Best Negro League Player NOT in the Hall of Fame
 

In your opinion, which Negro League great was the best player not yet elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame?

Phil,

I think there is a decent argument to be made for all of them. But you absolutely forgot John Beckwith, who I personally think is really high among those who should be inducted.

Kenny

Buck O'Neil

Alejandro Oms.

Tom C

Oliver Marcelle!

That's a good one, Kenny. Beckwith is on my short list but just below the players that I listed.

My vote goes to Francisco Coimbre. Satchel Paige said he was the toughest hitter he ever faced, above Ted Williams and Josh Gibson. Clemente said he was a better ball player than even himself.

Buck O'Neil

Although Buck was undoubtedly a huge figure in terms of Negro League history, I don't know if he was a better "player" than many of the individuals listed above.

Vote
 

Buck O Neill influential on so many levels....

+1 Absolute disgrace he was not enshrined when the HOF opened - for lack of a better term - the "black floodgate," several years ago.

Buck O'Neill was a great ambassador for the game but I don't think he's regarded as an especially elite player. Definitely deserves induction but I think it would be for his contributions and not his play.

I agree 100%

Ditto

I met Buck once at a card show. My wife sat and talked to him for about 45 minutes while I was looking for cards to buy. This was just after the Ken Burns Baseball series. He was a very nice man.