agreed. They were first ballot hall of famers prior to juicing and they set records that are unsurpassed. You got David Ortiz, a steroid user in the HOF (who would not have been able to keep playing at the big league level without PED's) yet no Clemens and Bonds. That's proof that it's a popularity contest and it's about who's likeable.
It’s a personality contest; if you were a media darling with the right stats, you’re in. If you were indifferent or hostile towards reporters, even with the right stats you’ll be blackballed. Simply put, merit based elections need to happen. For example, if your OBP was 15% better than the league average during your playing career you should automatically be in. If your ERA was 15% lower than the league average in your era, you should automatically be in. Baseball as a sport is driven by numbers, yet the process for immortality is based on feelings
Well said! Curt Schilling, one of the greatest postseason pitchers of all time is not in. Bc he didn’t get along with anyone. He was rude to reporters, his teammates, etc. I heard Dick Allen wasn’t too liked either and that had something to do with him FINALLY getting in. Dave Parker and Allen should of gotten in many decades ago. Also, Juan Marichal was kept out of the HOF for a bit bc he hit Johnny Roseboro over the head with the bat. But that’s a ridiculous reason to not elect someone deserving based on stats.
Also, there shouldn’t be a cap to entry. For example, if 30 players qualify (15% better than average) in 2026, then each one should be enshrined.
What would be your threshold for not allowing entry? Personally, the only way I wouldn’t want someone to enter is if they committed a heinous crime: murder/r*pe/kidnapping
i actually disagree. i like how they let in 3,4,5 etc. each year. and i'm unsure if a heinous crime should even keep someone out tbh. i certainly don't condone any of those egregious acts but i like the HOF to be a stat only merit. Heck, OJ Simpson is in the Football Hall of Fame.
My perspective is that there is currently a significant backlog of deserving candidates who have yet to be inducted. Once this backlog is addressed, we will likely see a more consistent induction of qualified individuals as the voting process becomes less congested.
Take Billy Wagner, for example—he should have been inducted years ago. His career ERA was only marginally higher than Mariano Rivera's and substantially lower than Trevor Hoffman's, underscoring his qualifications for enshrinement.
that's fair i think that's a good take. Billy Wagner belongs in the hall but it is tough when it comes to relievers being there are only 10 in the hall. I think that may have something to do with him getting voted in later than sooner.
It’s ridiculous that Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens are not in the HOF.
agreed. They were first ballot hall of famers prior to juicing and they set records that are unsurpassed. You got David Ortiz, a steroid user in the HOF (who would not have been able to keep playing at the big league level without PED's) yet no Clemens and Bonds. That's proof that it's a popularity contest and it's about who's likeable.
I like this comparision
It’s a personality contest; if you were a media darling with the right stats, you’re in. If you were indifferent or hostile towards reporters, even with the right stats you’ll be blackballed. Simply put, merit based elections need to happen. For example, if your OBP was 15% better than the league average during your playing career you should automatically be in. If your ERA was 15% lower than the league average in your era, you should automatically be in. Baseball as a sport is driven by numbers, yet the process for immortality is based on feelings
Well said! Curt Schilling, one of the greatest postseason pitchers of all time is not in. Bc he didn’t get along with anyone. He was rude to reporters, his teammates, etc. I heard Dick Allen wasn’t too liked either and that had something to do with him FINALLY getting in. Dave Parker and Allen should of gotten in many decades ago. Also, Juan Marichal was kept out of the HOF for a bit bc he hit Johnny Roseboro over the head with the bat. But that’s a ridiculous reason to not elect someone deserving based on stats.
Also, there shouldn’t be a cap to entry. For example, if 30 players qualify (15% better than average) in 2026, then each one should be enshrined.
What would be your threshold for not allowing entry? Personally, the only way I wouldn’t want someone to enter is if they committed a heinous crime: murder/r*pe/kidnapping
i actually disagree. i like how they let in 3,4,5 etc. each year. and i'm unsure if a heinous crime should even keep someone out tbh. i certainly don't condone any of those egregious acts but i like the HOF to be a stat only merit. Heck, OJ Simpson is in the Football Hall of Fame.
My perspective is that there is currently a significant backlog of deserving candidates who have yet to be inducted. Once this backlog is addressed, we will likely see a more consistent induction of qualified individuals as the voting process becomes less congested.
Take Billy Wagner, for example—he should have been inducted years ago. His career ERA was only marginally higher than Mariano Rivera's and substantially lower than Trevor Hoffman's, underscoring his qualifications for enshrinement.
that's fair i think that's a good take. Billy Wagner belongs in the hall but it is tough when it comes to relievers being there are only 10 in the hall. I think that may have something to do with him getting voted in later than sooner.