My theory on "under-rated" hall of famers

abothebear · #1 01-27-2023, 05:32 PM

I�m sure there are names for it in market or economic theory, but I don�t know what they are - but this fits a theory I have that there is a limited number of stocks or commodities that the whole of the market can trade in. If you look at stock trading, there a few that receive a huge proportion of the trade volume. Often(loosely speaking) one them has to drop out or get pushed put to make room for another. I think this is largely true of collective fan-ness, considering rating as market trading.One difference would be that, since performance is now static, there is no opportunity for change (short of the unlikely discovery of a truly repulsive scandal). In any era the casual fan, or fan with no regional star to gravitate toward, will generally gravitate to the celebrity star, tipping the balance in their direction over regionally beloved stars. There is a certain point, if that star doesn�t burn out, or isn�t overcome by someone else, that this balance becomes permanent. I think of Clemente and McGwire as players who had semi-late movement that altered their collective rates-ness. In any case, at this point, it would be rare (and hard to predict) for a pre-1970 player to move upwards in ratedness, ,even if they deserve it as players and men. The spots are full.

Cmvorce · #2 01-28-2023, 09:02 AM

Could it also have something to do with the cards? Not a comprehensive list but Cobb�s 4 T206s are 4 of the very best looking cards in the set. Speaker�s lone card - not so much. Collins� T206 card looks fine but it�s one and done for most collectors. Musial�s collectibility would have benefited greatly if he had cards in 52-58 Topps in my opinion. Hornsby�s Goudeys came way past his prime and the e121�s just don�t have the pull of other sets for a lot of people. Just a thought.

mrreality68 · #3 01-28-2023, 09:20 AM

some interesting thoughts and I mostly agree with them.

To me no matter how great some of these players on the field the personalities of other greats or the way the media covers the other greats make the ones with the larger than life personalities (good or bad) become more interesting and more followed

Exhibitman · #4 01-29-2023, 09:29 AM

I favor the overshadowed theory and Ryan's personality theory. I would add Carl Hubbell to the list on both accounts. He was a god in the 1930s with two MVP and leading the league in WHIP six times. And destroyed that killer line-up in the 1933 AS game:

Unfortunately for King Carl, his best years overlapped with Lefty Grove, who is alway on the short list for greatest pitcher of all time. Lefty led the AL in ERA 9 times to The Meal Ticket's 3, had a longer career, had a more productive career, and was just a better player.

Hub also was not colorful. Even though he played in NYC, he wasn't colorful. Grove was known as fiery, aggressive, a genuine red-ass in the clubhouse, and a power pitcher for much of his career (led the league in K's five times, to Carl's 1). Hubbell wasn't any of that. Americans love a colorful personality, even if it is an asshat personality.

Hadda throw in a few Wheaties from one of my favorite sets.

Leon · #5 01-31-2023, 07:11 PM

I have to agree with the sentiments that the most collected players are the ones with the great stories... (and stats, of course)

Hankphenom · #6 01-31-2023, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

I favor the overshadowed theory and Ryan's personality theory. I would add Carl Hubbell to the list on both accounts. He was a god in the 1930s with two MVP and leading the league in WHIP six times. And destroyed that killer line-up in the 1933 AS game: Unfortunately for King Carl, his best years overlapped with Lefty Grove, who is alway on the short list for greatest pitcher of all time. Lefty led the AL in ERA 9 times to The Meal Ticket's 3, had a longer career, had a more productive career, and was just a better player. Hub also was not colorful. Even though he played in NYC, he wasn't colorful. Grove was known as fiery, aggressive, a genuine red-ass in the clubhouse, and a power pitcher for much of his career (led the league in K's five times, to Carl's 1). Hubbell wasn't any of that. Americans love a colorful personality, even if it is an asshat personality. Hadda throw in a few Wheaties from one of my favorite sets.

Those are such gorgeous cards!

mrreality68 · #7 02-01-2023, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

Those are such gorgeous cards!

and a good addition to the list

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
CLOSED-CARD AVAILABLE!! 1987D "BO" CSG 7.5 RATED ROOKIE! Ends Mon eve 7-12!	GoldenAge50s	Live Auctions - Only 2-3 open, per member, at once.	2	07-12-2021 02:55 AM
Framed M101-2 "Should Be" Hall of Famers	Cy2009	Pre-WWII cards (E, D, M, etc..) B/S/T	0	10-01-2017 12:53 PM
FS: Signed 8" x 10" Photos - All Baseball Hall of Famers SOLD	quinnsryche	Autographs & Game Used B/S/T	2	05-12-2016 05:08 PM
Random Hockey Hall of Famers 1939-Now includes Maurice "Rocket" Richard - Closed	T2069bk	Live Auctions - Only 2-3 open, per member, at once.	5	08-15-2013 09:19 PM
T201 SGC Graded "Hall of Famers" For Sale	iggyman	Tobacco (T) cards, except T206 B/S/T	1	07-21-2010 12:47 PM