Why doesn't Roger Maris belong in the Hall of Fame?

Question

Yes, looking at his lifetime stats he's no Boy Wonder. BUT! He was a savvy ballplayer, an MVP in the World Series, and he held not just any record longer than anyone else -- he held THE record. And he held it without steroids, which every player who broke it used. He was good on defense, he highlighted a team that had many hall of famers, and he was not an arrogant or self-involved personality. Exceptions are made for the hall all the time. By today's voting standards, Jackie Robinson just might not be voted in. But he did something exceptional. Roger Maris did something exceptional as well. He did it honestly, the way Hank Aaron did his work. Put Roger in the hall where he belongs.

Answer 1

I agree, he should be in

Answer 2

1. All of this is assuming they didn't take steroids or other things that violate the game's rules. I think they should look again at 500 HRs being an automatic into the HOF. There are some people who may hit 500 HRs that didn't hit for much of an average at all, didn't come through in other clutch situations, was awful in the postseason (if they reached it). I don't think those type of people should get in just because they have 500 HRs. That's easier to do seemingly than it once was. 300 wins should make you a lock. That is extremely difficult to do. That means that you were at least keeping your team in it (all a pitcher can do) a whole lot. I think 300 wins should be a lock. 2. Bert Blyleven, Andre Dawson, Dale Murphy, Tim Raines, Skip Caray (you didn't say just players) 3. Managers - A great winning percentage. All-time wins. Maybe they turned their organization around and took them from worst to first and then continued to win with them (Bobby Cox basically excels in all of those categories). Those are all things they should look at. Broadcasters - If they are legends. Harry Caray, Skip Caray, the guy from the Yankees (I don't know his name, but everybody knows his voice), Dave Niehaus, Pete Van Wieren...people like that. Everyone knows who these people are, and they have been calling the games for fans of a certain team for a long time.

Answer 3

Other than the "accelerated eligibility for early death" rule, the only honorees who got in without full compliance with the guidelines at the time are Joss and Doby.

Maris had two great seasons (and so happened to win the AL MVP Award each year), one other very good one, and outside of those three years was good but not great. The Hall wants greatness.

Maris' enduring fame lasts upon that one number in his playing record, 61. That's not enough to earn a plaque.

Everything else you offer in his favor could be said about many other players, some in the Hall, most out. There's nothing exceptional, nothing of historical import there.

Robinson, conversely, was eminently worthy of his plaque as a player, simply for his performance on the field. His massive, positive social impact doesn't even need to be considered; but add that in and he's undebatable.

Robinson crafted a historically great career. Maris crafted one historically great season, and was among the league leaders two other times. That really is not Hall measure.

But next time you're in Fargo, ND, stop in: http://www.rogermarismuseum.com/

Jackie doesn't have one that I can find.

Answer 4

A case could be made that Maris derserves to be in more than Kibry Puckett, and here's why I would say that.

Puckett's election came as much on what was anticipated in the seasons he missed due to the fact he was going blind and had to retire after twelve seasons. Yes, he had racked up 1,000 RBI and a .318 average, but none of his seasons were remarkable, the way Maris put together the two "regular ball" seasons in 1960 and 1961 with 98 homeruns. Plus, Maris suffered emotional and physical injuries towards the end of his career which contrinuted to his early retirement.

Hopefully, the veterans committee, which has not elected anyone in more than five years, wakes up one of these days and recognizes Maris. However, because he was not loved in New York, you will not see the same type of campaign the media did to get Phil Rizzuto elected.

Answer 5

To be put in the HOF, you need to demonstrate that you are the dominant player at your position for a sustained period of 10 years or so, or you need to change the for the better the way Jackie R did. Roger caught lightning in a bottle 1 year and hit his 61 hrs. That was more then 20% of his career total of 275. Maris's 61 is well represented in the Hall, as are many other players with great individual accomplishments, but in order to be enshrined you need to be great for more than 1 year.

Answer 6

Roger Maris was a very good, smart ball player. He was even named the MVP in 1960.

However, Roger Maris never hit .300. Maris had a very short period of his career that he was among the best. His last few years with the St. Louis Cardinals he was not a star, just a valuable contributor. I liken him to Paul O'Neil, a very good player, just not one of the best. He just did not play well enough long enough to warrant election to the Hall of Fame.

Answer 7

One record does not a HOF career make. Leaving the HR record aside, there are literally dozens of hitters not in the Hall who have better credentials than Maris. He had two great seasons, but the rest of his career was just above-average. I don't dispute the value of his achievements or his personality, but overall his career would not put him among the all-time greats.

Answer 8

Very simply, he isn't good enough. There are at least 40 players who are not in the HOF that are better than him.

The Hall is for the very best players, not the very good.