Maybe the Ruth example wasn't a good one, but you understand my point. The arbitrary 10 year rule excluding pre-1871 players from HOF consideration is really the crux of my argument in this thread. Negro League players with little or no Major League experience have been allowed entrance to the HOF because they were not allowed to play in the Major Leagues at the time. I fully agree with this consideration. Pre-1871 players did not play in the Major Leagues because there were none. These players should be given consideration similar to that given Negro League players. I am a Barnes supporter, but there are others excluded because of the same circumstances. I believe the pre-1871 players are the only group currently excluded from HOF consideration by a rule that shouldn't pertain to them.
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