I know this has been asked, but is Curt Schilling a Hall Of Famer?

Question

Now, as part of this question is John Smoltz?

If you say yes to Smoltz how can you deny Schilling? John Smoltz has 203 wins, 3.26 career era, 1.17 whip with 2889 k's and 154 saves. Schilling has 213 wins, 3.46 career era, 1.14 whip and 3086 k's with 22 saves.

Both pitchers had 3+ seasons in which they were solely a reliever - Smoltz just happened to be in the closer role though Schilling pitched comparedly.

Schilling has won 2 World Series with a 3rd appearence (93 with the Phillies). Smoltz has won one.

Schilling was the ace of the Phillies while he was there, facing the oppositions best pitchers. Smoltz mostly played second and third fiddle to Maddux & Glavine.

Both players have had injury problems in their career.

Smoltz has been on better offensive teams then Schilling (until recently when Schilling went to Boston).

Schilling has the mystique of his blood soaked sock. Smoltz didn't even make the "Chicks dig the long ball" commercial with Glavine/Maddux.

Answer 1

I think that Curt Schilling will get into the HOF, but maybe not on his first shot. His numbers are good enough, but that is only half the battle these days. Curt has the stuff to get him in. He is probably the hardest working pitcher off the field, as he does more stats than any statician in the league, and he keeps maticules notes on every batter he faces. I hope that he comes back and pitches good the last half of this season, so that the red sox give a contract next season that keeps him on the team, maybe in a front office position, if he chooses to retire. He will be there don't worry, and so will Smoltz.

Answer 2

Both have been great, your points are good. I would say that if Curt could pad his stats a little with a few more wins. He was a reliever but no one feared him coming in the game as the closer on a nightly basis like Smoltz. Schilling has also hurt himself with some of his mouthing off; some voters will remember that he broke from the codes of baseball. I say they both are Hall worthy. At the beginning in Atlanta Glavine played second fiddle to Smoltz though.

Answer 3

You do raise good points, but I don't think the years as relievers can be compared since Smoltz was considered one of the premier relievers in the game.

Schilling has been a legitimate ace for a long time and has pitched in several big games. I sometimes think there is a favorable bias, however, to players who stay with one organization - Smoltz is associated with Atlanta. Not saying it is right, but just how it is.

That said, I think Smoltz is in because his short dominance as a reliver supports his overall numbers while I think Schilling will have to reach 250 wins.

But good question

Answer 4

Smoltz and Schilling have practically the same career except Smoltz was for three years a great reliever.

Answer 5

No doubt he's a hall of famer, 213 wins, 3.46 career ERA, 3086 k's, and most importantly 2 WS rings. If he doesn't go to the hall of fame Smoltz certiantly shouldn't.

Answer 6

This is a tough question but i would have to say yes for both because in this new era of baseball it doesn't look like many pitchers would be reaching 200 wins before the standard was 300 wins and you are in but know its difficult because of better hitters

Answer 7

Briefly, what I look for is great SEASONS and not simply shiny, large career totals.

So:

Smoltz -- yes.

Schilling -- no. Not today anyway; he's not done yet, and I won't deny that his helping win those two championships give him a lot of narrative value that the writers may find appealing.

Answer 8

You make valid points, but I think everyone in Boston just thinks he should be in the Hall of Fame because he came to Boston, said he was coming here to bring the team to a championship, and he did it. The sock said it all for this city. . . .But statistically, I think he should be.

Answer 9

Why bother answering this question now? They're not even retired, and their stats might change quite a bit. Players who seem close to retirement might not be (see Roger Clemens).

Answer 10

Oh most definately along with Randy Johnson