I don't understand why Lee Smith is not in the Hall of Fame. Can anyone give me a good reason why he isn't in Cooperstown? 478 career saves. That is more than what Mariano Rivera will end up with when his career is said and done. What else does a guy have to do?
2007-05-30 14:02:17 · 3 answers · asked by Matt C 2 in Sports ➔ Fantasy Sports
He is what they call a compiller. I think I spelled that right? Anyway he wasn't ever the best and most dominate at his position but was very consistent and had a long career. Much like Craig Biggio has done. Is Lee Smith a HOFer though? The word FAME comes into play. When you think of the top relievers do you think Lee Smith? Maybe he is in the top 8, top 10. That is good enough for me for him to get in. If you are a top 10 performer for your position all-time for a league with a 100 year history you deserve a place in the HOF. On the other hand Closers much like Kickers in the NFL is such a niche position and it is hard to get votes for the HOF. My quess is Smith won't get in. The next relievers that should be in are Goose Gosage and 5 years after they retire Hoffman and Rivera.
2007-05-30 17:56:59 · answer #1 · answered by Stevelly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He should be in the hall-of-fame and it is a shame he is not. One of the great relief pitchers who set new standards and he is not in. He just went out and did his job and you never saw him make the news in a negative way. I do think it will happen at some point in time. Rivera will not put up the numbers that Smith did and he will get in, I just hope it will be after Lee Smith.
2007-05-30 14:07:07 · answer #2 · answered by Frizzer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If someone can come up with a good reason i would love to hear it too. It seems reputation has more to do with who gets in and who doesnt...that can be the only explaination. Nobody can argue the numbers and there is precident to vote in closers so they cant use that excuse. I am under the impression that to be deemed Hall worthy one needs to put up top numbers and have a long career.We can put check marks to both of those requirements, he accomplished both very nicely. I can think of a couple of players in the Hall that didnt exactly put up the greatest numbers but did endear themselves to the fans with style of play. Maybe Smith should have been more "Hey look at me". But instead he took the team player doing his job attitude...maybe that is the voters excuse?
2007-05-30 14:33:02 · answer #3 · answered by viphockey4 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋