The results of the 2011 Hall of Fame vote are on the horizon.  It’s unfortunate in my opinion, but we as fans, writers, experts or whatever we would like to call ourselves, have completely lost focus on who can enter the hallowed halls of Cooperstown. 

Below you will find a list of this year’s candidates; (my votes in italics and bold is elected) 

Roberto Alomar
Jeff Bagwell
Harold Baines
Bert Blyleven
Juan Gonzalez
Barry Larkin
Edgar Martinez
Tino Martinez
Don Mattingly
Fred McGriff
Mark McGwire
Jack Morris
Dale Murphy
Rafael Palmeiro
Dave Parker
Tim Raines
Lee Smith
Alan Trammell
Larry Walker
John Olerud
Kevin Brown
B.J. Surhoff
Marquis Grissom
John Franco
Bret Boone
Al Leiter
Benito Santiago
Carlos Baerga
Raul Mondesi
Bobby Higginson
Charles Johnson
Kirk Rueter
Lenny Harris

 
First off, common sense has to play a huge role in the minds of the voters.  The fact of the matter is that they are voting for the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, quite possibly the most highly regarded hall that we have in sports. 

How long has it been ingrained in our brains that 500, 3,000 and 300 are key qualifiers? 

We all know what is needed to be elite and we shouldn’t kid ourselves by clouding our judgment with information or stats that sound nice but aren’t what is needed. 

Unfortunately the game changes and we are in a different time.  Players take on new roles and new statistics are made, in spite of that, the best of the best don’t need the hums and hah’s to be elected; it’s automatic. 

Without even looking at numbers like HR, RBI, ERA, WAR, OPS WHIP and batting average, only two out of 33 are on the ballot are in without question. 

I admit I am torn with Larkin, but is he one of the best 23 shortstops of all-time? 

We do have to remember this is a vote for the best ever.  I am not singling anyone out when I say this, I would like to instill to the audience that the achievements of anyone that could make this list transcends anything I could do and I give them all the respect in the world.  All in all, it’s my opinion right?! 

Sure, Bagwell was a legitimate power threat for a good number of years, so were many others.  Was Edgar Martinez the best Designated Hitter of our or any generation?  Yes, but that does not make him a Hall of Famer. Does Palmeiro, a player accused and found guilty of using steroids or enhancers disqualify him from the Hall?  According to this it does:

5. Voting: Voting shall be based upon the player’s record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played. 

Heck, if Pete Rose is not getting in, then they shouldn’t either. 

I am not saying that steroid users should not get in—Barry Bonds’ name was on the plaque before any of that started—even so, once one gets in, Pandora’s Box is blown off its hinges. 

My point is, we are all over-thinking this process when in fact the answer is right in front of our faces. 

Devon is the founder of The GM’s Perspective

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