Santo elected to HOF

[Robextend]

Hey Chris, I know we have both argued before nobly regarding the Larkin debate.

The first thing I try to think of when I start debating whether or not someone should be in the HOF is do I consider this player "great". Then I research and look for arguments against whatever my initial thoughts were. To me, Larkin wasn't a great player. It could very well be the fact that he didn't stay on the field long enough in his career, but his numbers don't sway me in the other direction.

I am sure you can come up with as many reasons that he should be in, which makes this argument interesting, but I don't believe he should be in regardless of what Bill James stated.

295AVG 198HR 960RBI, no seasons above 100rbi, only 2 above 100 runs scored. Never had more than 185 hits, and only more than 170 hits three times. And only finished in the top 10 in MVP voting twice (won once in strike shortened year).

That doesn't do it for me.

[Chris-Counts]

Rob, I agree his stats aren't Hall of Fame worthy — if he was an outfielder. But how many shortstops have better stats? How many shortstops hit .295 lifetime with nearly 200 home runs and nearly 400 steals? Plus a championship and an MVP? His stats completely obliterate those of most Hall of Fame shortstops.

And if a comparative statistical analysis isn't enough, what is better? "Greatness" seems like a very subjective term.

Again, I think many people, including voters, don't consider the position or the era when evaluating a player for the Hall of Fame. All eras and positions aren't created equal ...

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by Chris Counts

"Greatness" seems like a very subjective term.

You nailed it. It IS more than just stats, which is why the steroid boys won't get in until public opinion changes, and why Rizzuto and Reese are in, and why Albert Belle will never get in yet Kirby Puckett DID get in. Human beings do the voting, and just like us, they don't always agree on what constitutes HOF credentials, some (like the Kiner example) hold grudges, others (like the guys who voted in Rizzuto) owed favors, etc., etc.