Santo for the Hall...
What the people at the Hall of Fame put Santo through year after year was an absolute crime. The fact that he is argueably one of the 6-7 best players at his position in the history of the game begs the question of just what exactly these people who have votes are thinking about. Santo was, without arguement, the third best third baseman in the history of the NL...and a case could be made that as an offensive and defensive player together, he may have been Eddie Mathews' equal.
His offensive numbers were hampered by playing during the pitching happy period of 1963-1968. These were his best years, during which an arguement could be made that he was the best player in the majors.
The fact that he played his career with such a tough medical condition to deal with, that he retired at age 34 instead of hang around and pad his stats for the Hall, that he was truly one of the great players of his generation...it is unfathomable that he was not elected during his lifetime. And, unfortunately, this was something that was very important to the man.
An absolute crime that he was not inducted while he was alive. If it should happen now, it will be even more of a sorry affair. A sad day indeed, for those who appreciate great baseball and a great person.
Tom C
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