He has 287 wins, and more than 3,700 K's!
2007-12-22 04:39:39 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Baseball
That is an EXCELLENT question! As a lifelong Twins fan, I really don't understand it. If he would have squeaked out 13 more games he'd be a shoe in!! He was 3rd all time in K's when he retired, and he played in an era when starters finished what they started... 2 rings as well, not bad.
I disagree that he's being left out because of attitude. He was always viewed as a practical joker, but not a jerk! It could be because he gave up a ton of homers, but honestly, if I had to guess, I'd say he's left out simply because he was never dominant, just very good for a pretty long time.
In my opinion, he is better than Don sutton, Gaylord Perry, OR Phil Niekro... but they all got to the magical 300 win plateau.
2007-12-22 05:27:00 · answer #1 · answered by Eho 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Guys like Blyleven are tough to judge. There was rarely a time when you would point to him and say, "There's a clear Hall of Fame pitcher." He just wasn't that dominating. But he was very good for a long period of time. Longevity is a useful skill as well. So it's not an easy decision.
The reverse is also true. Jim Rice had about a decade where he was as feared as any hitter in the game. But the wheels came off pretty quickly, and he didn't pile up many great career numbers. Should he be in the Hall? Another tough one.
2007-12-22 18:57:41 · answer #2 · answered by wdx2bb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Blyleven is most deserving of getting into the HOF along with Tommy John, possibly Jim Rice, Goose Gossage, and Don Mattingly. These would definitely be my choices since the first ballot crop this year is less than a stellar assortment.
Blyleven's big problem and what has probably kept him from getting the nod from the writers is a character issue rather than a skills and performance issue. He was an above average pitcher but many feel that he was a complete jerk personality-wise and this has obviously hurt his being inducted into the HOF.
2007-12-22 12:49:24 · answer #3 · answered by no1nyyfan55 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The writers voting are geriatric jerks who think players are so much better in the past. Hell, Baseball writers think they so important they vote themselves into the HOF.
2007-12-22 13:48:01 · answer #4 · answered by Stewie Griffin 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
not over my dead body
2007-12-22 12:43:42 · answer #5 · answered by Albert 6 · 0⤊ 7⤋