How long until Lee Smith is eligible for the Hall Of Fame, and does anyone think he'll get in?

Answer 1

He is eligible. There has been much speculation about Lee Smith's chances of becoming a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame specifically, as well as the criteria for relief pitchers and closers in general. Only Hoyt Wilhelm, Dennis Eckersley and Bruce Sutter have been inducted into the Hall of Fame based primarily on their relief pitching and only Sutter has been inducted with fewer starting appearances than Smith.[15] Wilhelm and Eckersley each started more than 50 games in their careers while Sutter never started — Smith started only six games, none in his last 15 seasons.
Hall of Fame voting

Lee Smith's results in Baseball Writers Association of America voting for the Baseball Hall of Fame. 75% was required for induction in each ballot while less than 5% would end eligibility for future BBWAA consideration:

Year Votes Percent
2006 234 45%
2005 200 39%
2004 185 37%
2003 210 42%

Answer 2

Lee Smith is already elgible. I don't think he'll make it, but I think he deserves it. Relief pitchers haven't been getting respect in Hall of Fame voting yet, as only a handful are in the Hall of Fame.

Answer 3

The participant would desire to be not have performed in the optimum leagues for 5 comprehensive years earlier he's eligible. meaning that a participant who performed his final pastime this previous 3 hundred and sixty 5 days would be eligible for attention after the 2012 season (i.e., for the 2013 induction). there's a waiver to that 5 years if the participant has died, wherein case he's eligible for instant attention.

Answer 4

Lee Smith is currently eligible. He hasn't received the 75% of required votes in previous years, but eventually should get in as more relievers gain the respect of the HOF. He wasn't as dominant as some other closers, but was consistent over a long career. His career saves record was just recently topped by Trevor Hoffman (a sure HOF'er).

Answer 5

He is eligible already.

I think he will make it in as more relievers will be considered. Especially when you consider the number of HOFers will tail off as many in the "roid" era become available and will NOT get voted in.

Does anyone really think that Palmiero is going in? Or Sosa? Even though both have acheived numbers that formerly were "sure things."

Lee Smith will go in, as will Goose Gossage, and I think both will be in within the next five years.

Answer 6

He's up for it now and has been for a while. Not sure why he didn't get in yet or why that bum of a relief pitcher "Goose" (from his years getting frisky with fellow Yanks) Gossage got more votes than him, when he's the all time saves leader

Answer 7

I don't know when he is eligible,but should get in on first ballot! Great relief pitcher

Answer 8

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