Quote:
Originally Posted by mattsey9
Cap Anson would have to be in. In 1909, he had more hits than any other player in the history of the game. Further, he helped spread the game globally with his participation in a world tour of barnstormers.
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He was certainly a great player, but proclaiming that he "helped spread the game globally" is a bit too nice. He is also credited with being one of the most racially intolerant players of the day, refusing to play exhibition games (and even major league games) versus dark-skinned players.
He was also known to have been one of the most prolific bettors on baseball, yet he is in the Hall. If you did a recast of voting today, I wouldn't be surprised if he is no longer "first ballot". But, Frank asked us what voters would have thought in 1909. The answer is yes, he's in.
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HOF "Earliest" Collection (Ideal - Indiv): 244/342 (71.4%)
1914 T330-2 Piedmont Art Stamps......: 114/119 (95.8%)
1923 V100 Willard's Chocolate............: 177/180 (98.3%)