Who do you think should be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame but isn't?

Question

My pick: Gil Hodges
370 HR
6 30+ HR seasons
.992 career fielding avg
3 consecutive gold glove awards(1957-59)
4 HR in one game (8/31/1950)
7 straight seasons of 20 hR/100 RBI(1949-55)

Answer 1

Pete Rose.
Its time to give the guy a break. He admitted beting on baseball. Betting never changed the outcome of a game or the sport as those who took steroids or perfomance enhancing drugs have. And they have been allowed into the Hall of Fame.
I mean come on were talking Pete Rose-Charlie Hustle. He brought so much fun and excitement to baseball with the likes of Catfish Hunter,Jonny Bench,Carlton Fisk,Joe Morgan,Reggie Jackson,Rod Carew,The list goes on and on. So the guy was addicted to gambling. At least he was'nt a womanizer,alcoholic,or juicing up. I say its time to forgive!!

Answer 2

I couldn't agree with you more. I've been a big advocate of Gil Hodges for years. He numbers are worthy of the Hall but more than that Gil was an outstanding human being. He gave so much back to his community while in Brooklyn as well as LA. He was a major factor in the human rights movement as well.

Among others who belong in the Hall are players like Don Mattingly, Jim Rice, Dwight Evans, Lee Smith and the list goes on. Unfortunately the sports writers who have control of the voting are so detached from the game that their votes are almost meaningless. The system for induction voting must be changed so that those worthy of the Hall don't have to wait a lifetime before they get in. In many cases some die never having the chance to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Answer 3

I agree with Gil Hodges. That would be a good pick. I would also add Pete Rose, Jim Rice, Goose Gossage, Fred Lynn and George Foster. Lynn and Foster were so overlooked during their time, because of the higher profile players of their day. They were both all-stars and MVPs. I know this doesn't always qualify a player for the HOF, but they both played important parts for their respective teams and they put up big numbers too.

Answer 4

Bert Blyleven

The man was a STUD. Amazing numbers, always a contender for the Cy Young in a pitcher's era, and stunningly he remains outside looking in.

Jim Rice

Ask any pitcher in whoever faced him for five hitters tougher to get out than he was... and I doubt ANY will be able to do it. Tough, fearless, a powerful contact hitter that didn't fall back on his batting skills and simply DH.

Goose Gossage & Lee Smith

Has ANY reliever been so feared? Has anyone else been as so intimidating as these two giants on the mound? They were ace relievers before it truly became a speacialty like today.

Answer 5

Pete Rose
Gil Hodges
Jim Rice
David Concepcion

Answer 6

I would love to say Pete Rose and Joe Jackson, but that would be the easy way out. Therefore, I’m going to say Lefty O’Doul. Only player not banned from baseball with a career batting average in MLB over .345 (his is .349), with mim of 3000 At-Bats not in the Hall of Fame.

Answer 7

Hodges is not a bad pick.

(I'd rather leave Pete Rose off the table, as anyone would concede that his numbers are not the reasont hat he';s not in.)

My first pick would probably be Andre Dawson. Just a terrific all-around player. My list would also include Jim Rice, Goose Gossage, Bert Blyleven and Ron Santo.

Answer 8

I agree! The Dodgers from the 50's and 60's were awesome and Hodges does deserve to be in Hall of Fame! Also Ron Santo of the Cubs

Answer 9

Clearly this is just an opinion-related question but in my book no Baseball Hall of Fame is complete without first: THURMAN MUNSON-yes Pudge Fisk he was BETTER than you, second Jim Rice, third Bert Blyleven and then Gil Hodges (love ya BROOKLYN Dodgers).

Answer 10

Jim Rice - one of the most feared hitters for about 10 years.

Goose Gossage, Lee Smith, and Bert Blyleven all should be in as outstanding pitchers.