Hall of Fame

My friends and I often debate who belongs in the Baseball Hall of Fame and who doesn’t deserve such merit. Being something of a numbers guy, I always thought if a player met certain benchmarks, he should get in without serious consideration. For example, 3,000 hits should be a guaranteed ticket punched, but 400 homeruns would not. But if that 400 HR guy also had a .300 career batting average, then he probably should. I’ve always allowed exceptions on both sides. Rafael Palmeiro’s 3,000 hits and 500 homeruns don’t get him in because of the steroids scandal. Conversely, Ozzie Smith was not a standout offensively, but unquestionably belongs in the Hall of Fame. Why? A great many defensive wizards will never get Hall of Fame consideration.

I’ve heard the arguments but have felt little sway. All that has changed. Thanks to Netflix, I’ve watched an episode of Ken Burns’ “Baseball” each Saturday morning for the past 6 weeks. Yesterday, I watched the disc about the 1940’s that focuses on two things: Jackie Robinson and the integration of MLB in 1947 and the 1941 season featuring Ted Williams’ .406 BA and Joe DiMaggio’s 56 game hitting streak. DiMaggio’s streak captivated the nation and is a source of inspiration for many people. It even inspired Les Brown’s song “Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio”. Here’s the sample of lyrics that shifted my view:

He’ll live in baseball’s Hall of Fame

He got there blow by blow

Our kids will tell their kids his name

Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio

A friend asks me about Andre Dawson. Is he a great player? Yes. Does he have benchmark achievements? Check. Is he a Hall of Famer? Am I going to tell Sophia stories about Andre Dawson? Will she pass those stories on to her kids? Probably not. I’ll tell her about Albert Pujols, David Ortiz, Greg Maddux, a whole host of players I don’t feel like listing. Who are the players my dad talked about? Stan Musial and Mickey Mantle. Is Andre Dawson in that echelon of player? It breaks my heart, but my gut says no.

Roger Clemens

Old Conventional Wisdom:

Clemens is arguably the greatest pitcher of his generation, perhaps all-time.  He is revered for his competitiveness and his conditioning regimen.

New Conventional Wisdom:

Clemens’ achievements were gained artificially through the use of steroids and human growth hormone.

Clemens is appearing before a Congressional hearing largely because he refutes the claims made in the Mitchell Report.  I don’t believe he is telling the truth, but I want to believe his opening statement.

Fantasy Baseball

It began today.

Not that actual distribution of points, but fantasizing about fantasy baseball beginning did.

Two friends and I rotate each year who gets to be commissioner of the league, and I’m up this year.  Really, there’s more to tell, but I’m tired now.  So, you get more info later.