he sure put up some great numbers, but only for a short time.
2007-01-19 09:03:39 · 18 answers · asked by RoyGBiv 2 in Sports ➔ Baseball
I think he should, but not now. If Rizzuto made it, then I think Don should definately make it, but maybe in another 10 years.
2007-01-19 10:41:30 · answer #1 · answered by Jersey L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a big fan of Donny Baseball from the beginning of his 14 year career. He played the game w style & professionalism every time he went on the diamond.
I too was very disappointed by the 10% support he received from HOF voters.
The stats in his favor.....MVP award, AL batting title, 9 Gold Gloves, 6 time All Star, career average .307, & ranks 5th all time fielding average.
I spoke w a columnist here in Fort Worth, who is a voting member of the BBWAA & asked for his take on Mattingly's chances.
His response began by stating his admiration for Mattingly as a player & HOF candidate. Other guys on the ballot stand out more tho.
As examples he pointed out that 16 players on the ballot this year had more home runs than Mattingly, & 15 had more RBIs.
He then gave his prediction that Don's stats while compeling are likely to come up short, leaving him in good company w should be HOFers & all around good guys like JIm Rice & Dale Murphy who can hope the veterans committee gives them the nod some day.
Mattingly's career average was second only to Gwynn on this year's ballot & he;s MY choice for team captain anyday!!
2007-01-19 17:54:42 · answer #2 · answered by SantaBud 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Unfortunately Donnie Baseball has none of the "prerequisite" numbers to enter the hall..namely 2500 hits and 300 HRs (he had 2153 and 222)
However, he did play in somewhat of a "deadball" era and for a five or six year stretch may have been the best all around player in baseball. Nine Glod Gloves strengthen his case as well.
His career is quite similar to that of Sandy Koufax...short career marked by a few outstanding seasons. Unfortunately, HOF voters seem to favor long consistent careers, moreso with everyday players than pitchers.
His best shot is probably with the Veterans committee...I put the odds at about 50/50 there.
2007-01-19 17:41:51 · answer #3 · answered by Tim B 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Anyone who truly loves baseball wants to see Donny Baseball in the hall. Had it not been for a bad back he more than likely would get in. But as it stands right now he would have to get in as a player coach and that could happen.
2007-01-19 20:24:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Donnie Baseball should be in the Hall!!!
Goos question Rainboy boy
2007-01-19 17:07:07 · answer #5 · answered by muskrat_h8r 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes! Go Yankees!
2007-01-19 20:14:54 · answer #6 · answered by AL IS ON VACATION AND HAS NO PIC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
GOOD NUMBERS NOT GREAT. YOU CAN NOT COMPARE HIS CAREER TO KOUFAX'S. HE IS LIKE A LOT OF PLAYERS THAT PLAYED IN N.Y., OVERRATED. MOST PEOPLE ON THIS FORUM DON'T KNOW WHAT TRULY MAKES A HALL OF FAMER.
2007-01-19 18:28:50 · answer #7 · answered by smitty 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think he should be. If they can put Puckett and Sandberg, why not Donnie Baseball?
2007-01-19 22:10:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The numbers aren't quite there.
2007-01-19 20:20:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Best player in baseball for most of a decade...Yes!
2007-01-19 19:46:32 · answer #10 · answered by Chad 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋