  the Philadelphia Giants; New York Lincoln Giants; Indianapolis ABC’s; Brooklyn Royal Giants; Chicago American Giants; Atlantic City Bacharachs;  and New York Bacharachs. He served as a player-manager for the Atlantic City Bacharachs (1920-21) and the Brooklyn Royals (1927-33).  He also played in the Cuban Winter Leagues.

Sit Down Babe

Dick Redding once struck out Babe Ruth three times (on nine pitches) in a game against Ruth’s Barnstorming team (as noted in “Great Pitchers of the Negro Leagues,” by Paul Hoblin, SportsZone 2012).

Redding should meet the Babe again – in the HOF.

Now for the remainder of the ballot.

Actually, a pretty good case could be made for any of these players – but I could only choose four.

5. Bill Dahlen (January 5, 1870 – December 5, 1950) … MLB Career: SS-3B, 1891-1911

How I wish I had one more vote.  It’s hard to pass on a player who played his last MLB game 110 years ago and still ranks among the top five shortstops all time in career assist and putouts.

Bill Dahlen was considered one of the finest  fielders and most aggressive base runners of his era. He also hit .272 over a 21-season MLB playing career,  with 84 home runs, 1,234 RBI, 1,590 runs scored and 548 stolen bases. He is 59th all-time in runs scored; 33rd in triples (163); and 28th in stolen bases (548). Dahlen scored 100+ runs in each of his first six seasons and 85 or more in a total of nine campaigns.

In 1894, Dahlen hit .359, with 15 home runs,  108 RBI and 150 runs scored and 43 steals. Overall, he hit .300 or better in three seasons  (twice over .350); stole 30 or more bases nine times (a high of 60 in 1892); and had double-digits in triples seven times.

In the field, Dahlen four times led NL shortstops in assists (and still ranks fourth all time with 7,505); finished in the top three among shortstops in putouts five seasons (and still ranks second all-time with 4,856); and led the league’s shortstops in double plays three times, finishing in the top three nine times.

Dahlen also managed the Brooklyn club for four seasons (1910-13), winning 251 and losing 355.

6. Lefty O’Doul (March 4-1987-December 7, 1969) … MLB Career: P/OF, 1919-20, 1922-23, 1928-34

It’s somewhat surprising that Lefty O’Doul – with MLB’s sixth-highest career average is not yet in the Hall – the short span of his career seems the most likely reason (some early seasons spent on the mound also didn’t help his numbers).  I am sure there are plenty of readers out there who would question O’Doul being rated this low – and a case can be made.  The fact is, all these rankings are close (and subjective).

Lefty O’Doul played 11 MLB seasons, putting up a .349 career average with 113 home runs, 542 RBI, and 624 runs.  He won the NL batting title (and led MLB) with a .398 average in 1929 (Phillies) and again led MLB in 1932 with a .368 average (Dodgers). In his 1929 season, he also led MLB  with 254 hits (the third-most hits ever in an MLB campaign). That season O’Doul also bashed 32 home runs (fifth in the NL); drove in 122 (eighth); and scored 152 times (second in the league).

O’Doul started his career as a good-hitting pitcher. From 1919-23 (Giants and Red Sox), he appeared in 76 games, 34 as a pitcher, 41 as a  pinch hitter and one in the OF.  A 1-1, 4.87 record on the mound resulted in a return to the minors (Salt Lake City, Pacific Coast league) where, in 1924,  he hit .392 in 140 games and was 7-9, 6.54 on the mound.  A chronic sore arm led to his conversion to a full-time outfielder in 1925 – and between 1925 and 1927 (in the PCL), O’Doul  put up averages of .375 (198 games); .338 (180 games); and .378 (189 games). He earned a spot in the New York Giants outfield in 1928, hitting .319 in 114 games – and the rest is history.

O’Doul played in the majors for the Giants, Phillies, and Dodgers.

After his MLB playing career, O’Doul returned to the Pacific Coast League, managing the San Francisco Seals (1935-51), the San Diego Padres (1952-54), Oakland Oaks (1955), Vancouver Mounties (1956) and Seattle Rainiers (1957) – winning 2,094 games (1,970 losses) and two PCL championships.

O’Doul also played a notable role in building a base for baseball in Japan, making many trips to that country – both to create good will (through barnstorming teams of U.S. players) and to train Japanese players. He was credited with helping form the first Japanese professional league. He was the first American  inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame (2002).  He is also a member of the San Francisco Bay Area Hall of Fame and the Baseball Reliquary Shrine of the Eternals.

7. Bud Fowler (March 16, 1858-February 26, 1913) … Professional Career:  INF/OF/P,  1878-1899

Bud Fowler is acknowledged as the first African-American professional baseball player – playing on professional integrated teams as early 1878 (Lynn Live Oaks of the International Association). He is also recognized as the first African-American to captain an integrated team. Fowler was not just an accomplished defender, but a consistent (,300+) hitter.

In his early years, he pitched (and caught)  for teams in Worchester (New England Association); Malden (Eastern Massachusetts League); Guelph (Ontario); Petrolia, Texas; and Stillwater, Minnesota. After a 7-9 record at Stillwater in 1884 (some report it at 7-8, but that’s of little consequence), Fowler came up with a sore arm, prompting his transition to an infielder/outfielder. Between 1885 and 1894, Fowler played for at least 11 teams in nine different leagues – as well as for an independent Findlay, Ohio squad (where he also played from 1896-1899). Fowler’s movement from team to team was not because of his skills, but rather his color.  In Brian McKenna’s Society for American Baseball Research bio of Fowler, he quotes a Sporting Life article of the time as noting “With his splendid abilities he would long ago have been on some good club had his color been white instead of black. Those who know say there is no better second baseman in the country.”

Cooperstown Heritage

Bud Fowler grew up in Cooperstown,New York.

In 1887, Fowler organized the all-Black New York Gothams.  In 1895, Fowler helped organize the all-Black Page Fence Giants.   In that team’s first year, they went 118-36 and Fowler hit .319.   In 1898, Fowler played for the renowned  Cuban Giants. Shortly thereafter, he intensified his focus  on organizing barnstorming Black clubs like the Smoky City Giants (1901); All American Black Tourists (1903); and the Kansas City Stars (1904).

Fowler rates this high on this list both his baseball skills and his leadership and organizational abilities.

8. George Scales (August 16, 1900-April 15, 1976) … Professional Career:  Inf/OF/Mgr., 1921-58

The versatile George Scales began his  career with the Montgomery Grey Sox in 1919 and went on to play with such squads as the Pittsburgh Keystones; St. Louis Giants; Saint Louis Stars; New York Lincoln Giants; Homestead Grays; Newark Stars; New York Black Yankees; Philadelphia  Stars; and the  Elite Giants.

Reviewing stats from a variety of sources, Scales had a career average of .313 over 25 seasons as a player, hitting  over .300 in 14 full-time seasons (nine of .340 or better, with two of those .400 or better).  Scales also played in Puerto Rico and Cuba and managed in Puerto Rico for a dozen seasons.  In Puerto Rico, he managed the  Ponce Lions for 10 seasons, delivering five pennants. (He also brought one pennant home to the Santurce team.)

Scales played a role in the organization of the New York Black Yankees in 1932 and was the team’s first manager. During his career, he also managed the Baltimore Elite Giants and Birmingham Black Barons.

9. Grant “Home Run” Johnson (September 23, 1872-September 4, 1963) …Professional Career: SS/2B/Mgr., 1895-1923

Grant Johnson was one of Black baseball’s early stars – a feared slugger of the Dead Ball Era.  Like so many of the early Black baseball heroes, he played with many teams, going where he could showcase his skills and earn a living. He played with the Page Fence Giants; Chicago Columbia Giants; Chicago Unions; Cuban-X Giants; Brooklyn Royal Giants;  LeLand Giants; Chicago Giants; New York Lincoln Giants; Mohawk Giants; New York Lincoln Stars; Pittsburgh Colored Stars of Buffalo; and Buffalo Giants.

Grant was known not only as a disciplined and powerful hitter, but also  a fine fielder and  a natural leader – often managing the teams he played on.  A few highlights from his NLBM profile:

• In 1895, hit .471 as his Page Fence team went 118-36;
• He starred in the Cuban Winter league – captaining the Havana Reds and averaging .319 over five seasons and becoming the first American to win the Cuban batting title;
• He served as captain of the Brooklyn Royals for several seasons;
• Playing against all level of competition for the New York Lincoln Giants from 1911-13, he put up averages of .374; .413 and .371;
• In 1894, hit 60 home runs in 112 games for the aptly-named semipro Findlay (Ohio) Sluggers.

10. Allie Reynolds (February 10, 1917-December 26, 1994) … MLB career: RHP,  1942-54

Allie Reynolds  pitched in 13 MLB seasons, going 182-107, with a 3.30 ERA and 1,423 strikeouts in 2,492 1/3 innings pitched.  He was a five-time All Star, a 20-game winner once (20-8, 2.06 for the 1952 Yankees). He also led the AL twice in shutouts, twice in strikeouts and once in strikeouts per nine innings.

He was known as a “big-game” pitcher. In 15 World Series mound appearances (nine starts), he went 7-2, 2.79 with five complete games and two shutouts. His big-game reputation also followed him to the plate, despite a .163 career batting average, Reynolds hit .306 in 28 World Series plate appearances.

From 1943 through 1954  Reynolds won at least 11 games every year, winning 16 or more in seven seasons.   An “ace” for  the Yankees, Reynolds had his career cut short by a  back injury suffered in a team bus accident in 1953,

What Does Baseball Roundtable Think the Committee Will Do

I anticipate that Buck O’Neil will be elected and would not be surprised if the other candidates split up the votes enough that no one else get the 12 needed endorsements.  My dark horses for election would be John Donaldson (because of the level of documentation) and Lefty O’Doul (two batting titles and a season of 254 hits.) 

Primary Resources: Baseball-Reference.com; Negro League Baseball Museum player profiles; “Dick Redding” by Tim Hagerty, SABR Bio;  “Give Them The heaters – The Dick Redding Story,” by David Barr (November 21, 2017); “Forgotten Heroes: Dick ‘Cannonball;’ Redding,” Dr. Layton Revel & Luis Munoz, Center for Negro League Baseball Research: “Lefty O’Doul, “by Brian McKenna, SABR Bio; “Bud Fowler,” by Brian McKenna; SABR Bio.  

 

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