HOF expansion era ballot

[packs]

Even with Miller at the head of the Union, it took Flood acting on his own behalf to change baseball forever. It was Flood who declared himself a human baseball player and not property of the Cardinals and opened the gates for players to challenge the reserve clause. Not Miller. His contribution to baseball should supercede Miller's but he is never considered.

[btcarfagno]

Originally Posted by packs

Even with Miller at the head of the Union, it took Flood acting on his own behalf to change baseball forever. It was Flood who declared himself a human baseball player and not property of the Cardinals and opened the gates for players to challenge the reserve clause. Not Miller. His contribution to baseball should supercede Miller's but he is never considered.

Miller and the MLBPA helped bring the appeals process through, helped to strategize how it was handled, and ultimately helped shape public opinion of the matter as the owners fumbled along. Flood is extraordinarily important without question. He stuck his own neck onto the chopping block. The case doesn't get where it went if not for Miller. It was the determination that Miller showed that gave Flood the confidence to do what he did. Miller at the time was pretty much looking for someone to fit the bill who would do what Flood was willing to do. Flood did what he did BECAUSE he had Miller and the MLBPA guiding him every step of the way.

Miller remained a thorn in the owners' side for years thereafter as well. The game of baseball is what it is today as a result of his actions. No less than Bill James has said that if there was ever a Mount Rushmore for the sport of baseball, that Miller would be one of those recognized. He was that important.

Tom C

[mr2686]

I find it interesting that Concepcion is on the list. If he was on a lot of other teams of that era he wouldn't get any love at all, but because he was on the powerhouse Reds he's considered. Don't get me wrong, I think he was an important part of those teams, much like Reese and Rizzuto, but I'd have to be convinced that he belonged in the hall. Speaking of which, Reese and Rizzuto are often talked about in the same breath, so how is it that Concepcion is on the ballot and Bert Campaneris is not? Their stats are not that different and Campaneris was on 3 WS winners, not 2. Similar types of players if you ask me...which nobody did.

[mr2686]

...also, I watched Garvey day in and day out in L.A and San Diego and in my book he is a Hall of Famer. Even on days he wasn't driving in runs he was saving runs with his glove. He could play.

[JimStinson]

Originally Posted by mr2686

...also, I watched Garvey day in and day out in L.A and San Diego and in my book he is a Hall of Famer. Even on days he wasn't driving in runs he was saving runs with his glove. He could play.

Correct ...and he was a MONEY PLAYER ! could really come through in the clutch , thrived on it .....Just ask the 1984 Cubs who should have walked away easily with the championship were it not for Garvey
But before he goes ..what about Wes Parker ? Greatest defensive glove at first base probably of all time, He was at first base DOUBLE what Maz was at 2nd and almost what Brooks was at 3rd
They will end up putting Tommy John in based on his wins total and Torre because he managed the Yankees....I think the plan is to eventually induct into the HOF ANYONE that ever had an at bat for or managed the Yankees
Reggie Jackson ???? 1st ballot famer ???? please
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[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by mr2686

...also, I watched Garvey day in and day out in L.A and San Diego and in my book he is a Hall of Famer. Even on days he wasn't driving in runs he was saving runs with his glove. He could play.

+1 Garvey was awesome!