5 Year Hall of Famers? Make your case

[rats60]

Originally Posted by frankbmd

Consider if you will Sandy Koufax though. The first seven years of his career were mediocre.

Koufax wasn't mediocre in 1961. He led the NL in strikeouts, FIP, Hits/9, K/9 and K/BB. He put up 5.7 WAR (5+ WAR is an All Star) which was 2nd in the NL. So, he had 6 years at HOF level, the last 4 as good as any 4 year run by a pitcher.

Addie Joss with only 9 full seasons would be a candidate with 7 good years. George Sisler had a good 7 year peak (1916-1922) then really fell off. High Pockets Kelly was only at starter level for 7 years (1920-26) and 9 of 16 years at less than 2 WAR per season. Freddie Lindstom was only at a starter level for 6 seasons (1926-1930, 1933). Chick Hafey had 7 seasons at starter level (1927-31, 33,34). Hack Wilson had 5 great seasons (1926-1930) but only had 2 more at starter level (1924,1932). Tommy McCarthy only had 6 years at starter level (1888, 1890-94). Rube Marquard is in the HOF based on 3 good seasons (1911-1913) with the Giants and 1 later with the Dodgers (1916).