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A Trip to Cooperstown

© Bryan Walker

Let me say this up front: the Hall of Fame should be for the elite in the game. While there have been a number of very good players, the Hall should contain the best of the best.

For example, Tony Perez was an excellent player, but he was only 47 on the all-time hits category and 40th in home runs. Although he is 18th on the all-time RBI list, he played on a team with other Hall of Famers that were on base often. Not to minimize his accomplishments, but he is a stretch for the Hall of Fame.

Carlton Fisk would be even more of a stretch if not for the fact that he played catcher, so his longevity and one dramatic moment played a role in his selection. That being said, I would have voted for neither. But I don’t get a vote. If I did get a vote this year, it would be Dave Winfield, Tommy John, Bert Blyleven, Jim Kaat, and maybe Kirby Puckett (explanations below.)

This year’s list of candidates contains some outstanding players. Here is the complete list with some pertinent info about their careers and whether or not they should be selected.

Definite Dave Winfield Winfield should be a first time selection. Of all the candidate, he is the only sure thing. He played for 22 seasons, finished with 3,110 hits (16th all-time), 465 HRs (21st), 1,833 RBIs (12th), played in 12 consecutive All-Star games, won five Gold Gloves, had eight 100-RBI seasons and won the 1992 World Series with the Toronto Blue Jays. His stats and longevity are outstanding. Note: He also was drafted to play in the NBA and NFL.

Why Not Already? All three of these pitchers are in the top 30 in wins all-time. Its difficult to understand how players with these career credentials are not already in the Hall. Tommy John underwent difficult circumstances to have a long career, including missing the entire 1975 season. Bert Blyleven is third all-time in strikeouts. Jim Kaat had 15 double-digit win seasons and 18 career saves.

Tommy John 3-time 20 game winner. 3.34 career ERA. 288 wins (21st all-time), 2245 K (41st all-time). Had a surgery named after him.

Jim Kaat 3-time 20 game winner. 3.45 career ERA. 283 wins (26th all-time), 2461 K (26th all-time).

Bert Blyleven Only one 20 win season, but 6 seasons of 17 or more wins. 3.31 career ERA. 287 wins (22nd all-time). 3700 career strikeouts (3rd all-time!!).

Possible Kirby Puckett Puckett collected 2,304 hits (107th all-time), 207 home runs, 1,085 runs batted in, six Gold Gloves and a .318 career batting average. He also played in 10 All-Star Games. I must admit, when Puckett was playing, he may have been my favorite player because of the way he played the game. His enthusiasm was contagious. If his career had not been cut short, he would be a lock for the Hall, but his career numbers, while good, may hinder his selection.

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