i think tony gwynn is the most deserving
2006-12-05 08:14:25 · 33 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Baseball
It's a tie between Gwynn and Ripken. I know that's not an absolute answer, but they are very different players. Though Gwynn was a great, great player, and I agree with virtually every positive thing said about him, I'm surprised by how easily some people are dismissing Ripken.
I, too, think the streak was overrated. (Streaks don't really measure any accomplishment. Remember that during Dimaggio's 56 game hitting streaking, Williams actually had a higher batting average for the same number of games.) But ironically, I think his streak is overshadowing his actual accomplishments as a player.
Baseball is a game of statistics, so let's compare these guys in some key areas:
B.A. Slugging Ave. Hits HR Runs RBI
Gwynn .338 .459 3141 135 1383 1138
Ripken .276 .447 3184 431 1647 1695
So although Gwynn has a deserved reputation as an outstanding hitter, Ripken has more hits, runs scored, RBIs, and more than three times as many home runs.
But perhaps most importantly, Cal Ripken redefined for our generation the position of shortstop. Prior to him, for many decades, a shortstop was supposed to be a small, wirey guy who was a good fielder and could steal a lot of bases. Ripken showed the position could be played just as well by a big man who was a major power threat.
So as I said, they are equally deserving, for different reasons.
2006-12-05 16:14:54 · answer #1 · answered by ktd_73 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ripken has alway been my favorite player and is more than deserving for the Hall. Gwynn is also very deserving, a shoo-in for sure. Other than those two there are a bunch of second tier guys that I think deserve to make it and some will someday and some will probably not. Ron Santo and Jim Rice come to mind, over due. Goose Gossage and Lee Smith are two of the best "closers" the game has seen. Gossage would pitch 2 or 3 innings more often than not. Don Mattingly is a boarderline guy that I wouldn't mind seeing in the Hall also.
A side on Ripken: His streak seems to be his lasting contribution. That is all people seem to remember. I think the streak is hurting him more than anything else because that is all people talk about. "He was ok but all he did was show up everyday" That is plain and simple ridiculous. He was ROY in 1982, AL MVP in both 1983 and 1991. He was an All Star for 19 consecutive years, MVP of the allstar game in 1991 and 2001. He won two golden golves and 8 silver slugger awards (best hitter at a position). He had over 3000 hits and over 400 home runs. He won the Roberto Clemente award in 1992. The Roberto Clemente award is given to the player combining good play and strong work in the community. This is a player who was more than just "the streak".
2006-12-05 12:44:39 · answer #2 · answered by xlx_evilcheeba_xlx 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
While Gwynn and Ripken are very deserving as 1st year selections, Alan Trammel is the most deserving among those listed on the ballot.
If you compare his SS statistics with those from all generations, his stats rank as some of the best ever in baseball. For this reason, Alan Trammel should also join Gwynn and Ripken in the Hall of Fame in 2007.
2006-12-05 08:58:54 · answer #3 · answered by Fantasy Protege 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As every one is saying, Ripken and Gwynn. Gwynn was a great hitter in the 3,000 hit club along with Ripken. Gwynn sorta had the Ty cobb philosphy. Batting average and hits were more important. Again as everyone said, Ripken isn't only recognized for his streak. He has put up great numbers. Mark Mcgwire may go also. He made baseball really exciting along with Sosa beating Maris's record and having a "competition". Sorta upsets me he used steroids.
Even though these players aren't allowed in the hall of fame, Joe Jackson and Pete Rose should go to the hall of fame. I mean, look at their stats! They aren't bad. Not to mention Rose being the leader of the 3,000 hit club.
2006-12-07 06:33:07 · answer #4 · answered by Joey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gwynn and Ripken are both first ballot for sure. You have to remember that Ripken has hof numbers without the streak. He is only the 7th player to be in the 400hr 3000hit club. I personally thinkthey are both equally deserving. Its a really tough choice for me because Gwynn was an incredible player also. 338 ba lifetime and 8 batting titles is an amazing feat.
2006-12-06 14:28:16 · answer #5 · answered by Jack NYY #1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tony Gwynn
Cal Ripken Jr.
Orel Herssheisher
2006-12-05 08:39:08 · answer #6 · answered by nas88car300 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tony Gwynn is the most deserving of the bunch. Other than that, I have to say Bret Saberhagen should make it. Ripken is way overrated and will make it even though he probably doesn't deserve it. The only arguement Ripken has is the old saying that 90% of life is showing up, and he's hoping that's enough to get him into Cooperstown.
2006-12-05 22:44:43 · answer #7 · answered by rusty shackleford 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tony Gwynn has a life time .338 batting average and over 3000 hits, a very good defensive player also, threw out many runners at the home plate, nice person and good with the media, a role model to many kids, well deserving
2006-12-05 09:16:26 · answer #8 · answered by know it all 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cal Ripken, Jr. is not overrated. Not by any stretch of the imagination. He was an excellent hitter and a stellar defensive shortstop. He is not going in on a "novelty". As a Red Sox fan, I saw plenty of Ripken. Every year of his career. He was a sensational player. His numbers all the way around are impressive.
He and Gwynn are equally deserving of a first ballot induction.
2006-12-05 16:02:59 · answer #9 · answered by William M 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Easily the best, most consistent and thus most deserving is Tony Gwynn
2006-12-05 10:40:39 · answer #10 · answered by dhtakemoto 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋