Rip

[BobC]

Or maybe Thurman Munson?

[nolemmings]

Lyman Bostock.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by BobC

Or maybe Thurman Munson?

Interesting case. I suspect dying young may have done more to bolster his legendary status than another 5-6 declining playing years would have.

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by BobC

Or maybe Thurman Munson?

Munson is a great example, as he was nearing a HOF career. I would guess his cards would be worth more had he not died, had a few more productive years, and made it into the Hall.

When a player dies, all of his future potential becomes nothing. I think the poignant story of the early death can sometimes offset this (Brian Piccolo's cards are probably more popular because of his death and the movie made about him) but more often not.

Just my opinion, but I think staying alive and getting the fullest measure out of his potential generally helps the value of a star players' cards the most.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Mark17

Munson is a great example, as he was nearing a HOF career. I would guess his cards would be worth more had he not died, had a few more productive years, and made it into the Hall.

When a player dies, all of his future potential becomes nothing. I think the poignant story of the early death can sometimes offset this (Brian Piccolo's cards are probably more popular because of his death and the movie made about him) but more often not.

Just my opinion, but I think staying alive and getting the fullest measure out of his potential generally helps the value of a star players' cards the most.

I think Munson is right on the fence. I've seen it argued well that he already was declining and would not have done much for his HOF chances had he continued on that path for a few more years in Cleveland.

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

I think Munson is right on the fence. I've seen it argued well that he already was declining and would not have done much for his HOF chances had he continued on that path for a few more years in Cleveland.

His power fell off his last 2 years but he still hit .297 (on 617 AB) and .288 (382 AB.) So that is still pretty productive.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Mark17

His power fell off his last 2 years but he still hit .297 (on 617 AB) and .288 (382 AB.) So that is still pretty productive.

9 total HR for the two seasons though. But who knows, he wasn't so old he couldn't have had a bit of a resurgence. Just a horrible tragedy.

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

9 total HR for the two seasons though. But who knows, he wasn't so old he couldn't have had a bit of a resurgence.

I'm thinking his excellent defense and close to .300 average for a few more years would have to help him. He also hit .320 with 7 RBI in the 1978 World Series (and .278 with a HR in the Championship Series.) That adds, not subtracts.

Clemente's death was inspirational and elevated him. The Bostock, Agganis, Piccolo, and Hubbs deaths were tragic, and I think the pathos and their unrealized potential balance against each other somewhat.

But Munson's death was caused by him flying a plane that was more powerful than he was used to.... and not to be too judgemental of a guy who lost his life, he died because he made a really bad decision. So his early death adds nothing in my opinion, but subtracts a lot.

[Yoda]

Leon, thank you. I am retiring to my mouse hole and quietly remove my foot from my mouth. Tomorrow promises to be a better day.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Mark17

I'm thinking his excellent defense and close to .300 average for a few more years would have to help him. He also hit .320 with 7 RBI in the 1978 World Series (and .278 with a HR in the Championship Series.) That adds, not subtracts.

Clemente's death was inspirational and elevated him. The Bostock, Agganis, Piccolo, and Hubbs deaths were tragic, and I think the pathos and their unrealized potential balance against each other somewhat.

But Munson's death was caused by him flying a plane that was more powerful than he was used to.... and not to be too judgemental of a guy who lost his life, he died because he made a really bad decision. So his early death adds nothing in my opinion, but subtracts a lot.

Fair enough. Do you think he should be in the Hall?

[frankbmd]

Is the posthumous T206 All-Star team (top 12 or 22) thread relevant here?

Death is inevitable, sooner or later. Trust me, I’m a doctor.

I didn’t think Yoda’s OP was a death wish for Zion, just a less than woke example.

It may have been a woke example though, I dunno.