If a Japanese baseball player is nominated for the Hall of Fame, should his career in Japan count?

Question

Most Japanese ballplayers, e.g., Ichiro, had significant careers in Japan before signing with a Major League team. Should both Japanese and American careers be considered when these guys are put on the Hall of Fame ballot?

Answer 1

It should count for something, but the Japanese leagues aren't as difficult to succeed in for most players....so it should count but not all that much. By the way as of right now Ichiro is the only Japanese player that has any hope of making it, and he will still make it even without the assistance of his Japanese league performance. He's been amazing, and will get 3000 hits easily.

Answer 2

No. The full name of the HOF is the "National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum", with the nation in the title being the United States. Japanese baseball has its own Hall of Fame (see link below) that recognizes achievement in that country. While the National Baseball Hall of Fame has done exhibits recognizing the popularity and success of the sport in Japan, they have not recognized specific players for achievements outside American leagues.

Answer 3

I agree with the lower level of talent in Japan not because they aren’t great ball players, but because they by their own rules only allow 2 foreign players on a team. This is good for the Country but bad for the sport. As we’ve all found out with players like Jackie Robinson, the mixture of cultures brings out the best in the league. In addition, I believe that aluminum bats allowed in the Japanese’s league and as everyone knows, the aluminum bat is a better offensive weapon then the wooden bat. Therefore, to add these kinds of stats would cheapen the HOF a little just likes steroids. If a player like Ichiro makes the HOF, I do believe on his plaque adding his Japanese stats should be allowed so that everyone can enjoy the marvel of his achievements, but only once he is in the HOF should they be considered.

Answer 4

No. It's like being in the minors. If it did count, do you take players like Sadhuro Oh to the hall of fame purely on the basis of his Japanese career? A few great players come out of Japan just like good players come out of the minors, but the fact that marginal MLB players like Tuffy Rhodes and Tyoshi Shinjo can dominate in Japan show how much lower the level of talent is.

Answer 5

no, it is the major league baseball hall of fame, not the world baseball hall of fame. doesnt matter though, ichiro will be a hall of famer, most likely first ballot, at that

GO MARINERS!

Answer 6

Yes, he was a baseball player before he came to the Major Leagie and that should be applauded.

Answer 7

umm yes and no, yea because they have accomplished alot but one could argue that the baseball talent in japan isnt as strong as american baseball so i feel it will never work out but i think it should

Answer 8

NO!

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!

The hall of fame is for MLB PLAYERS ONLY!!!!!