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B. HodesI think the statistics suggest that Belle was not just another slugger in an era of sluggers. Like Kiner he was one of the premier offensive players of his era. He led the AL in slugging twice, total bases 3 times, placed in the top 10 in MVP voting 5 times; led in RBIs three times and came in 2nd in Avg one year and third in another.
(He also led the majors in salary four years)
Check it out here:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/b/belleal01.shtml
Also, despite his obvious negatives as a role model, neighbor, and perhaps human being, I don't think Belle was regarded as a liability in the clubhouse by his teammates. The same was, as I recall, not true of Kingman.
Anyway, what about Tim Raines ? He just retired is he a HOFer ?