Quote:
Originally Posted by Tabe
We won't get 75% agreement on him but my #1 guy (besides guys like Arod, Clemens, and Bonds) is Albert Belle. The only argument against him is "his career was too short" but, if we're not holding that against Addie Joss, Kirby Puckett, or Sandy Koufax, we shouldn't be holding it against Albert Belle either. The standard is 10 seasons (9 if you're Joss) - not "well, kinda 10 but really 14-16 or however many I feel like". And Belle played in 12 seasons anyway.
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He was caught using corked bats, and had a seriously less than friendly relationship and interactions with media and fans, during and after his career. In fact, he even changed the name he went by when he got into the majors to try and uncouple with his past due to alcohol and anger issues. He actually went by "Joey" until after getting out of rehab back in 1991, and switched to his first name Albert, to signify a supposed new start. I doubt the BBWAA has/had a lot of sympathy for him. And the bat corking likely doesn't sit well with a lot of veteran players.