OT - Who is the best player that should NOT be in the HOF?

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Posted By: Chris Counts

Peter,

I recall some of the responses I received the last time I went on a Minnie Minoso rant. I was told he didn't play long enough in the Negro Leagues and he didn't play long enough in the majors. But when you put the two together, you get a career longer than many, if not most HOFers. I honestly have never heard a good reason why he isn't in the HOF. I have long argued he's the most deserving player not enshrined. With the possible exception of Mickey Mantle, was there a more exciting American League player in the 1950s? The guy could do it all. Look him up if you don't believe me ... he had speed (led the AL in stolen bases three times), hit for a high average (AL top 10 in 8 out of 11 seasons as a regular), had a great batting eye (.389 lifetime OBA), could throw (139 career assists), and he had a good glove (won Gold Gloves in 3 of the first 4 years they were awarded), hit 189 home runs ... what am I missing? And if you wonder what kind of reception he received when he arrived in the far more segregated American League, consider the following ... he was hit by a staggering 192 pitches (leading the league in 10 out of 11 seasons!). Jackie Robinson, by comparison, was only hit by 72 pitches. He was essentially a slightly better version of Enos Slaughter. And I'm a big fan of Enos ...