So, who's going to be elected into the Hall of Fame in 2008? My guess is 4 players, they are....?

Question

Jim Rice, Andre Dawson, Goose Gossage and Bert Blyleven, you agree?

Answer 1

Gossage is the most likely - he fell just short last year (71.2% of the vote, with 75% needed). The others are all much longer shots - none of them have ever polled more than 65% of the vote, and 10% is a lot more minds to change than 3.8%.

Of the guys that are first-time eligible, I don't see any of them making it in next year. Tim Raines will probably eventually get in, but some will probably hold off voting for him because "first ballot inductee" is viewed as a somewhat higher level of achievement, reserved for the truly legendary players.

Answer 2

Newly eligible players in 2008:

Brady Anderson, Rod Beck, Andy Benes, Delino DeShields, Shawon Dunston, Chuck Finley, Travis Fryman, David Justice, Chuck Knoblauch, Mike Morgan, Robb Nen, Tim Raines, Jose Rijo, Todd Stottlemyre, Greg Swindell, John Valentin, Randy Velarde, Mark Wohlers


The only one I see drawing substantial support is Tim Raines and I don't see him getting in on the first ballot.

The top vote getters who weren't elected from last year are
Gossage 71.2%
Rice 63.5%
Dawson 56.7%
Blyleven 47.7

I think that Gossage makes it in, otherwise we will have a shut-out next year.

Favorite Gossage quote: When asked if he was nervous facing Carl Yastremski with two men on base in the 9th inning of a 1 run game in the 1978 playoff between the Yankees and Red Sox:

"Nah - I just figured worst thing could happen is I'd be off hunting in Montana the next day."

Answer 3

Gossage should get in he was amazing back in his day, he actually earned saved going two or three innings for a save, unlike todays pitchers only needing three outs.
Blyleven should make it as well, his main problem was his tendency to give up the long ball, possibly even holds a record for that. He had a great career, being a Twins fan I'm hoping he makes it.
Dawson better chance than Rice.
Gossage would be my guess to get in out of the four.
I'm not sure who else became eligible this year.

Answer 4

I would agree with you on 3 out of the 4 you mention. Andre Dawson's numbers just don't rate Hall of Fame mention. He only ranks up there in HRs (438) and RBIs (1,591). His other offensive stats just do not warrant HOF induction. On the other hand, Rice, Gossage and Blyleven should be there based on career statistics!

Answer 5

If Goose Gossage is such a certain inductee then why hasn't he been inducted as of yet? The same exact thing goes for Blyleven. Are you guys thinking that the veteran's committee is going to elect them in?

Answer 6

well being as none of them have been inducted yet i'll put money AGAINST them. i'll say dawson probably will. goose has had well over 15 years for a shot at getting in..hasn't happend yet. doubt it will now. bert probably will but that's a toss up. jim rice will never get in..sad i know..but he's been out of the game for some time and even with those decent numbers a player like santo's isn't in..rice ain't getting in.

Answer 7

The only one I'm unsure of is Andre Dawson. All four should be in, but the drums have been beating for the other 3 and not much for Andre. You never know what those brain surgeon writers will do. They have more angles than a prism.

Answer 8

Goose might get inducted, but it's hard to say. All of these players have been on the ballot for awhile. Why all of a sudden would the voters get their head out of their asses? The first three deserve to be in there though, I don't think Bert is a HoF'er though.

Answer 9

Gossage is almost a certain inductee.

Chances are that he will be the only player selected by the writers, though.

Answer 10

Goose only. Nobody in history got as many votes as he did this year, and did not make it the following vote,