Hall of Fame Early Baseball Committee

[ValKehl]

Thanks, Scott, for your post re Dummy Hoy. I am in awe of anyone who overcomes a significant handicap to accomplish great things in life. Even though Hoy's career stats are not quite up the the usual HOF standards, I feel the HOF should enshrine Hoy to recognize how much a handicapped baseball player can accomplish.

[GaryPassamonte]

My top choice.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by ValKehl

Thanks, Scott, for your post re Dummy Hoy. I am in awe of anyone who overcomes a significant handicap to accomplish great things in life. Even though Hoy's career stats are not quite up the the usual HOF standards, I feel the HOF should enshrine Hoy to recognize how much a handicapped baseball player can accomplish.

Not a bad perspective.

[bigfanNY]

Tip O'neil another best player on one of the best teams ever 1886 St. Louis. American Assn I think is reason he is not already in..

[Jim65]

I think these Early Baseball/Veterans Committees should be done away with, they accomplished what their intention was, to see if any HOF players were missed to the years. These players have been looked at and evaluated many times. How many more Harold Baines need to be elected?

[CardCollector]

Originally Posted by Jim65

I think these Early Baseball/Veterans Committees should be done away with, they accomplished what their intention was, to see if any HOF players were missed to the years. These players have been looked at and evaluated many times. How many more Harold Baines need to be elected?

Thanks all, for the many illuminating posts on who might deserve to get in. I think the point Jim65 raises is a worthy one ripe for further discussion. Set aside Baines because the Early Committee probably wouldn't include someone who doesn't rate high statistically. I wonder if there is something to be said for not opening up the Hall to 19th century players UNLESS there is a modern stat that wasn't available initially that provides further justification for entry. Hall of Stats seems to do a pretty good job of this, and there's some overlap with a few of the players we've been discussing (including Caruthers and Dahlen): http://www.hallofstats.com/. But unless there's a strong statistical case based on something not available generations ago, I think I agree with Jim65.

[packs]

I disagree. A player like Stovey, for example, was voted on one time: in 1936 when five of the greatest players of all time were the only ones inducted. He was never voted on again.

[triwak]

Originally Posted by packs

I disagree. A player like Stovey, for example, was voted on one time: in 1936 when five of the greatest players of all time were the only ones inducted. He was never voted on again.

+1000! We should never cut off our ability to view history through the lens of hindsight. I think the Eras Committees are the most fun votes of the Hall - especially if you're a HOF card collector!

[CardCollector]

Originally Posted by packs

I disagree. A player like Stovey, for example, was voted on one time: in 1936 when five of the greatest players of all time were the only ones inducted. He was never voted on again.

Great response, thanks, I didn't know that and I agree with your point. +1!

[Huysmans]

Originally Posted by bigfanNY

Tip O'neil another best player on one of the best teams ever 1886 St. Louis. American Assn I think is reason he is not already in..

O'Neill being Canadian I'm sure doesn't help as well...

[bigfanNY]

Player with .326 lifetime average 10 years pro ball. Triple crown winner. Not Harold Baines. And to counter the AA vs NL Argument, Tip and the 1886 Browns beat the White Sox who were the National leauge champs 4 games to 2 in postseason.

[packs]

The AA was no different than the American League was when it started up. It was an equal competitor that didn't last, not a minor league that wasn't up to snuff. The stats should be respected.

And I really don't know what a player like Stovey or Hoy or Dahlen has in common with Harold Baines. No one would bring up Baines in a discussion about the most overlooked 20th century players 100 years from now.

[bbcard1]

Guys....I think I'm good.

I could see Dahlen, Bill Dinneen (as an ump), Buck O'Neil, and maybe Bobby Matthews, but I'm fine if we just stand pat. My personal favorite who is borderline but I would argue for using the lame Harold Baines defense would be Larry Doyle.