#MIDDLEBURY
By Mark Vasto
The Baseball Writers of America Association (BBWAA) have fixed a few glaring Hall of Fame omissions over the past several years. The inclusion of Mike Piazza, the best-hitting catcher of all time, plus Andre Dawson and Jim Rice, both dominant outfielders of the 1970s and ’80s, righted more than a few wrongs.
Still, the BBWAA and the committee charged with appointing executives and overlooked players have a way to go. While we progress toward cold winter nights, here a few fire starters for you and your friendly, knowledgeable neighborhood baseball friends to stoke by the hot stove.
We’ll begin with who is not invited: Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Roger Clemens, Rafael Palmiero, Andy Pettite (remember those postseason wins, folks) and Alex Rodriguez. Also, Pete Rose is banned for life, and he should be content with his Fox Sports Network post-game show gig (very entertaining, by the way).
Now, in no particular order, those who have been overlooked:
- Tim Raines. Actually, this is the No. 1 most glaring omission. Raines was a seven-time All-Star, a batting champion, a silver-slugger award winner in left field, is fifth all-time in stolen bases and had a career on-base percentage of .380. Raines was the second-best leadoff hitter of his era (but more durable) to Rickey Henderson and one of the undisputed great left fielders in history. He was easily one of the most popular players of his time.
- Lee Smith. Third in career saves and a seven-time All-Star, Smith was dominant from 1983 to 1995, leading the NL in saves three times, landing 14 times in the top 10. He was one of the top 10 vote-getters for a Cy Young four times. Only 11 players have appeared in more games than Smith, he ranks third in career games finished, and his strikeout to innings pitched ratio of 8.73 is the 12th best of all-time. Why even have a Hall of Fame if you’re going to ignore guys like him?
- Jeff Bagwell. Rumored performance-enhancing-drug use, the lack of “milestone” numbers like 3,000 hits, 500 homers and the overlooked Houston market in general is said to plague Bagwell’s entry to the Hall. Yet, his career on-base percentage plus slugging percentage of .948 is the 22nd best all time. He won a rookie of the year award, an MVP award, a gold glove, four silver sluggers, and averaged 35 home runs and 115 RBI, with slash line of .297/.408/.540.
- Jeff Kent. No second baseman hit more home runs than Kent. Maligned for his fielding, he still ranks 19th in career double plays turned. Eight times, he drove in more than 100 runs in a season.
- Curt Schilling. After Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz and Clemens, one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. He often averaged nearly nine strikeouts to one walk, and his career average of 4.4 is the third best of all time. He has the hardware, the MVPs and the bloody sock to show for it, too.
Apologies to Don Mattingly and Keith Hernandez this time around. Have other ideas? Message me directly on Twitter @sportingview and get it off your chest … you’ll feel better!
Mark Vasto is a veteran sportswriter who lives in New Jersey.
(c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.
