Will Bert Blyleven get into the Hall of Fame?

Question

This year? Next year? Ever?

Answer 1

I believe eventually Burt Blyleven will make it into the HOF but most likely through the Veterans Committee instead of the annual voting by baseball writers. His 3701 Ks (5th all-time) places him in the company of Steve Carlton, Tom Seaver, and Don Sutton; all HOFers. His 287 wins ranks 26th all time and puts him in the company of HOFers like Robin Roberts and Furgie Jenkins.

Only two things are working against him right now 1) his career ERA is 3.22, unimpressive compared to fellow HOF pitchers and 2) his best years (late 60's, early 70's) was in an era where pitchers dominated. Compared to his contemporaries like Marichal, Carlton, Gibson, Seaver, and Perry, Blyleven just doesn't stand out. Case in point: in 1968, his ERA was 2.90 which would be pretty exceptional by today's standards. Except back then, it would have been HIGHER than league average. (Bob Gibson had an insane 1.12 ERA that year.) He also played for some bad teams which limited his wins and he hung around a little too long towards the end of his career; posting some bad seasons that affected his overall stats.

But I think voters will eventually realize that, even if Blyleven wasn't the best among his contemporary peers, his achievements in wins and SO are still impressive enough to warrant a HOF spot.

Answer 2

Bert Blyleven IS a hall of famer as far as I'm concerned. The sports writers association needs to clean house when it comes to those certified to vote. Many have been out of touch with the game for years and in some cases have personal grudges against certain players.

The veterans committee unfortunately will be the last hope for many worthy former players. The list is long with players like Don Mattingly, Jim Rice, Ron Santo, Dwight Evans, Gil Hodges, and many more. All of these guys belong in the Hall of Fame. Why they're not members yet is beyond me. Blyleven was a great pitcher and if I had a vote I'd elect him in January for the August 2007 induction ceremony.

Answer 3

We gained't accept as true with them, yet i imagine you will see the excuses Bert hasn't been elected yet: .534 triumphing share, 250 losses, actually 2 seasons with more desirable than 17 wins and 430 living house runs allowed. that would not make it precise, even though it does lend some perspective. now and again numbers do humorous issues. If he had gained 13 more desirable video games this communication would not be taking place. i imagine this is honest to assert in case you imagine Bert must be in, you ought to provide a demanding check out both Jim Kaat and Tommy John. even with the very undeniable truth that for some gamers you ought to pass previous the numbers, a speedy evaluation of all 3 will be exciting. I tacked Nolan Ryan on the right only for kicks. (The stats are shown in the order the pitchers are listed.) Bert Blyleven / Tommy John / Jim Kaat / Nolan Ryan Wins: 287 / 288 / 283 / 324 Losses: 250 / 231 / 237 / 292 Win%: .534 / .555 / .544 / .526 era: 3.31 / 3.34 / 3.40 5 / 3.19 WHIP: a million.20 / a million.28 / a million.26 / a million.25 ok/BB: 2.80 / a million.seventy 8 / 2.27 / 2.04 Innings: 4970 / 4710 / 4530 / 5386 Shutouts: 60 / 40 six / 31 / sixty one era+: 118 / 100 and ten / 107 / 111

Answer 4

On the surface his case deserves serious merit. I don't care who you are, 287 wins is remarkable, as are 3,701 strikeouts. His 3.31 career ERA is totally respectable. He had the best curveball of his generation.

However, I think his 250 losses are hurting his HOF argument, along with the fact that in 22 seasons he won over 15 games only 8 times and over 17 games only twice. Also, the fact that 4 of those seasons in which he won over 15 games came within his first 5 years in the league gives the impression he was a serviceable, but hardly great, pitcher for the majority of his career.

Of course the irony is that if he played one more season and won 13 games (putting him at 300) there would be no question, even if in that same season he lost 20!

Answer 5

The vet's committee is his best chance. I think he deserves the Hall. This year he has no chance. Ripken and Gwynn will get in. McGwire might, I hope not. I think all steroid users should be banned from the Hall. His stock is rising with voters going from %40 to %53. Gossage, Rice and Dawson are however getting more votes and will likely be the ones voted in. I fully favor Gossage and Dawson. I don't think Rice did enough to make the Hall. That Gossage isn't in is a crime in my opinion.

Answer 6

although i believe both blyleven and jack morris are deserving i truly believe if he is to get in it'll be thru the veterans committee. with his name off the baseball writers ballot in a few years and the names coming up soon (gywynn and ripkin this year), it'll be hard for him to get in thru the normal route. which is unfortuate because he has the stats. Look at ron santo, he has numbers that are better than george kell and he hasn't gotten in yet.

Answer 7

he is one of the 5 greatest not in the hall
1. ron santo, (veterans committee, he should have been in years ago. one of the greatest 3rdbasemen ever.)
2. hawk dawson
3. bert
4. goose - goose was dangerous and he got the job done
5. alan trammell- i'm being a homer on this one. but his numbers for a shortstop are great. he is a WS MVP and a darn good defensive shortstop. but in reality, he's right there with dale murphy.

Answer 8

He should be already, but he'll probably have to wait for the Veterans committee. He would have won 300 easily if he played on decent teams in his prime.

Answer 9

He should get in. He's one of the best pitchers I've even seen in my life. He won 287 games and played on some real lousy teams.

http://factipedia.com/sportsblogs/

Answer 10

Borderline, but I think not. the Dale Murphy Syndrome - a fine ball player but not HoF material...