I agree with you, Michael, the categories are insane, and it is a disservice to each component of those categories to be lumped together. When that happens, it isn't fair to anyone. It seems obvious to me that there is a HOF bias toward inducting more modern players, and that only hurts the chances of early baseball players, managers, Negro Leaguers, and Executives. Each of those should have their own categories and be up for voting every few years.
I disagree with Packs. It is a travesty that deserving Negro leaguers like Vic Harris and John Donaldson are not in the Hall of Fame. Vic Harris' name has been on a HOF ballot three times. Gil Hodges’ name appeared on a ballot 35 times before he was elected; Dave Parker was on the ballot 19 times, Dale Murphy has appeared on a ballot 20 times, as has Steve Garvey, and Garvey is also on the 2025 list to be considered. How many chances do these guys get to get voted on?
Vic Haris has a compelling case for the Hall of Fame. Vic Harris played for 25 years as a player, was 7 times an All Star, compiling a lifetime .304 batting average. As a manager, Harris was the greatest Negro League Manager of All Time. He compiled a 754-352 record for a .682 winning percentage. He won 7 pennants and 1 World Series.
Why isn’t Vic Harris in Cooperstown? I think it was the competition: the same reason it took Hodges 35 years, and Parker 19 years. In 2022, Harris competed against a quality field and the electorate selected Oliva, Kaat, Bud Fowler, Buck O’Neil, Hodges and Minoso. Even against that field, Harris received 10 votes, 2 short of election. He finished right behind Dick Allen, who got 11 votes. He got more votes than Boyer, Allie Reynolds, Lefty O’Doul, Maury Wills, Bill Dahlen, Danny Murtaugh, Roger Maris.
In 2024, Harris’ support slipped, but he was competing against Tommy John, Dick Allen, Dave Parker. Voters remember the players, but Harris’ career ended over 75 years ago and that hurt him among voters not familiar with Negro League baseball.
Vic Harris has earned a spot in Cooperstown and when voters realize what he accomplished in Negro League baseball, he should be elected, but it may not happen any time soon. Or if he must always compete against more modern candidates, he may never get in.
|