Posted By:
Adam J. BaxterMy list for 19th century players that I think should be inducted:
Harry Stovey
Jack Glasscock
Pete Browning
George Van Haltren
Charles Bennett
Tony Mullane
William Hoy
Guys with the best shot in my opinion:
Stovey (because he had the numbers, etc.)
Hoy (because he was pretty darn good, especially when you consider the disabilities he had to grapple with during that era and his career is one that makes for good storytelling.
Van Haltren
Browning (The original Louisville slugger)
I would also like to see the Hall of Fame do something public to honor the careers and lives of 19th century African-American players like Frank Grant, George Stovey, Moses Fleetwood Walker, Sol White, Bud Fowler, etc. They've been trying to do right by 20th century Negro League players in the last couple of decades, but I think Cooperstown could do a lot more to honor these men and their contributions to the National Game.
How come groups like SABR always do such a great job of recognizing great players and their careers, but Major League Baseball is always a little late?