My 2019 MLB Hall of Fame Ballot
The Major League Baseball Hall of Fame ballot candidates were announced on Saturday, opening the fun debate that happens every year. Do I have an opinion about this? You’d better believe it. If I were to have a vote, these are the guys I would vote for. Note: I am ignoring the limit on number of votes per ballot, because I think that’s silly. Without further ado…
Mariano Rivera – Is there anyone out there who would argue against him? Anyone? Unless someone is doing it in jest or to simply be a troll, no. His regular season career numbers: 2.21 ERA, 652 saves (Major League record) in 732 opportunities (89%), only 29% of his inherited runners scored, and an opponent batting average of .211. His postseason numbers are mind-boggling: 96 appearances, 76 games finished, 8-1 record, 0.70 ERA, four holds, 42 saves vs. only five blown saves, 19% of his inherited runners scored, and only two home runs allowed.[1] More men have walked on the moon (12) than have scored an earned run off of Rivera in the postseason (11).[2] If he doesn’t belong in the Hall of Fame, no one does.
Edgar Martinez – Yes, he was almost exclusively a designated hitter, and his defense was a liability. However, he did play SOME defense, and he was good enough to stay on the Mariners’ roster, so that must count for something. The counting stats (career hits) are lower than one would expect from an 18-year career, but he was hurt a lot, playing less than 100 games in six of his 18 seasons in the league. He did manage to hit .312 in his career, winning the batting title in 1992 and 1995. In my book, he’s borderline but just above the threshold.
Todd Helton – Do not be fooled by the “Oh, his numbers are high just because he played in Denver” crowd. He hit the cover off the ball on the road, too. In his career, he hit .312 with a .414 on-base percentage and .539 slugging percentage. In the final six years of his 17-year career, he just couldn’t stay healthy, otherwise he easily would have hit 400 homers and might have hit 500. Like Martinez, he’s borderline but just above the threshold.
Larry Walker – I’m surprised he isn’t in yet, but the “Oh, he played in Denver” crowd has been loud with him. However, they’ve ignored that he had great seasons in Montreal, too. In 1994, he was on track to break Earl Webb’s single-season doubles record (67), but the strike ended his chances.[3] In Colorado, he put up incredible numbers at the plate, but his defense was also outstanding. He was a prime five-tool player – hit for average, hit for power, great speed, great fielder, and an outstanding arm.[4] It is completely unfair to play “Oh, but he hit in Denver” with Larry Walker. He belongs in the Hall.
Curt Schilling – A lot of baseball writers don’t like him because he’s outspoken, conservative, and doesn’t care what people think. Yes, he can be a loose cannon, but so what? Also, his regular-season numbers are deceptive. They don’t appear to be Hall-of-Fame-worthy at first glance, but keep in mind that he spent several seasons on some bad – and I mean BAD – teams. What puts him over the top? His postseason numbers. 19 appearances (all starts), 11-2 record, 2.23 ERA, 120 strikeouts, only 25 walks, 0.968 WHIP, and three World Series rings out of four trips.
That’s my entire ballot. I seriously considered another, but as I researched him, I changed my mind. Even though Andy Pettitte has more postseason wins than any other pitcher, it’s mainly because he’s pitched in so many postseason games. His record is 19-11 in 44 starts. He has been lit up many times. His ERA is quite high – 3.81, and his WHIP is 1.305. His regular season stats are similar to Schilling’s, yet Pettitte was always on very good teams, while Schilling spent more than half of his years on lousy ones. If it were a Hall of Very Good, then yes, I would vote Pettitte in. But since it’s the Hall of Fame, no.
Yes, I’ve left some guys off that may cause arguments, but that’s the fun in this. Feel free to comment and make your case for and against inclusion of these players or any others.
Until next time…
Monday, November 19, 2018, 11:35 pm MST
[1] Sandy Alomar Jr, Cleveland Indians, Game Four, 1997 ALDS; Jay Payton, New York Mets, Game Two, 2000 World Series. If you knew the second one, congratulations are certainly in order. The only person I’ve ever met who has known that off the top of his head is my friend Robert Sanchez, who is a die-hard Mets fan.
[2] Marquis Grissom (Game Three, 1996 World Series), Sandy Alomar Jr (Game Four, 1997 ALDS), John Olerud (Game Six, 2000 ALCS), Lenny Harris (Game Two, 2000 World Series), Jay Payton (Game Two, 2000 World Series), Ichiro (Game One, 2001 ALCS), Jay Bell (Game Seven, 2001 World Series), Todd Walker (Game Five, 2003 ALCS), Dave Roberts (Game Four, 2004 ALCS), Vladimir Guerrero (Game One, 2005 ALDS), and Chone Figgins (Game Six, 2009 ALCS). (Source: Baseball Reference)
[3] And it quite likely took a World Series ring off his finger. I will say until I’m blue in the face that the Expos would have won the 1994 World Series had there been no strike. That team was LOADED.
[4] He had a CANNON.