Johnny Damon -HOF?

ctownboy · #1 08-16-2011, 05:38 PM

If Damon played his entire career in Kansas City or started in KC and then went to Pittsburgh, Houston and finished in Seattle, NOBODY would think he was a Hall of Fame player even if he got to 3000 Hits.

However, since he played for BOTH the Red Sox and the Yankees (and was on the 2004 Sox team that finally won a World Series) he will be a shoe-in if he gets 3000 Hits.

ESPN will make sure of that....

mr2686 · #2 08-16-2011, 05:50 PM

I think it's a little premature to talk about Damon for the HOF. It WILL take him 3 years to get 3000 if healthy, and a lot could happen. My opinion, if he gets it he's probably in, but I'm not sure anyone will want him after this year or maybe next as his productivity is declining.

Robextend · #3 08-16-2011, 06:52 PM

I always thought Raines was better than Damon, therefore more HOF worthy...but IMO neither should get in. With that said, if he gets 3k hits it will be tough to keep him out.

D. Bergin · #4 08-16-2011, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctownboy

If Damon played his entire career in Kansas City or started in KC and then went to Pittsburgh, Houston and finished in Seattle, NOBODY would think he was a Hall of Fame player even if he got to 3000 Hits.

However, since he played for BOTH the Red Sox and the Yankees (and was on the 2004 Sox team that finally won a World Series) he will be a shoe-in if he gets 3000 Hits.

ESPN will make sure of that....

Well, we'll see whether or not Damon gets in and Biggio doesn't to see if that opinion holds up.

As it is, I see no precedent in history that supports that argument.

What other 3000 hit guy (not connected to PED's/Gambling), has been denied entry to the Hall?........assuming Damon gets there, which is not a lock, as already stated.

Peter_Spaeth · #5 08-16-2011, 07:07 PM

Biggio -- 7 all star teams. Damon -- 2. Damon is the answer, I believe, to an interesting trivia question -- name the only player with 600 hits for three different teams.

sox1903wschamp · #6 08-16-2011, 08:29 PM

I don't know about the Hall but he never learned to bunt. For someone with speed, I was appalled that he could not lay down a bunt. The straw that broke the camel's back for me was the 2004 ALCS against NYY. Game 4 or 5, extra innings, situation was ripe for a bunt and he looked like an infant attempting to lay one down. I am amazed sometimes at pro's in this day that never attempt to learn the finer points of the game.

End of rant

packs · #7 08-16-2011, 09:47 PM

I don't think he's a HOFer at all. He's a compiler like Biggio, Niekro, and Sutton. If he gets to 3000 he'll get in, but not before.

I'd like to see Larry Walker and Bobby Abreu get in before a player like Damon does.

steve B · #8 08-16-2011, 10:27 PM

Amazing how the game has changed.

Growing up 3000 hits or as few as 400 HR meant a player was sure to make the HOF. The along came guys like Darryl Evans and Kingman who lasted long enough for 400 but were weak enough elsewhere that they weren't in. And I'm sure a few of the steroid guys won't get in, so that milestone is long gone.

And now we're potentially considering a guy with 3000 hits as borderline.
A lot can happen, but if he makes it I'm sure some will still think he shouldn't be in.

I think that says a lot about how much careers have changed. More players can last longer, or retain a desire to play maybe becasue of bigger salaries. The downside of those same salaries is teams getting rid of players a bit sooner. Why keep Damon if he only produces as well as a much cheaper rookie? A home town deal with KC would be good for both him and the team. He'd get the needed time, and the team would get some needed PR value from the 3000 countdown. he sounds like the sort of guy who'd offer some good intangibles for younger players.

Steve B

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
PRICE REDUCED - 1941 Double Play - Johnny Mize/Enos Slaughter HOF RC (SGC 40)	bcbgcbrcb	1920 to 1949 Baseball cards- B/S/T	2	10-05-2009 05:01 PM
FINAL PRICE REDUCTION - 1968 Partridge Meats Johnny Bench HOF RC (SGC 40)	Archive	1950 to 1959 Baseball cards- B/S/T	2	12-20-2008 05:41 PM
SOLD - 1936 R312 Johnny Mize HOF RC (SGC 30)	Archive	1920 to 1949 Baseball cards- B/S/T	1	10-15-2008 11:34 AM
FS: Lot's of cards to choose from - '50s thru '80s	Archive	1950 to 1959 Baseball cards- B/S/T	1	01-25-2008 04:44 PM
FS: Pre-war to 1980's sports cards (no baseball)	Archive	Everything Else, Football, Non-Sports etc.. B/S/T	0	01-25-2008 04:44 PM