Posted By:
Frank Wakefield"Best" is not someone who might throw a game for money,
notwithstanding how well he may hit and field.
Pete belongs in the Hall, anytime he buys a ticket, 363 days a
year. If one were to study the origins of the development of the
National League, the agreement between the 2 leagues, the effect
gambling had on the early game, the clear rules prohibiting it
that are conveyed to the players, the signs on the clubhouse
doors, the clear HOF requirements and disqualifications that
players know, and then honestly and without emotion looked at what
Pete did... then one cannot rationally envision Pete ever being
inducted into the Hall, but merely admitted whenever he buys a
ticket.
I think Chase may well be the best fielding first baseman ever;
and at least among the best. That is based upon what I've read
that contemporaries said about first basemen, from Beckley through
Gehrig. But the possibility of someone throwing a game is such a
significant, serious negative, that it offsets great fielding and
good hitting.
2 DR solidarity edits.