Over/Underpriced HOFers

[Mark70Z]

By the way Brooks hit .267 for career, not .262 (not including post season). Another great player from the era Johnny Bench @ .267..then a bit later era Mike Schmidt @ .267 career. I believe if you look up the averages for the era I'm sure these three are all above average for sure.

Many just look at the '70 WS and watch the plays Brooks made, but he did it day in and day out throughout his career. It was "normal" for him to make such plays for the Charm City fans, but he became more famous to the public after that series and I believe he was 33 years of age by then...

I "know" I have to pay a premium for his cards.

[itjclarke]

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

Many just look at the '70 WS and watch the plays Brooks made, but he did it day in and day out throughout his career. .

One of my all time favorite plays (which occurred years before I was born, making it more impressive in my mind) is Brooks Robinson throwing out Lee May from deep deep in foul territory with all his momentum carrying him away from 1st base.

I'm a big time Brooks guy and strongly believe that stats don't tell all the story, especially when it comes to baseball card value. So much of what appeals to fans and collectors is totally subjective, so to break down players' OPS+ and how it relates to card values seems like a tough and indirect comparison. Don't get me wrong, I love breaking down stats and love all the discussion and opinions shared so far, but I also think there's a huge gray area involved. A lot of "value" is dicated by soft characteristics, the "warm and fuzzy" stuff- The amount nostalgia, fond memories, even romance a player may evoke (directly related to how beloved he was- see Brooks)... how much exposure he got in his playing days (clutch WS appearances, playing in NYC, etc)... were there cool, iconic sets to support his popularity during and following his playing days (always thought guys like Sisler/Heilman get gyped because they missed CJ and Goudey)... all play a big role in the value of his cards, and I think a much bigger role than stats like WAR, which are valuable but very non romantic.

That said, I'll still add a few.

Underpriced- I second on Sisler, the guy was a hitting machine. I also think guys from the same era like Simmons, Heilman get overlooked... and definitely think Eddie Collins, Tris Speaker, Nap Lajoie deserve some more love. For how great he was, I think Ted Williams' cards deserve a little bump as well.

Overpriced- probably Mantle, but per the above combo of nostalgia, NYC and WS exposure, looks/personality, and very iconic color cards to show him off, I see why he's commanded such a premium.

[the 'stache]

Originally Posted by itjclarke

One of my all time favorite plays (which occurred years before I was born, making it more impressive in my mind) is Brooks Robinson throwing out Lee May from deep deep in foul territory with all his momentum carrying him away from 1st base.

Robinson's throw out of May in the '70 World Series is one of the all-time iconic defensive plays in baseball history:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRQSECBxK8s