Off-Topic Forum

I believe Lee Smith will get in. Personally, I think he should have been voted in already. 

I also think Piniella and Carter should get some consideration. I am surprised Piniella doesn't get more support.  Carter had his greatest success in Canada outside the US media limelight.  But he was the leader on two World Series winning teams. 

The one off the ballot that I still think should be in is Dale Murphy.  

Whether some like to admit it or not, playing in NY, Boston or LA helps you win votes towards entry into the HoF.

Bru, I have few hot buttons, but when it comes to sports you hit one on the media bias. I think Piniella gets some support due to this. 

And, I still stand on Hershiser getting in for his at times domineering pitching and his post-season successes. Didn't win 300, but that number has always been more a team statistic rather than a pitcher's in my opinion. Yet it holds some magic spell over some's opinions. He had a very strong career ERA and excellent one in the playoffs. He did have struggles, but played effectively over 17-18 seasons.

Wow, Growing up in an era with players like Mays, Aaron, Mantle, Kaline, Ryan etc., none of the players listed seem like Hall candidates to me. Where have you gone Joe Dimaggio?

Kaline6, I agree with you but the Hall inductions have been diluted over the years for many reasons.  Once one of the hardest Halls to get entry into (probably still is), it is not as difficult as it once was. I think it is because the voters really only look at the stats when considering their votes versus the contribution to the game over the required minimum 10 years.

"Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you"

Larry Walker

Curt Schilling

Roger Clemens

Wait - we were supposed to pick from the list? Then I guess I’d choose Steinbrenner for showing how to spend enough money to feed Africa just to win a Series. 

Just on this list, I'd go with George, Lou, and Lee Smith.  I wasn't a big fan of the first two, but always felt Lee Smith was underrated.  There are others that should be considered that aren't on the list though.  I know its probably being a homer, but Dan Quisenberry should be in the Hall of Fame.

My favorite debate! Always wondering what cards I'll be adding to my Last Topps Card of Every Hall of Famer List and wall display. My thoughts:

George Steinbrenner - can't stand him or what he did to baseball; should probably get in.

Lou Piniella - borderline; but I might give him the nod, on managing.

Davey Johnson - see Lou Piniella above

Charlie Manuel - nope

Lee Smith - Cubs bias, maybe, here. But he's still third on the all-time saves list. Third! And he retired over 20 years ago. And he pitched more than one inning. I think he should be in. I thing the voters should have put him in. And I hope he gets in.

Harold Baines - loved him; more RBI than dozens of Hall of Famers; (For those who don't know, RBI stands for "Runs Batted In." It's an old-time statistic that measured how many runs a player was responsible for getting across the plate. "Runs" are a crucial part to winning baseball games (just ask the 2018 post-game-162 Cubs), even more important than, say, WAR, which is not actually part of winning games.). Hall of Very Good; sorry, no, but I'd be ok if he got in. As deserving as Jim Rice.

Albert Belle - Just no.

Will Clark - Nope; Hall of Very Good.

Orel Hershiser - Borderline. Certainly Hall of Very Good. He was THE pitcher for a few years -- Cy Young Award, records. I think no, but ok, if he makes it. As deserving as Jack Morris.

Joe Carter - Hall of Very Good. Not quite as good as Jim Rice

Others who I'd like to see on the ballot: Dale Murphy, Dave Parker, Rick Reuschel, Mattingly, McGriff, Larry Walker. [others that I'll add as I remember them]. Not sure I'd vote for any of these, by the way, but they're as worthy as any on the list being considered. 

Don't worry, people, the Baseball Hall of Fame is still elite, the most elite.

I do wish they'd distinguish between whether someone is in as a manager or player. People like Joe Torre, or Piniella highlight the problem.

Hall of Fame debate time! Yay!

v3

Lee is in! Oh, how I loved Lee Smith and I'm very happy that he, deservedly, got into the Hall of Fame.

Baines? Really? As I noted above, I loved him, too, despite hating the White Sox, and he put up some great numbers. But he's a shaky Hall of Famer, at best. But ok...

We'll see who joins them in a month or so.

v3

Where's Costanza with my calzone? It's 1:15. He's late. . . That smell. . . I have to call you back. . . Costanza! He's in the building. Costanza is in the building and he's not in this office! Costanza, I'll get you!

Anyhow, I'd like to see Steinbrenner and Piniella somehow make it to the Hall one day. If nothing else, they were characters and made the game entertaining. But they also have a list of accomplishments, as others have mentioned.