Posted By:
Hal LewisDavid:
This issue was discussed at length a long time ago, but I don't know how to find the thread.
Basically... since I collect HALL OF FAME rookie cards... I count WHATEVER the official Hall of Fame counts.
If you look at their site, you will see that they do NOT count Nichols' stats from his Western League (1887-1889) days as being in the MAJOR LEAGUES:
http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/hofers_and_honorees/hofer_stats/Pitching/Nichols_Kid.htm
BUT...
when you look at others in the American Association, you see that that their stats ARE counted as MAJOR leagues, like McPhee:
http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/hofers_and_honorees/hofer_bios/McPhee_Bid.htm
SO...
Western League is NOT considered to be MAJOR LEAGUES by the HOF... but the American Association IS.