Let's talk about Hall of Fame candidates who have been "neglected"

[molenick]

It does seem like those part pioneer/part league players are the ones that get shafted. Barnes and McVey played baseball for more than their nine league years, but the voters see nine years played and say that is not enough. Dick McBride is another player that was a star before and after league play started but his hybrid status works against him. I think Creighton has a better chance than any of them because he is purely a pioneer (not that he is a better candidate...just that the argument for him is more straightforward as a pioneer and the game's first big star). But considering that he's never even been on the ballot, I guess he is a long shot as well.

[G1911]

I believe this is correct, that Cummings is the only "player" for which the 10 rule didn't apply (or it didn't exist then, the exact rules in the early years are difficult to come by and sources contradict, implying there weren't many rules but maybe guidelines, I claim no expertise). It was bent for Joss

Doc Adams can be considered as an executive/writer, but I don't believe Crieghton has ever appeared on a ballot and cannot under the current committee (he died before it's starting year of consideration as well). Barnes may have but has not been considered due to the 10 rule in a very long time, and this doesn't seem likely to change. I stand corrected on the NA, so he has only 4 years instead of 9. If we're going to designate new major leagues the NA seems a clear-cut choice though

It's a joke, these two seem like obvious no-brainer top-tier nominees. Creighton especially should be exempt from this rule and make a ballot, as he died before a league now retroactively considered Major League Baseball even existed.

HOF card collectors might be against his inclusion, but I've never seen an argument actually against him or Barnes being inducted for their historical contributions and Barnes' level of play.