Cooperstown 1909 - Were Gandil, Chase & Cicotte Crooked in '09?

[h2oya311]

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.

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.

[Louieman]

Originally Posted by h2oya311

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.

+1

If we go by the Halls rules, 10 years in the bigs minimum, I'd have to start with some obvious ones Nap Lajoie (1896-), Honus Wagner (1897-), and Sam Crawford (1899-), though their careers were just getting started. If I can only have one pick I'll go with Wee Willie Keeler, career .340+ batting average, and 2900+ hits whose playing days ended in 1910.

Great question, I would have said Fleet Walker but that would not have happened in 1909.

[frankbmd]

The list has been updated and an attempt to clarify "rules" has been included in the original post. These of course are still subject to change on a whim of the OP.

[bigtrain]

Originally Posted by Louieman

+1

Anson was not elected until 1939, so that was actually the 4th ballot.

[bwbc917]

How about some of the pioneers: Candy Cummings, Levi Meyerle, and Bobby Mathews, and let's not forget Al Spalding who went 37-8 one season, but even more impressive was 57-5 in 1875.

[bwbc917]

If Ned W. gets sooooo much attention for his 27 HR on a short fence that was originally only a ground rule double if the ball cleared it, how about Roger Connor who in 1909 was the reigning HR king with 136 and second in triples to Jake Beckley.