Quote:
Originally Posted by mr2686
I'm of the opinion that everyone in the HOF belongs there for multiple reasons. I know there is an opinion that some players (Frisch and Williams) lobbied for induction of their "friends", but I don't look at it like that. You can't take today's standards and apply them to previous eras. Many people that saw him play will tell you that Bobby Doerr was the best 2b they have ever seen, although by today's stats you may want to get rid of him...same with Mazeroski, Hafey, Marquard, etc. If the Hall of Fame was only for the ultra ultra ultra elite, then it would surely be a very small hall indeed. And don't forget, there are many players in the Hall that you would think definitely belong, but which were not elected until many many years after they were eligible. What does that say about the voting for the Hall?
With that said, let's not forget that there are several players that are deserving of enshrinement that for one reason or another (mostly stupid sports writers) have been excluded. If I had to pick only one (sorry Thurman and Gil...you'd both be up there too) I'd have to pick Lefty O'Doul.
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I completely agree with this. It is very difficult to get in. Only 1-2 players per year get enshrined, and many deserving players have had to wait a very long time. I would like to see Dale Murphy get more consideration (along with Gil Hodges).
I was also dismayed at how little support Barry Larkin got on his first try. Although I wouldn't remove Ozzie Smith, I believe Larkin was a far more valuable overall player. Multi-dimensional... great glove, great speed, and the best offensive shortstop of his time. Also an MVP, Team Captain and a World Champion in 1990 (a big accomplishment, playing for the Reds of that era).
No backflips or much other publicity, playing in Cincy.... but still the best shortstop of his era.