[Archive]

Posted By: Todd Schultz

let's compare him to one of my all time favorites, outfielder Dave Winfield.

HRs: Dave 465, Cal 431
RBI: Dave 1833, Cal 1695
Runs: Dave 1669, Cal 1647
Avg: Dave .283, Cal .276
Hits: Dave 3110, Cal 3184

Those seem pretty comparable to me, and yes, Ripken did play the tougher defensive position.

now let's compare him to HOF first sacker Willie Stargell.

HRs: Willie 475, Cal 431
RBI: Willie 1540, Cal 1695
Runs: Willie 1195, Cal 1647
Avg: Willie .282, Cal .276
Hits: Willie 2232, Cal 3184

Again, Cal's numbers are at least as good. So without even getting in to the rigors of playing a tougher position and the famous streak, it seems clear to me he'e a first ballot HOFer.