Baseball Toaster Mike's Baseball Rants
Help
Monthly archives: January 2004

 

“Hall’s of Relief”—Final Analysis
2004-01-30 00:11
by Mike Carminati

Previous entries:


The 1870s, ‘80s, and ‘90s
The 1900s and ‘10s
The 1920s, ‘30s, and ‘40s
The 1950s
The 1960s
The 1970s
The 1980s
The 1990s and 2000s
2003 Notes: Part I & II
To Come: Final Analysis: I, II, III, and IV.

Notes on 2003:

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

—Charles "Don't Call Me Jason" Dickens

This past season was an extreme year for closers. There were very positive signs balanced against very negative ones.

On one hand, many established closers lost their jobs: Mike Williams, Jose Mesa, Scott Williamson, Armando Benitez, and Billy Koch. Still other closers were being converted to starters more and more often (in 2003, Danny Graves and Byung-Hyun Kim, at least for some time) since Derek Lowe found success in the starting rotation two years ago. The Red Sox’s attempt at “bullpen by committee” ended disastrously. Five “closers” had ERAs greater than their league average in 2003.

On the other hand, Dennis Eckersley became the third reliever in the Hall of. A slew of closers had sub-2.00 ERAs in 2003. Eric Gagne had arguably the greatest season ever for a reliever and won the NL Cy Young, the first such award given to a reliever in eleven seasons. Two of the top relievers in the game (Gagne and John Smoltz) were converted starters.

Here’s what I said about his season when he was awarded the NL Cy Young:


We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best, hope of earth.

—Abraham "Nunez" Lincoln

Think not so much of what thou hast not as of what thou hast: but of the things which thou hast select the best... At the same time, however, take care that thou dost not through being so pleased with them accustom thyself to overvalue them, so as to be disturbed if ever thou shouldst not have them.

—Marcus "Giles" Aurelius Antoninus from his Meditations

He pitched magnificently. In 77 games and 80+ innings he had recorded well over 50 saves and had an ERA well under 2.00. Who cared if his winning percentage was just .400? The Cy Young voters look at his stats and gave the Cy Young to…Bob Welch.

Oh, sorry. I wasn't speaking of Eric Gagne, who won the NL Cy Young the other day. It was Bobby Thigpen's great 1990 season that landed him in fourth place in both Win Shares (behind Clemens, Finley and Stewart and fractions ahead of Dennis Eckersley) and the Cy Young vote (behind Welch, Clemens, and Stewart but again ahead of Eckersley).

Thigpen and his one great season were the precursor to Gagne. Thigpen never had Gagne's stuff but he was used in a similar fashion and produced similar results. Leading up to Bobby Thigpen's record save year in 1990, baseball was pushing the closer limits as much as possible. In 1988, the major-league average closer recorded 25 saves for the first time. Every non-strike year since then, the average major-league closer has exceeded the 25-save threshold. As the Eighties ended teams used their closers in more and more a similar fashion. The standard deviation for team closers' save totals (6.96) dropped to its lowest since 1976 (not counting the strike year of 1982) and the standard deviation as a percentage of the average saves (27.38) was at an all-time low (just 25.41%).

This complacency was broken wide open in 1990 when, even though save totals fell (the average closer had 26.81), the ways that closers were used changed dramatically. The standard deviation of saves per closer nearly doubled and was an all-time high (11.11, which has been exceeded three times since, twice in the last two years). I have already offered my theory on this in my relievers study in the Nineties section. To summarize, the brief offensive onslaught of 1985-87 had subsided and the strategy of using one of your best pitchers as a closer who you hold off on using until late in the game to prevent a late-inning comeback by your opponent fell out of favor.

Tony LaRussa started using Dennis Eckersley in what I have termed the post-modern closer mold, i.e., fewer innings, shorter outings, and more saves. Oakland also had a great supporting cast in the bullpen so limiting Eckersley's innings didn't hurt them. This culminated with his 1992 MVP- and Cy Young-winning season, the second 50-save year for a closer.

Meanwhile, Thigpen's career feel apart: after his record 57-save season he only recorded 53 total saves for his career. Even though by 1992 Eckersley was used less in the post-modern role than he had been in the previous few (80 innings in 69 appearances), the post-modern closer took root. This was accelerated as most of the next decade was spent in an expansion-induced offensive explosion. Closers were held back until the ninth for fear that a lead would be lost in a final walk-off at-bat.

However, as the offensive onslaught slackened, the battle for the preferred usage of the closer role heated up like a debate between Heat Miser and Cold Miser. Since 2000, the varied use of relievers has gone through the roof. The standard deviation of saves among all closers hit 11% of the average for the second time since 1990. It's been over 11.25% each of the last two years. Meanwhile, the average number of saves climbed to an all-time high of 32.93 in 2002 only to fall by over four saves (to 28.00) this year. Eric Gagne led all closers with 55 saves, but this year also witnessed a team save leader—dare I say closer—who recorded only 5 saves (Franklyn German and/or Chris Mears of Detroit) and four other AL teams that didn't have a reliever record more than 16 saves (Boston, Seattle, Toronto, and the White Sox). Five saves for a team leader is the least that has been recorded since 1975 in a non-strike year.

By the way, here's a quicky comparison of Gagne's 2003 season with Thigpen and Eckersley's 1990 seasons:

Name     W-L  G SV  IP   H BB   K  ERA Adj WHIP  K:BB K/9IP Win Shares
Thigpen 4-6 77 57 88.2 60 32 70 1.83 210 1.04 2.19 7.11 20
Gagne 2-3 77 55 82.1 37 20 137 1.20 335 0.69 6.85 14.98 25
Eck 4-2 63 48 73.1 41 4 73 0.61 606 0.61 18.25 8.96 20

They all had great years, but only Gagne won the Cy Young.

OK, so where does that leave us? Oh, yeah, I don't think Gagne deserved the award this year (I would have tabbed Mark Prior or Jason Schmidt myself) and I'll explain why.

First, let me explain from an historical point of view. Just as Bill James said in 1991 of Bobby Thigpen's save record, "Obviously, Thigpen's record was brought about in part because of a change in the way that relief pitchers are used-a generalized change, operating th[r]oughout baseball," so too is Gagne's stats brought about by a recent return to that strategy.

Baseball took a slight evolutionary detour after the great success of Dennis Eckersley. This Neanderthaloid evolutionary dead end took a decade during perhaps the game's greatest offensive era, the Mets-ozoic Era, which also encompassed two rounds of expansion.

Perhaps with all the expansion, bullpens got too watered down. It became very difficult to build a bullpen as effective as the Eck-era A's pen. There have been very good pens of late, but they seem to be more capturing lightning in a jar than crafting a pen by design.

Perhaps the trend played itself out. I mean, how long can you employ one of your best pitchers for just 50 innings a year? Byung-Hyun Kim moved back to the rotation and then back. Former closer Danny Graves went 4-15 in 2003, his first year as a full-time starter. And of course Derek Lowe successfully moved back to starting last year.

Also, teams started to realize that reliance on a player just because he has recorded 30 or so saves in the past is ludicrous. Big name closers like Mike Williams, Jose Mesa, Scott Williamson, Armando Benitez, and Billy Koch lost closer jobs on their teams or were traded to other teams and no longer closed. Journeymen like Rocky Biddle, Joe Borowski, Tom Gordon, Tim Worrell, Lance Carter, and Rod Beck inherited closer jobs and for the most part performed well.

Needless to say, the job of closer has gone through a reevaluation period the last couple of seasons. In Gagne, the Dodgers appointed a hard-throwing yet highly unsuccessful young starter as their closer in 2002. It revitalized his career to say the least. However, I see Gagne as a throwback to the Thigpen line. It's not that he hasn't pitched well, very well. I just think that his performance looks all the better for the shambles that closer role has become on many clubs, as well as his calling Dodgers Stadium home (though his 2003 home-road splits show no bias to Dodgers Stadium). He happens to be in the right role at the right time.

To illustrate, there have been 87 closers all time with at least 20 saves and an ERA under 2.00, starting with Ellis Kinder in 1953. 53 of them have done it while pitching at least 80 innings.

Well, one can argue that 20 saves is not 55. However, I think that the number of saves a closer records to a very large degree depends on his era and his usage. The Reds' Ted Abernathy recorded a 1.27 ERA in 1967 with 28 saves and a 6-3 record in 106.1 innings pitched. I know it was a pitcher's era, but his league-adjusted ERA is about the same as Gagne's (295 to 335) and he did it in so many more innings. In 1967, 28 saves were enough to lead the majors. So of course Abernathy got a ton of Cy Young votes, right? Uh, no. He didn't receive a one. Mike McCormick, Jim Bunning, and Fergie Jenkins were the only men to receive any votes that year. Abernathy's season was worthy of 24 Win Shares, one fewer than Gagne this year and fractions behind league leader Bunning.

You say you want someone more recent. How about John Wetteland's 1993 season with the Expos? He was 9-3 with 43 saves in 85.1 innings over 70 appearances. He struck out 113 and walked just 28. His ERA was 1.37 and his adjusted ERA was 304. That's a pretty close match to Gagne. He was awarded 21 Win Shares, but was fourth behind league-leading Greg Maddux and Jose Rijo.

I should also point out that the Dodger bullpen this year featured two other pitchers with ERAs under 2.00, Paul Quantrill (1.75 ERA in 77.1 innings) and Guillermo Mota (1.97 in 105 innings). I have said that the Dodgers are the anti-Rockies. Pitchers go to the Dodgers and resurrect their careers (e.g. Hideo Nomo's second stint, Wilson Alvarez, Kevin Gross, and Odalis Perez , at least in 2002). Then when they leave they fall flat on their faces (e.g., Hideo Nomo after his first stint, Kevin Gross, Chan Ho Park, Ismael Valdes, Ramon Martinez, and Tim Belcher ). Not that pitching for the Dodgers bars a player from winning a Cy Young, but it should make us a bit leery just like we were of Vinny Castilla's and Dante Bichette's stats in Colorado.

Well, what about Gagne's historic 14.98 strikeouts per nine innings figure? Bill Wagner was the man he beat out (14.95 K/9 IP in 1999), and Wagner finished fourth in the Cy Young vote that year.

The last stat that people will throw out is Win Shares. Gagne led NL pitchers with 25 Win Shares, three more than Mark Prior, Jason Schmidt, and Livan Hernandez. Did anyone notice that Rheal Cormier finished 19th in the NL in pitching Win Shares, ahead of every other Phillie? Cormier had a very good season (1.70 ERA, 8-0 record, 54 hits and 25 walks in 84.2 innings/65 appearances). However, given that the Phils had four men win 14 games and three pitch over 200 innings, few would pick Cormier as their best pitching asset.

The reason is that Win Shares for relief pitchers is inherently problematic. I don't want to take anything away from James: Win Shares is probably the crowning moment of the career of baseball's greatest analyst since Henry Chadwick. However, trying to assign Win Shares to relievers is like trying to hit a moving target. The landscape of relief pitching has changed dramatically since James published Win Shares just two years ago. How can a standard formula be applied to all relievers throughout baseball history, especially when it takes a half dozen just to figure fielding Win Shares for third basemen throughout baseball history?

Given that relief pitching Win Shares were derived basically via a compromise in James' formulae, who's to say they are accurate for the 2003 season? Individual pitching Win Shares are derived from assigning claim points to a team's staff via a set of criteria and then meting out Win Shares appropriately. The criteria are runs allowed (the largest factor); wins, losses, and saves; save-equivalent innings; and batting. The claim point formula for wins/losses is ((W*3)-L+Sv) / 3 (p. 35). That seems pretty straightforward. Of course, one could argue that this formula really doesn’t measure anything, but at least it's straightforward enough. My problem is with Save Equivalent or Crucial innings. That formula is to multiply saves by three, cap the result at 90% of actual innings pitched, and finally add one for each hold (Hello, Rheal Cormier). The save-equivalent innings are then multiplied by the pitcher's component ERA added to a constant (.56) minus the team cutoff to get the claim points. OK, why not? But why 90%? Why not 80%? Or perhaps why not an era-specific percentage? Why multiple by three? Why not 2 or 4? Why not 2 in 2003 and 4 in 1967? To say that a save is a save no matter the era is problematic at best.

Win Shares is a valuable tool, but it's just that, a tool. Sometimes it proves useful; sometimes not. And given that the formulae for starting pitchers' and relief pitchers' Win Shares differ a great deal, it becomes dangerous to use Win Shares as the be all and end all for ranking all pitchers.

I think Win Shares is the shakiest ground from which to build one's argument for Gagne's Cy Young legitimacy. Gagne had a fine season, but I cannot accept an argument that his 82.1 innings were superior to Prior's 211.1 or Schmidt's 207.2 even if they came in save opportunities. And what of save opportunities? James showed in his New Historical Baseball Abstract that a closer is best used in games in which his team leads by one, the score is tied, or possibly if his team trails by one. Only one of those three would even be considered a save opportunity. Using a closer to hold a three-run lead in the ninth is mere overkill.

So, next we will take a look at Gagne's game log to determine if his appearances were indeed that crucial to his team's success to merit winning the award. Here is a table of Gagne's appearances and the situation when he entered the game. A Dodger lead is represented by the number of runs they led by at the time. If the Dodgers trailed, then the number of runs they trailed by is represented by a negative number:

Situation  -3+ -2  -1 Tied  1   2  3+
# Games: 2 0 1 13 24 11 26

Gagne seemed to be used in almost all of the Dodgers extra inning games (16). All of his five decisions came after he entered a tie ballgame. He gave up four runs in a tied game on May 12, one on June 23, and one on July 2, all for losses. He gave a run in a tie game on August 20, but the Dodgers came back to win the game. His second win he garnered when the Dodgers broke a tie ballgame in extra innings that when he was pitching. His other three appearances in which he relinquished a run were a) he gave up two runs when the Dodgers already trailed by more than 3, b) he gave up a run when he was provided a two-run lead, and c) he gave a run with a 3-run lead.

Basically, Gagne made 37 or 38 significant appearances out of 77. His 37 appearances when staked to two or more runs (26 with 3 or more) are the 19-yard field goal for closers. A competent one should be able to hold that lead. Yes, he did not blow any and yes, he only gave up two runs in those 37 games. However, if he were an average reliever, how many of those could he have blown? The Dodgers' team ERA was 3.16. An average Dodger pitcher would not have blown more than a handful of those games.

So it comes down to 13 tie ballgames, 24 with a one-run Dodger lead, and the one the Dodgers trailed by one run, i.e., the close games in which Gagne pitched. He "blew" four of those 13 tie ballgames, but none of the one-run leads. So basically Gagne was given the award for 33 or 34 ballgames in which he pitched mostly one inning. Prior started 30 games and Schmidt 29 and each went significantly longer than one or two innings in those ballgames. Finally, the Dodgers were 26-23 in one-run ballgames, so how significant was Gagne's performance anyway?

Gagne had a stellar year, but the role of the closer is still too marginalized to merit winning a Cy Young award.


Since writing that, I have heard various arguments in support of Gagne's Cy Young crown. The best I have heard was by my friend Chris who said that if you have to give the award to a closer once in a while, then this was the year.

There was no one dominant starter in the NL. Prior and Schmidt were great but neither started more than 30 games (Prior did not have a start between July 11 and August 5, after colliding with Marcus Giles; Schmidt missed a few turns at around the same time). Had they each had three or four extra starts as a typical Cy Young-level starter usually would, I bet that the Cy Young would have been a dogfight between the two probable twenty-win starters. Without those few extra starts, they become a 17- and an 18-game winner with great stats: Rick Reuschel for a new generation. How many Cy Youngs did Big Daddy win anyway?

Gagne's 2003 season was arguably among the best ever for a reliever. Even so, as I showed above, he probably only had thirty meaningful innings all year. Compare that to thirty meaningful starts of five or more innings for the best starters. If you can accept that thirty innings for a closer are more valuable than thirty starts for a starter, then Gagne's your man.

I don’t share that opinion, but I admit that Gagne’s is one of the greatest seasons ever for a reliever. To prove the point, here’s a table of all the relievers who have posted an ERA of 1.50 or lower while appearing in at least 30 games (sorry, I had to split it in two):

YrPitcherTeamWLGSVIPERA
1946Junior ThompsonNew York Giants4639462.71.29
1961Terry FoxDetroit Tigers52391257.31.41
1964Bill HenryCincinnati Reds2237652.00.87
1964Al WorthingtonMinnesota Twins56411472.31.37
1965Steve HamiltonNew York Yankees3146558.31.39
1965Frank LinzySan Francisco Giants93572181.71.43
1967Ted AbernathyCincinnati Reds637028106.31.27
1967Hoyt WilhelmChicago White Sox83491289.01.31
1968Joe HoernerSt. Louis Cardinals82471748.71.48
1969Ken TatumCalifornia Angels72452286.31.36
1971Bob MillerSan Diego Padres7338763.71.41
1971Steve MingoriCleveland Indians1254456.71.43
1972Jim BrewerLos Angeles Dodgers87511778.31.26
1972Darold KnowlesOakland Athletics51541165.71.37
1973John HillerDetroit Tigers1056538125.31.44
1974Dale MurrayMontreal Expos11321069.71.03
1975Bob ApodacaNew York Mets34461384.71.49
1977Bruce SutterChicago Cubs736231107.31.34
1980Tug McGrawPhiladelphia Phillies54572092.31.46
1981Rich GossageNew York Yankees32322046.70.77
1981Rollie FingersMilwaukee Brewers63472878.01.04
1983Steve HoweLos Angeles Dodgers47461868.71.44
1983Jesse OroscoNew York Mets1376217110.01.47
1986Rob MurphyCincinnati Reds6034150.30.72
1986Frank WilliamsSan Francisco Giants3136152.31.20
1987Tim BurkeMontreal Expos70551891.01.19
1987Jeff CalhounPhiladelphia Phillies3142142.71.48
1989Roger McDowellPhiladelphia Phillies33441956.71.11
1989Les LancasterChicago Cubs4242872.71.36
1989Jeff MontgomeryKansas City Royals73631892.01.37
1989Zane SmithMontreal Expos0131248.01.50
1990Dennis EckersleyOakland Athletics42634873.30.61
1991Doug HenryMilwaukee Brewers21321536.01.00
1992Jim CorsiOakland Athletics4232044.01.43
1992Mel RojasMontreal Expos716810100.71.43
1993John WettelandMontreal Expos93704385.31.37
1994Mike JacksonSan Francisco Giants3236442.31.49
1995Jose MesaCleveland Indians30624664.01.12
1995Tony FossasSt. Louis Cardinals3058036.71.47
1998Ugueth UrbinaMontreal Expos63643469.31.30
1998Steve ReedSan Francisco Giants2150154.71.48
1998Trevor HoffmanSan Diego Padres42665373.01.48
2000Ray KingMilwaukee Brewers3236028.71.26
2000Robb NenSan Francisco Giants43684166.01.50
2001Steve KarsayCleveland Indians0131143.31.25
2002Alan EmbreeSan Diego Padres3436028.70.94
2002Chris HammondAtlanta Braves7263076.00.95
2002Joey EischenMontreal Expos6159253.71.34
2002Brandon VillafuerteSan Diego Padres1231132.01.41
2003John SmoltzAtlanta Braves02624564.31.12
2003Eric GagneLos Angeles Dodgers23775582.31.20
2003Shigetoshi HasegawaSeattle Mariners24631673.01.48
Average53501767.21.28



YrPitcherWHIPK/9 IPK/BBHR/9 IPIP/GWin Shares
1946Junior Thompson1.214.450.780.721.617
1961Terry Fox1.015.022.000.941.4711
1964Bill Henry0.834.852.330.351.419
1964Al Worthington1.047.342.110.501.7611
1965Steve Hamilton1.087.873.190.311.278
1965Frank Linzy1.213.861.520.221.4316
1967Ted Abernathy0.987.452.150.081.5224
1967Hoyt Wilhelm1.037.692.240.201.8213
1968Joe Hoerner0.957.773.500.371.0412
1969Ken Tatum1.046.781.670.101.9220
1971Bob Miller1.245.091.380.001.6810
1971Steve Mingori0.977.151.880.321.059
1972Jim Brewer0.847.932.760.691.5416
1972Darold Knowles1.314.930.970.141.229
1973John Hiller1.028.903.180.501.9331
1974Dale Murray0.994.001.350.132.1812
1975Bob Apodaca1.114.781.610.431.8413
1977Bruce Sutter0.8610.825.610.421.7327
1980Tug McGraw0.927.313.260.291.6218
1981Rich Gossage0.779.263.430.391.4612
1981Rollie Fingers0.877.044.690.351.6617
1983Steve Howe0.986.824.330.261.4914
1983Jesse Orosco1.046.872.210.251.7720
1986Rob Murphy0.936.441.710.001.489
1986Frank Williams1.075.681.570.001.457
1987Tim Burke0.895.743.410.301.6520
1987Jeff Calhoun1.206.541.190.211.026
1989Roger McDowell1.185.081.450.321.2910
1989Les Lancaster1.036.943.730.251.7313
1989Jeff Montgomery0.999.203.760.291.4619
1989Zane Smith1.216.561.840.381.556
1990Dennis Eckersley0.618.9618.250.251.1619
1991Doug Henry0.837.002.000.251.139
1992Jim Corsi1.413.891.060.411.385
1992Mel Rojas1.046.262.060.181.4816
1993John Wetteland1.0111.924.040.321.2221
1994Mike Jackson0.8010.844.640.851.188
1995Jose Mesa1.038.163.410.421.0317
1995Tony Fossas1.049.824.000.250.637
1998Ugueth Urbina1.0112.202.850.261.0817
1998Steve Reed0.908.232.630.661.097
1998Trevor Hoffman0.8510.604.100.251.1120
2000Ray King0.985.971.900.310.804
2000Robb Nen0.8512.554.840.550.9715
2001Steve Karsay0.859.145.500.211.406
2002Alan Embree1.1211.934.220.630.807
2002Chris Hammond1.117.462.030.121.2113
2002Joey Eischen1.148.552.830.170.919
2002Brandon Villafuerte1.287.032.080.561.033
2003John Smoltz0.8710.219.130.281.0416
2003Eric Gagne0.6914.986.850.221.0725
2003Shigetoshi Hasegawa1.103.951.780.621.1613
Average1.017.613.210.341.3613

OK, so there were 52 such pitchers, three of whom, including Gagne, pitched this year. Actually Gagne’s record is only slightly better than Smoltz’s, and that was due mainly to the time Smoltz lost and to Gagne’s ungodly strikeouts per nine innings. However, note Smoltz’s strikeout-to-walk ratio superiority over Gagne. If there’s one knock you can make on Gagne’s 2003 season, it’s the walks. He didn’t walk a lot of men (20), but it was enough to affect his K-to-BB ratio a bit, even though it’s double the average for what amounts to 52 of the greatest seasons ever in relief pitching.

For the record, Gagne has the best strikeouts per nine innings, 14.98. Second is Rob Nen in 2000 at 12.55. The lowest ERA on the list is Dennis Eckersley in 1990 at 0.61 (Gagne’s 1.20 was 14th). He also recorded the best walks plus hits divided by innings pitched (WHIP) that year also at 0.61 (Gagne was second with 0.66). Eckersley in 1990 also recorded the best strikeout-to-walk ratio on the list, an ungodly 18.25, almost twice as much as second-place total, 9.13, recorded by John Smoltz in 2003 (Gagne’s 6.85 is third). Three men recorded a zero home run per nine innings ratio (Rob Murphy in 1986,
Frank Williams in 1986, and Bob Miller in 1971; Gagne is 14th). Finally, Dale Murray (1974) is the only man on the list to average over two innings an appearance (2.18). Gagne is 41st in this category. The most Win Shares? John Hiller’s 31 in 1973 (Gagne is third).

So, clearly Gagne’s 2003 campaign is among the greatest ever for a reliever. I prefer Eckesley’s 1990 season for the post-modern closers, Bruce Sutter’s for the modern closers, and John Hiller’s 1973 for ye olde tyme closers. But Gagne was better than a number of closers who won either a Cy Young or an MVP or both.

Dee Average (Or What's Happenin' Now?)

But extreme positions are not succeeded by moderate ones but rather by equally extreme, but inverted, positions.

—Friedrich "Fat Freddie" Nietzsche

This season there were seven closers with sub-2.00 ERAs: Gagne, Smoltz, Mariano Rivera, Bill Wagner, Shigetoshi Hasegawa, Danny Kolb, and Rod Beck. Now, I consider the team save leader to be the closer for these analyses. However, many may say that the first four on the list were the only true closers. The last three recorded 19 saves on average, not a lot in this era.

Yet these seven sub-2.00 "closers" were the most in the majors in fourteen seasons. In 1989, Roger McDowell, Jeff Montgomery, Dennis Eckersley, Jay Howell, Bill Landrum, Gregg Olson, Mark Davis, Tom Henke, and Jeff Russell all had ERAs under 2.00. That also happens to be the last year before 2003 that a reliever (Davis) won the NL Cy Young.

These nine men represent the all-time high for sub-2.00 closers in a season. (1908 matched it when sub-2.00 starting pitchers like Cy Young, Christy Mathewson, Addie Joss, Ed Walsh, Three-Finger Brown, and Rube Waddell also acted as closers for their teams.) The seven this year matches the strike-shortened 1981 season for second (1981 sub-2.00 closers: Rich Gossage, Rollie Fingers, Kevin Saucier, Dan Quisenberry, Rick Camp, Joe Sambito, and Woodie Fryman). By the way, there were only three last year (Gagne, Percival, and Julio) and one in 2000 (Nen).

But at the opposite end of the spectrum, there were five closers with ERAs greater than the league average (Rocky Biddle in Montreal, Jose Mesa in Philly, Mike Williams in Pittsburgh, Jose Jimenez in Colorado, and both Franklyn German and Chris Mears in Detroit). The last time there were that many was 1999 at the height of offensive surge from which baseball has just gotten itself disentangled in the last couple of years. And in 1999, one closer (Dave Veres in Colorado) actually had a park-adjusted ERA 12% better than the league average and another (Boston's Tim Wakefield) was actually the team co-leader in saves. There was just one team save leader with an ERA worse than average in 2002 (Hideki Irabu in Texas).

The all-time was 10 in 1992, right at the cusp of the offensive gluttony of the last decade. I have to list those ten because they read like a list of similar pitchers to Roberto Hernandez: Alejandro Pena, Jeff Reardon, Bobby Thigpen, Mike Henneman, Roger McDowell, Doug Henry, Anthony Young, Mitch Williams, Randy Myers, and Mike Schooler. Thigpen's 4.74 ERA was the highest on the list (as compared to Mesa's 6.52, Williams' 6.27, and German's 6.04 in 2003). Henneman's 3.96 seems paltry in comparison. (Then again, the only other time 10 team save leaders eclipsed the league average ERA was 1969 with Frank Lizzy's 3.63 ERA, Phil Regan's 3.70, Rollie Fingers' 3.70, and four other sub-4.00 ERAs on the list. The highest was John Boozer's 4.28.)


Jeff Kent-Walt Weiss Memorial Baseball Darwin Awards, V
2004-01-28 00:33
by Mike Carminati

Aaron Boone and the Yankees signed a one-year deal for 2004 worth $5.75 M. The deal "contained language saying it would become nonguaranteed if he played basketball."

So guess what Boone was doing while he injured himself possibly tearing his ACL and throwing his season in doubt? Couldn't be basketball. Could it?

The man could play squash, arena football, or parcheesi, but he has to play the one game that his contract stipulates he can't. This may force the Yankees to play Enrique Wilson or Miguel Cairo at third or, worse yet, actually give the job to erstwhile footballer Drew Henson.

Aside from one very big home run, acquiring the free-swinging Boone has been anything but a boon for the Yanks. Oh, and apparently he is a moron on top of it. Like father, like son, I always say.


Like School on Saturday (A Quinn Martin Production), Epilogue
2004-01-21 01:26
by Mike Carminati

"Book 'm, Dan-O."

"…And I would have gotten away with it, too, if it weren't for those meddling kids and their dog."

First, for those of you with such a short attention span that you could not sift through a few dozen (for shame!), here is a quick and dirty summary table by election:

ElectionNumber selectedPercentage by Top Win SharesPercentage based on bypassedPercentage by GradePercentage by Grade bypassedPercentage elected over 300 Win Shares? HoF avg before electionPercentage better than the established standards for the Hall Remainder who qualified
1936 BBWAA560%41.67%100%100%100%N/AN/AN/A
1937 BBWAA366.67%60.00%100%100%100%623.8066.67%0
1938 BBWAA10.00%25.00%100%100%100%609.880.00%0
1939 BBWAA450.00%7.69%50.00%8.26%75.00%595.000.00%0
1939 Old Timers30.00%2.59%0.00%3.03%66.67%595.000.00%0
1942 BBWAA1100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%503.500.00%0
1945 BBWAA0N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A503.410.00%0
1945 Old Timers911.11%5.08%22.22%6.22%44.44%503.410.00%0
1946 BBWAA0N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A433.27N/A1
1946 Old Timers119.09%10.00%18.18%10.28%18.18%433.270.00%2
1947 BBWAA425.00%12.50%50.00%12.73%75.00%386.9725.00%2
1948 BBWAA20.00%3.45%0.00%2.47%0.00%381.700.00%4
1949 BBWAA10.00%25.00%0.00%18.18%100.00%375.76100.00%4
1949 Old Timers250.00%8.33%50.00%7.69%50.00%375.7650.00%8
1950 BBWAA0N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A376.42N/A4
1951 BBWAA2100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%376.42100.00%3
1952 BBWAA250.00%33.33%100.00%38.46%100.00%380.8950.00%2
1953 BBWAA20.00%1.70%50.00%2.27%50.00%381.240.00%1
1953 Veterans20.00%2.63%0.00%2.91%50.00%381.240.00%8
1954 BBWAA30.00%9.68%66.67%10.00%66.67%373.830.00%3
1955 BBWAA425.00%7.69%75.00%10.14%75.00%369.7725.00%2
1955 Veterans20.00%1.79%0.00%1.92%50.00%369.770.00%7
1956 BBWAA20.00%6.45%50.00%6.67%50.00%362.3250.00%1
1957 Veterans1100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%360.38100.00%9
1958 BBWAA0N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A361.69N/A1
1959 Veterans10.00%12.50%0.00%10.53%100.00%361.69100.00%8
1960 BBWAA0N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A361.97N/A1
1961 Veterans20.00%13.33%0.00%8.51%100.00%361.970.00%8
1962 BBWAA20.00%6.06%0.00%4.65%0.00%361.440.00%1
1962 Veterans10.00%4.76%0.00%4.08%100.00%361.440.00%8
1963 Veterans40.00%13.33%25.00%12.73%75.00%358.3225.00%7
1964 BBWAA1100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%356.93100.00%0
1964 Veterans540.00%13.89%40.00%15.52%40.00%356.9340.00%5
1965 Veterans1100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%355.96100.00%4
1966 BBWAA1100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%356.54100.00%0
1967 BBWAA10.00%25.00%100.00%25.00%100.00%358.930.00%0
1967 Veterans10.00%1.32%0.00%1.06%0.00%358.930.00%4
1968 BBWAA10.00%14.29%100.00%14.29%100.00%357.150.00%0
1968 Veterans20.00%7.41%50.00%6.38%50.00%357.150.00%4
1969 BBWAA250.00%4.65%50.00%7.69%50.00%355.8850.00%1
1969 BBWAA20.00%2.63%0.00%2.13%0.00%355.880.00%5
1970 BBWAA10.00%10.00%0.00%6.25%0.00%354.730.00%0
1970 Veterans20.00%1.32%0.00%0.78%0.00%354.730.00%4
1971 BBWAA0N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A351.010.00%3
1971 Veterans60.00%3.26%50.00%5.43%50.00%351.010.00%7
1972 BBWAA333.33%6.38%66.67%9.09%66.67%346.0733.33%3
1972 Veterans20.00%1.10%0.00%0.00%0.00%346.070.00%7
1973 BBWAA2100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%341.72100.00%1
1973 Veterans20.00%1.13%100.00%50.00%50.00%341.7250.00%7
1974 BBWAA250.00%11.76%50.00%14.81%50.00%341.4450.00%2
1974 Veterans20.00%2.22%0.00%1.90%0.00%341.440.00%7
1975 BBWAA10.00%5.00%0.00%3.57%0.00%341.040.00%2
1975 Veterans20.00%5.88%0.00%4.08%0.00%341.040.00%7
1976 BBWAA20.00%10.00%50.00%10.71%50.00%339.305000.00%2
1976 Veterans10.00%1.14%50.00%1.60%50.00%339.3050.00%7
1977 BBWAA10.00%33.33%0.00%13.33%100.00%337.400.00%2
1977 Veterans20.00%5.88%0.00%4.17%0.00%337.400.00%9
1978 BBWAA1100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%336.51100.00%1
1978 Veterans10.00%0.55%0.00%0.00%0.00%336.510.00%9
1979 BBWAA1100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%336.25100.00%1
1979 Veterans10.00%0.87%0.00%0.00%0.00%336.250.00%9
1980 BBWAA2100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%337.77100.00%0
1980 Veterans10.00%1.15%0.00%0.97%0.00%337.770.00%8
1981 BBWAA10.00%20.00%100.00%12.50%100.00%337.920.00%1
1981 Veterans10.00%12.50%100.00%12.50%100.00%337.92100.00%7
1982 BBWAA2100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%337.76100.00%2
1982 Veterans10.00%0.66%0.00%0.00%0.00%337.760.00%7
1983 BBWAA20.00%10.53%50.00%10.00%50.00%340.4050.00%3
1983 Veterans10.00%0.91%0.00%0.79%50.00%340.4050.00%3
1984 BBWAA333.33%15.79%33.33%13.79%33.33%339.1633.33%2
1984 Veterans20.00%0.61%50.00%1.49%50.00%339.160.00%7
1985 BBWAA250.00%9.52%50.00%9.38%50.00%337.4250.00%2
1985 Veterans20.00%12.50%100.00%12.50%100.00%337.4250.00%7
1986 BBWAA1100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%336.97100.00%2
1986 Veterans20.00%1.42%0.00%0.75%0.00%336.970.00%7
1987 BBWAA250.00%4.76%50.00%5.13%50.00%336.2850.00%1
1987 Veterans0N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A336.28N/A7
1988 BBWAA1100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%335.67100.00%1
1988 Veterans0N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A335.67N/A7
1989 BBWAA250.00%66.67%100.00%71.43%100.00%335.90100.00%2
1989 Veterans10.00%1.85%0.00%1.47%0.00%335.900.00%7
1990 BBWAA250.00%9.09%100.00%21.74%100.00%336.5250.00%2
1990 Veterans0N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A336.52N/A7
1991 BBWAA366.67%42.86%100.00%42.86%100.00%337.4750.00%2
1991 Veterans10.00%1.54%0.00%1.27%0.00%337.470.00%7
1992 BBWAA250.00%2.74%50.00%3.28%50.00%337.3450.00%3
1992 Veterans10.00%2.08%0.00%1.61%0.00%337.340.00%7
1993 BBWAA1100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%336.30100.00%4
1993 Veterans0N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A336.30N/A7
1994 BBWAA10.00%50.00%100.00%50.00%100.00%336.95100.00%4
1994 Veterans10.00%0.88%0.00%0.77%0.00%336.950.00%7
1995 BBWAA1100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%336.49100.00%5
1995 Veterans20.00%9.09%50.00%7.50%50.00%336.490.00%7
1996 BBWAA0N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A336.95N/A5
1996 Veterans10.00%1.59%0.00%1.25%0.00%336.950.00%7
1997 BBWAA1100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%336.49100.00%5
1997 Veterans10.00%5.00%100.00%5.00%100.00%336.490.00%8
1998 BBWAA10.00%8.33%0.00%8.33%100.00%336.520.00%6
1998 Veterans250.00%2.13%50.00%4.55%50.00%336.5250.00%7
1999 BBWAA366.67%30.00%100.00%27.27%100.00%336.3866.67%7
1999 Veterans10.00%5.88%100.00%5.88%100.00%336.380.00%7
2000 BBWAA250.00%50.00%100.00%50.00%100.00%337.23100.00%5
2000 Veterans10.00%5.56%100.00%5.56%100.00%337.230.00%7
2001 BBWAA250.00%3.45%50.00%8.00%50.00%337.2850.00%6
2001 Veterans10.00%0.66%0.00%0.00%0.00%337.280.00%7
2002 BBWAA10.00%10.00%100.00%10.00%100.00%336.770.00%7
2002 Veterans0N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A336.77N/A7
2003 BBWAA250.00%22.22%100.00%26.32%100.00%336.70100.00%7
2003 Veterans0N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A336.70N/A7
2004 BBWAA250.00%9.52%100.00%11.63%100.00%337.2350.00%7
2004 Veterans (No election)0N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A337.23N/A7

A couple things that I didn’t do before but that I’d like to do now are to compare each election against the current Hall of Fame average Win Share total (337.23) and to look at the active players each year and compare them against this total. First, checking for career Win Shares over 337:

Yrvoted by>336 WS Elig# Elected% electedDiff
1936BBWAA37513.51%32
1937BBWAA3438.82%31
1938BBWAA3213.13%31
1939BBWAA3213.13%31
1942BBWAA3013.33%29
1945BBWAA3200.00%32
1945Old Timers22313.64%19
1946BBWAA1000.00%10
1946Old Timers19210.53%17
1947BBWAA10220.00%8
1948BBWAA900.00%9
1949BBWAA10110.00%9
1949Old Timers1715.88%16
1950BBWAA900.00%9
1951BBWAA10220.00%8
1952BBWAA9222.22%7
1953BBWAA7114.29%6
1953Veterans1616.25%15
1954BBWAA700.00%7
1955BBWAA7114.29%6
1955Veterans1500.00%15
1956BBWAA600.00%6
1957Veterans1616.25%15
1958BBWAA500.00%5
1959Veterans1616.25%15
1960BBWAA400.00%4
1961Veterans15213.33%13
1962BBWAA400.00%4
1962Veterans1400.00%14
1963Veterans1417.14%13
1964BBWAA3133.33%2
1964Veterans13215.38%11
1965Veterans1119.09%10
1966BBWAA3133.33%2
1966Veterans1000.00%10
1967BBWAA200.00%2
1967Veterans1000.00%10
1968BBWAA200.00%2
1968Veterans1119.09%10
1969BBWAA2150.00%1
1969Veterans1000.00%10
1970BBWAA200.00%2
1970Veterans1000.00%10
1971BBWAA400.00%4
1971Veterans1000.00%10
1972BBWAA5120.00%4
1972Veterans1000.00%10
1973BBWAA4125.00%3
1973Veterans1119.09%10
1974BBWAA4125.00%3
1974Veterans1000.00%10
1975BBWAA300.00%3
1975Veterans1000.00%10
1976BBWAA3133.33%2
1976Veterans10110.00%9
1977BBWAA200.00%2
1977Veterans900.00%9
1978BBWAA2150.00%1
1978Veterans900.00%9
1979BBWAA2150.00%1
1979Veterans900.00%9
1980BBWAA22100.00%0
1980Veterans900.00%9
1981BBWAA100.00%1
1981Veterans9111.11%8
1982BBWAA4250.00%2
1982Veterans800.00%8
1983BBWAA4125.00%3
1983Veterans800.00%8
1984BBWAA3133.33%2
1984Veterans800.00%8
1985BBWAA3133.33%2
1985Veterans8112.50%7
1986BBWAA3133.33%2
1986Veterans700.00%7
1987BBWAA2150.00%1
1987Veterans700.00%7
1988BBWAA2150.00%1
1988Veterans700.00%7
1989BBWAA4250.00%2
1989Veterans700.00%7
1990BBWAA3133.33%2
1990Veterans700.00%7
1991BBWAA4250.00%2
1991Veterans700.00%7
1992BBWAA4125.00%3
1992Veterans700.00%7
1993BBWAA5120.00%4
1993Veterans700.00%7
1994BBWAA5120.00%4
1994Veterans700.00%7
1995BBWAA6116.67%5
1995Veterans700.00%7
1996BBWAA500.00%5
1996Veterans700.00%7
1997BBWAA6116.67%5
1997Veterans800.00%8
1998BBWAA600.00%6
1998Veterans8112.50%7
1999BBWAA9222.22%7
1999Veterans700.00%7
2000BBWAA7228.57%5
2000Veterans700.00%7
2001BBWAA7114.29%6
2001Veterans700.00%7
2002BBWAA700.00%7
2002Veterans700.00%7
2003BBWAA9222.22%7
2003Veterans700.00%7
2004BBWAA8112.50%7
2004Veterans700.00%7

Now, the totals per year:

Yr>336 WS EligElected% electedDiff
193637513.51%32
19373438.82%31
19383213.13%31
193932412.50%28
19423013.33%29
19453239.38%29
19462926.90%27
19472727.41%25
19482600.00%26
194927311.11%24
19502500.00%25
19512627.69%24
19522528.00%23
19532328.70%21
19542200.00%22
19552214.55%21
19562100.00%21
19572114.76%20
19582000.00%20
19592015.00%19
19601900.00%19
196119210.53%17
19621700.00%17
19631715.88%16
196416425.00%12
19651317.69%12
19661317.69%12
19671200.00%12
19681317.69%12
19691218.33%11
19701200.00%12
19711400.00%14
19721516.67%14
197315213.33%13
19741417.14%13
19751300.00%13
197613215.38%11
19771100.00%11
19781119.09%10
19791119.09%10
198011218.18%9
198110110.00%9
198212216.67%10
19831218.33%11
19841119.09%10
198511218.18%9
198610110.00%9
19879111.11%8
19889111.11%8
198911218.18%9
199010110.00%9
199111218.18%9
19921119.09%10
19931218.33%11
19941218.33%11
19951317.69%12
19961200.00%12
19971417.14%13
19981417.14%13
199916212.50%14
200014214.29%12
20011417.14%13
20021400.00%14
200316212.50%14
20041516.67%14

OK, so the Hall was selecting these players gradually and whittling them down into the single digits. That is, until recently. The numbers have gone up over the last dozen years. There are more eligible candidates with at least as many career Win Shares as the Hall average today then there were in 1980 or 1990.

Let’s see who’s being singled out. Here is the number of active players per year who would achieve 337 Win Shares over their careers with a breakdown by who is and who is not in the Hall:

YrTotal>336 WS%TotalNot in Hall%In Hall%
187111510.87%0.00%1100.00%
187215610.64%0.00%1100.00%
187312510.80%0.00%1100.00%
187412310.81%0.00%1100.00%
187521820.92%0.00%2100.00%
187612410.81%0.00%1100.00%
18779711.03%0.00%1100.00%
18788022.50%0.00%2100.00%
187912743.15%0.00%4100.00%
188013585.93%0.00%8100.00%
188113296.82%111.11%888.89%
1882251103.98%110.00%990.00%
188328293.19%111.11%888.89%
1884782111.41%218.18%981.82%
1885353113.12%19.09%1090.91%
1886351113.13%218.18%981.82%
1887333123.60%325.00%975.00%
1888351143.99%321.43%1178.57%
1889342144.09%321.43%1178.57%
1890574183.14%316.67%1583.33%
1891409204.89%420.00%1680.00%
1892310216.77%523.81%1676.19%
1893286186.29%633.33%1266.67%
1894294186.12%422.22%1477.78%
1895305144.59%214.29%1285.71%
1896295144.75%214.29%1285.71%
1897280155.36%320.00%1280.00%
1898323134.02%323.08%1076.92%
1899348144.02%321.43%1178.57%
1900195157.69%320.00%1280.00%
1901412163.88%318.75%1381.25%
1902455163.52%425.00%1275.00%
1903400143.50%321.43%1178.57%
1904406153.69%320.00%1280.00%
1905407163.93%318.75%1381.25%
1906437153.43%320.00%1280.00%
1907446163.59%318.75%1381.25%
1908470163.40%318.75%1381.25%
1909543173.13%317.65%1482.35%
1910538173.16%317.65%1482.35%
1911567193.35%315.79%1684.21%
1912630152.38%213.33%1386.67%
1913616172.76%317.65%1482.35%
1914795172.14%15.88%1694.12%
1915796172.14%15.88%1694.12%
1916565183.19%15.56%1794.44%
1917516163.10%212.50%1487.50%
1918505122.38%18.33%1191.67%
1919534122.25%18.33%1191.67%
1920514112.14% 0.00%11100.00%
1921520122.31% 0.00%12100.00%
1922513122.34% 0.00%12100.00%
1923530132.45% 0.00%13100.00%
1924547152.74% 0.00%15100.00%
1925557173.05% 0.00%17100.00%
1926526213.99% 0.00%21100.00%
1927541193.51% 0.00%19100.00%
1928530173.21% 0.00%17100.00%
1929530152.83% 0.00%15100.00%
1930531163.01% 0.00%16100.00%
1931509122.36% 0.00%12100.00%
1932527142.66% 0.00%14100.00%
1933491142.85% 0.00%14100.00%
1934521132.50% 0.00%13100.00%
1935513132.53% 0.00%13100.00%
1936510142.75% 0.00%14100.00%
1937526142.66% 0.00%14100.00%
1938530122.26% 0.00%12100.00%
1939579132.25% 0.00%13100.00%
1940541112.03% 0.00%11100.00%
1941582132.23% 0.00%13100.00%
1942539122.23% 0.00%12100.00%
194355761.08% 0.00%6100.00%
194456961.05% 0.00%6100.00%
194557940.69% 0.00%4100.00%
194668281.17% 0.00%8100.00%
1947582101.72% 0.00%10100.00%
1948573101.75% 0.00%10100.00%
1949573101.75% 0.00%10100.00%
195057791.56% 0.00%9100.00%
1951616101.62% 0.00%10100.00%
1952632101.58% 0.00%10100.00%
1953586101.71% 0.00%10100.00%
1954576122.08% 0.00%12100.00%
1955655142.14% 0.00%14100.00%
1956621152.42% 0.00%15100.00%
1957615152.44% 0.00%15100.00%
1958638152.35% 0.00%15100.00%
1959632172.69% 0.00%17100.00%
1960637172.67% 0.00%17100.00%
1961698182.58% 0.00%18100.00%
1962760202.63% 0.00%20100.00%
1963752243.19%312.50%2187.50%
1964754253.32%312.00%2288.00%
1965751273.60%311.11%2488.89%
1966774243.10%312.50%2187.50%
1967786273.44%311.11%2488.89%
1968715263.64%311.54%2388.46%
1969932262.79%415.38%2284.62%
1970919262.83%519.23%2180.77%
1971883273.06%518.52%2281.48%
1972888303.38%620.00%2480.00%
1973892303.36%620.00%2480.00%
1974914323.50%618.75%2681.25%
1975907313.42%619.35%2580.65%
1976886333.72%927.27%2472.73%
1977984303.05%826.67%2273.33%
1978960282.92%725.00%2175.00%
1979961313.23%1032.26%2167.74%
1980950303.16%930.00%2170.00%
1981944303.18%1136.67%1963.33%
1982992323.23%1340.63%1959.38%
19831006323.18%1340.63%1959.38%
1984984303.05%1550.00%1550.00%
1985998292.91%1551.72%1448.28%
19861017313.05%1548.39%1651.61%
19871048282.67%1450.00%1450.00%
19881035252.42%1664.00%936.00%
19891073242.24%1770.83%729.17%
19901115232.06%1565.22%834.78%
19911086211.93%1466.67%733.33%
19921066211.97%1466.67%733.33%
19931180201.69%1470.00%630.00%
19941030161.55%1381.25%318.75%
19951253151.20%1280.00%320.00%
19961253151.20%1280.00%320.00%
19971236161.29%1381.25%318.75%
19981322110.83%1090.91%19.09%
19991299100.77%10100.00%0.00%
2000138290.65%9100.00%0.00%
20011339100.75%10100.00%0.00%
2002131960.45%6100.00%0.00%
Avg8328421242.55%48122.65%164377.35%

It seems that the expansion-era players have been singled out as well as us, the fans of expansion-era baseball, to be roundly ignored by the Hall (that is, unless you can remember the War Betwixt the States or at least WWI pretty clearly). Doesn’t this seem evident in what the writers and veteran players have been saying lately: they don’t like the wimpy DH. They don’t like wimpy starters who can’t finish games. They don’t like watered down staffs. They don’t like closers picking up cheap saves with a three-run lead in the ninth. They don’t like inflated power numbers. They don’t like Astroturf, steroids, domes, multi-purpose stadiums, divisions, extra rounds of playoffs. They don’t like Mondays: they want to shoot the whole thing down. They basically don’t like the game that’s been played over the last 40 years, and they devalue the stars from this era. Well, maybe not the Barry Bondses and Roger Clemenses. But certainly the Lou Whitakers and Darrell Evanses.

So what is to be done?

Many say nothing must be done. The Hall has finally adopted a reasonable standard they say and it's about time. These are the same people who told you when you were eight that there was no Santa Claus and who wouldn't flip baseball cards for fear of damaging them.

If they want two Hall of Fames, one for ye olde tyme players represented by the likes of Tommy McCarthy and Travis Jackson and one for post-expansion players in which Ron Santo and Ryne Sandberg have to buy a ticket, then that's fine. It's not fair, but if you're OK with that, then have at it. Oh, but it's problematic: what happens in fifty years or a hundred? Is this a line drawn in the sand or a momentary blip on the radar? What if Tommy McCarthy's great-great-great-great-great-grandson follows in his forebear's footsteps and is among the worst players in the Hall of Fame while Darrell Evans III is still on the outside? So the heroes or of my youth are supposed to wait on the outside. Why me? It's all a plot against me personally. And I don't like that.

Some will say that the Hall is no longer relevant, that if you know enough to pick out the poor Hall choices, then you have your own ideas about who's Hall-worthy. Well, aren't you special? If you don't care, then you don't get a say. I do care and a great deal of other people do, too. We want a real Hall of Fame, a fair and balanced Hall of Fame. Again I take this as a personal attack on me or rather my values. Remember, just because you're paranoid, it doesn't mean people are not against you.

My megalomania aside, neither of these two responses takes care of the Hall's problems. Even if you accept the double standard now being employed, what do you say to Babe Dahlgren and Tony Mullane? (Remember they're dead, so you'll need a medium or maybe an extra-large.)

Here are the things I would change:

First, eliminate the 5% rule. There have been twenty Hall of Famers voted in by the baseball writers who at one time in their candidacy received less than five percent of the writer vote (including Warren Spahn, who received one vote while active). All but 15 of the veterans’ choices would fail that test.

Besides there are now a good number of strong candidates who were removed from the writers’ ballot due to this rule. Four of the five top candidates (by Win Shares) who should be eligible to the writers’ ballot have been removed. The only one who was on the ballot in 2004 has now been voted into the Hall (Paul Molitor). So the top four will not be on the ballot next year (though they would then behind freshman candidate Wade Boggs).

Yes, history tells us that the field must be narrowed or no one candidate will reach the prescribed number of votes, but there are better ways to do this, which I'll go into later.

History also tells us that the more voters involved, the fewer the number players selected. The most efficient body had always been the old (pre-2003) veterans committees, who are usually very small in number especially when compared with the baseball writers' voting body.

That's why my next suggestion may seem a bit odd. I think the vote should be broadened beyond the baseball writers. One advantage opening the vote to more informed individuals is that the eccentricities of a certain body or of the leader of that body, the cause of most of the poor choices in the Hall, can be minimized. (Remember Ted Williams support of Dom DiMaggio? How about Joe Morgan's current devotion to Dave Concepcion?)

Besides, the fact that the custodians of the Hall are the writers on a fluke. Why? Because the baseball writers were the entire media in the mid-Thirties. There were a scant few radio broadcasts and no TV broadcasts as yet—not even on ESPN. Baseball scholarship was based on the Reach and Spalding baseball guides, that were soon to become the Sporting News guide. Henry Chadwick had passed on and Bill James was not yet born. The Society of American Baseball Research (SABR) was not yet a twinkle in the eye of founder L. Robert Davids. Al Gore had yet to invent the Internet.

Now, beat writers who cover baseball have devolved to lookerroom hangers-on who act as a conduit for Carl Everett's latest tantrum as well as a lightning rod for the locals collective angst. Even at the outset, the writers acknowledged that they had no affinity for the old time players. In 1939, their head approached commissioner Landis to cede the sovereignty over the nineteenth-century players to the Hall's Permanent Committee (as the Old Timers Committee). The writers were promised authority over all twentieth-century players, a promise that lasted only seven years (and was thoroughly blurred even during those seven years). In 1946, the writers' authority was limited to all players who were active in the previous 25 years, and that number has varied ever since (now 20 years). The abdicated control over 60 years ago. Now's the time for a better system to step in.

So what's my proposal? Enfranchise the TV and radio broadcasters, the Internet writers, the SABR scholars, player (active and retired), and even the fans. Add everyone willy-nilly? Well, willy, but definitely nilly. I propose that the same standard (10 years experience) be employed throughout. TV and radio broadcasters need ten years experience to get a vote. All SABR members with 10 years of membership get a vote. Internet writers are required to have been covering the game for at least two seasons (10 wouldn't work). The fans are problematic, but I think if you split the groups into separate bodies.

But how could anyone ever garner the support of so many diverse people? That brings me to my next suggestion: Lower the threshold for election from 75% to 50%. "Shock and horrors!" you say? Well, we have already seen that the only player to pass through the writers ballot without being elected while amassing more than half the votes was Gil Hodges. And Hodges will be the first player selected by the vets once they straighten out their system. There are actively eligible players who have received more than 50% of the writers' vote (Sandberg, Rice, Sutter, and Dawson), but they all have a very good chance of being elected.

You may also say that some individuals will be granted multiple votes due to their membership in multiple groups. Joe Morgan, that Renaissance man he, would have a vote as an ex-player, as a TV broadcaster, as an Internet writer, and presumably as a fan ( I doubt he's in SABR, but I'll check). I would have three votes myself: as a SABR member, as an internet scribe, and as a fan. I say that's OK, not only because I like the power, but because the separation of the groups will minimize the effects stemming from this multiple personality disorder.

My next suggestion is to eliminate the Veterans Committee. The voters will be rolled into one of the bodies above and their candidates will be thrown back in with the rest of the ballplayers. I think that the average fan is aware of Ron Santo and Gil Hodges.

However, opening the vote to all past players while broadening the voting community seems like a recipe for the logjam disasters of the past that brought about the veterans committee in the first place. Well, my next suggestion is to limit the players eligible to around 25-30 via a nominating phase. Have fans vote on the All-Star ballot. Coordinate the other groups' votes to coincide with the All-Star game as well. Take the top 5 from each ballot. If there is overlap, pick the next candidate by averaging the percentages across all groups. If you don't like that, have the SABR scholars pick the 25 best candidates.

At the All-Star game, announce the Hall of Fame candidates. Let the writers and broadcasters voice their opinions during the season when more people are listening. Then have the final vote at the end of the season or during the offseason. Average the percentages across all groups or require that the candidate meet the voting requirements in four of the (By the way, a number of these suggestions were made by Bill James in his Hall of Fame book as well. I agree with the spirit of his proposals, but tweaked the details.)

OK, that's what we do going forward, and I expect the Clark family, that runs the Hall of Fame as well as the city of Cooperstown, to come knocking any minute to implement it. However, I have a suggestion for the past blunders. I think all of the Veterans Committee selection from the past should be thrown open for review. The baseball writers have made their fair share of questionable calls (Catfish Hunter and Rollie Fingers come to mind), but their choices have been far better and have been free of the rank scent of cronyism. Here's a table of all the Grade-D Hall of Famers voted in by the Veterans:

NameWin SharesInducted
Tommy McCarthy1701946
Lefty Gomez1851972
Chick Hafey1861971
Ray Schalk1911955
Addie Joss1911978
Freddie Lindstrom1931976
George Kelly1931973
Ross Youngs2061972
Rick Ferrell2061984
Jesse Haines2071970
Rube Marquard2081971
Jack Chesbro2091946
Travis Jackson2111982
Hughie Jennings2141945
Ernie Lombardi2181986
Bill Mazeroski2192001
Hack Wilson2241979

Notice that most were selected during the crony-laden Seventies and mid-Forties. Of those listed, Maz, who is arguably the best defensive second baseman ever, is probably the best candidate. By means of comparison, here are the Grade-D baseball writers-inducted Hall of Famers:

NameWin SharesInducted
Dizzy Dean1811953
Rollie Fingers1881992
Sandy Koufax1941972
Catfish Hunter2061987
Roy Campanella2071969

Of those, Koufax is considered by many to be among the greatest left-handers of all time and Campanella is probably among the top five catchers. Dean, Fingers, and Hunter are iffy, at best, choices but I think the Hall can sustain them. Meanwhile, Joss doesn't even qualify for election to the Hall (only nine years of service). And the rest of the veterans' list are usually the ones pointed to as the worst selections of all time. Now, I'm not saying Win Shares (alone) should be the deciding factor. They do tend to point one to the poorest choices though.

Have the SABR scholars review them and remove the poor choices. (That includes non-Hall-worthy executives, of which Morgan Bulkeley is the worst. He has no more business being in the Hall than anyone ever affiliated with the game. His claim to fame was being the first NL president for a year until William Hulbert, the real power in the early NL, decided that he wanted the until-then figurehead position.) It should be a one-time readjustment, and I would prefer that only deceased players be expunged. We don't want people thinking their childhood star that cruised into the Hall will one-day be un-enshrined.

By removing these players, the Hall will regain its air of credibility. It would also undercut the arguments for many candidates who are similarly unworthy of enshrinement. Decommission their plaques and sell'em on Ebay.

Well, there it is. It took long enough to get here, but I hope it was worth the ride. You don't have to agree with it. I'm sure there are other plans that work better. But I hope that you agree that something has to change. Let's start the conversation rolling so we can fix this mess.


Like School on Saturday, Part XIV
2004-01-19 01:51
by Mike Carminati

1995 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
467Mike SchmidtA96.52%Y
374Phil NiekroB62.17%N
363Darrell EvansB1.74%N
358Rusty StaubB5.00%N
349Tony PerezB56.30%N
342Dick AllenB15.65%N
329Bobby GrichB0.00%N
325Reggie SmithB0.00%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Graig NettlesB6.09%N
321Vada PinsonB6.96%N
319Don SuttonB57.39%N
315Ted SimmonsB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB10.87%N
313Jose CruzB0.00%N
305Al OliverB0.00%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
302Bobby BondsB7.61%N
302Ken SingletonB0.00%N
301Buddy BellB1.74%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 100.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.49 WS avg)? 100.00% (Five others qualified.)

1995 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
329Richie AshburnB0.00%Y
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
324Ron SantoB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
310Orlando CepedaB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
304Nellie FoxB0.00%N
297Frank HowardC0.00%N
296Mickey VernonC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 9.09%
Percentage by Grade: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 7.50%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.49 WS avg)? 0.00% (Seven qualified.)

(By the way, Joe Jackson, 294 WS, was no longer eligible due to the rule change to bar players on the permanently ineligible list, i.e., Pete Rose.)

1996 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
374Phil NiekroB68.30%N
358Rusty StaubB5.11%N
358Rusty StaubB0.00%N
349Tony PerezB65.74%N
342Dick AllenB18.94%N
329Bobby GrichB0.00%N
325Reggie SmithB0.00%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Graig NettlesB7.87%N
319Don SuttonB63.83%N
315Ted SimmonsB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB10.64%N
313Jose CruzB0.00%N
311Keith HernandezB5.11%N
305Al OliverB0.00%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
302Bobby BondsB5.11%N
302Ken SingletonB0.00%N
301Buddy BellB0.00%N

Number selected: 0
Percentage by Top Win Shares: N/A
Percentage based on bypassed: N/A
Percentage by Grade: N/A
Percentage by Grade bypassed: N/A
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? N/A
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.95 WS avg)? N/A (Five qualified.)

1996 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
324Ron SantoB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
310Orlando CepedaB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
304Nellie FoxB0.00%N
297Frank HowardC0.00%N
296Mickey VernonC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
279Ken BoyerC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Rocky ColavitoC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
268Larry DobyC0.00%N
267Bill FreehanC0.00%N
267Eddie YostC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Vern StephensC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Gil HodgesC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
257Jim BunningC0.00%Y

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 1.59%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 1.25%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.95 WS avg)? 0.00% (Seven qualified.)

(By the way, Joe Jackson, 294 WS, was no longer eligible due to the rule change to bar players on the permanently ineligible list, i.e., Pete Rose.)

1997 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
374Phil NiekroB80.34%Y
363Darrell EvansB0.00%N
358Rusty StaubB3.81%N
349Tony PerezB65.96%N
347Dwight EvansB5.92%N
342Dick AllenB16.70%N
329Bobby GrichB0.00%N
327Dave ParkerB24.52%N
325Reggie SmithB0.00%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Graig NettlesB4.65%N
319Don SuttonB73.15%N
315Ted SimmonsB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB22.20%N
313Jose CruzB0.00%N
311Keith HernandezB0.00%N
305Al OliverB0.00%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
302Bobby BondsB4.23%N
302Ken SingletonB0.00%N
301Buddy BellB0.00%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 100.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.49 WS avg)? 100.00% (Five others qualified.)

1997 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
342Dick AllenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
324Ron SantoB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB0.00%N
310Orlando CepedaB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
304Nellie FoxB0.00%Y

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 5.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 5.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.49 WS avg)? 0.00% (Eight qualified.)

1998 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
363Darrell EvansB0.00%N
358Rusty StaubB0.00%N
349Tony PerezB67.86%N
347Dwight EvansB10.36%N
339Bert BlylevenB0.00%N
337Gary CarterB42.28%N
329Bobby GrichB0.00%N
327Dave ParkerB17.55%N
325Reggie SmithB0.00%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Graig NettlesB0.00%N
319Don SuttonB81.61%Y
316Jack ClarkB1.48%N
315Ted SimmonsB0.00%N
313Jose CruzB0.00%N
312Willie RandolphB1.06%N
311Keith HernandezB0.00%N
305Al OliverB0.00%N
302Bobby BondsB0.00%N
302Ken SingletonB0.00%N
301Buddy BellB0.00%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 8.33%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 8.33%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.52 WS avg)? 0.00% (Six qualified.)

1998 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%Y
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
342Dick AllenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
324Ron SantoB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB0.00%N
310Orlando CepedaB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
297Frank HowardC0.00%N
296Mickey VernonC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
282Boog PowellC0.00%N
279Ken BoyerC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Rocky ColavitoC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
269Ron FairlyC0.00%N
268Larry DobyC0.00%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 50.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 2.13%
Percentage by Grade: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 4.55%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.52 WS avg)? 50.00% (Seven others qualified.)

(By the way, Joe Jackson, 294 WS, was no longer eligible due to the rule change to bar players on the permanently ineligible list, i.e., Pete Rose.)

1999 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
432George BrettA98.19%Y
423Robin YountA77.46%Y
368Carlton FiskB66.40%N
363Darrell EvansB0.00%N
358Rusty StaubB0.00%N
349Tony PerezB60.76%N
347Dwight EvansB3.62%N
339Bert BlylevenB14.08%N
337Gary CarterB33.80%N
334Nolan RyanB98.79%Y
329Bobby GrichB0.00%N
327Dave ParkerB16.10%N
325Reggie SmithB0.00%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Graig NettlesB0.00%N
316Jack ClarkB0.00%N
315Ted SimmonsB0.00%N
313Jose CruzB0.00%N
312Willie RandolphB0.00%N
311Keith HernandezB6.84%N
305Al OliverB0.00%N
302Bobby BondsB0.00%N
302Ken SingletonB0.00%N
301Buddy BellB0.00%N

Number selected: 3
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 66.67%
Percentage based on bypassed: 30.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 27.27%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.38 WS avg)? 66.67% (Ryan just missed. Seven others qualified.)

1999 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
342Dick AllenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
324Ron SantoB0.00%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB0.00%N
310Orlando CepedaB0.00%Y
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 5.88%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 5.88%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.38 WS avg)? 0.00% (Seven qualified.)

2000 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
368Carlton FiskB79.56%Y
363Darrell EvansB0.00%N
358Rusty StaubB0.00%N
349Tony PerezB77.15%Y
347Dwight EvansB0.00%N
339Bert BlylevenB17.43%N
337Gary CarterB49.70%N
329Bobby GrichB0.00%N
327Dave ParkerB20.84%N
325Reggie SmithB0.00%N
321Graig NettlesB0.00%N
316Jack ClarkB0.00%N
315Ted SimmonsB0.00%N
313Jose CruzB0.00%N
312Willie RandolphB0.00%N
311Keith HernandezB10.42%N
305Al OliverB0.00%N
302Bobby BondsB0.00%N
302Ken SingletonB0.00%N
301Buddy BellB0.00%N

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 50.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 50.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (337.23 WS avg)? 100.00% (Five others qualified.)

2000 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
342Dick AllenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
324Ron SantoB0.00%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%Y
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 5.56%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 5.56%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (337.23 WS avg)? 0.00% (Seven qualified.)

2001 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
415Dave WinfieldA84.47%Y
363Darrell EvansB0.00%N
358Rusty StaubB0.00%N
351Lou WhitakerB2.91%N
347Dwight EvansB0.00%N
339Bert BlylevenB23.50%N
337Gary CarterB64.85%N
329Bobby GrichB0.00%N
327Dave ParkerB16.31%N
325Reggie SmithB0.00%N
321Graig NettlesB0.00%N
316Jack ClarkB0.00%N
315Ted SimmonsB0.00%N
313Jose CruzB0.00%N
312Willie RandolphB0.00%N
311Keith HernandezB7.96%N
305Al OliverB0.00%N
302Bobby BondsB0.00%N
302Ken SingletonB0.00%N
301Buddy BellB0.00%N
298Brian DowningC0.00%N
296Cesar CedenoC0.00%N
294Dale MurphyC18.06%N
289Tommy JohnC28.35%N
287Toby HarrahC0.00%N
286Amos OtisC0.00%N
283Sal BandoC0.00%N
282Jim RiceC57.86%N
281Kirby PuckettC82.14%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 50.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 3.45%
Percentage by Grade: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 8.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (337.28 WS avg)? 50.00% (Six others qualified.)

2001 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
342Dick AllenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
324Ron SantoB0.00%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB0.00%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
302Bobby BondsB0.00%N
297Frank HowardC0.00%N
296Mickey VernonC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Sal BandoC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
283Minnie MinosoC0.00%N
282Boog PowellC0.00%N
279Ken BoyerC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Rocky ColavitoC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
269Ron FairlyC0.00%N
267Bill FreehanC0.00%N
267Eddie YostC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Vern StephensC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Gil HodgesC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
263Roy WhiteC0.00%N
261Jim FregosiC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
253Maury WillsC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
248Billy PierceC0.00%N
247Jim GilliamC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Tony OlivaC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC0.00%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%N
243Joe KuhelC0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%N
242Joe GordonC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
241Felipe AlouC0.00%N
241Wally BergerC0.00%N
241Johnny CallisonC0.00%N
241Dolf LuqueC0.00%N
241Dick McAuliffeC0.00%N
239Roger PeckinpaughC0.00%N
239Frank SchulteC0.00%N
239Will WhiteC0.00%N
238Cupid ChildsC0.00%N
238Harry DavisC0.00%N
237Phil CavarrettaC0.00%N
237Wally MosesC0.00%N
237Bobo NewsomC0.00%N
236Joe AdcockC0.00%N
235Doc WhiteC0.00%N
235Cy WilliamsC0.00%N
234Mel HarderC0.00%N
233Ben ChapmanC0.00%N
233Del EnnisC0.00%N
233Wes FerrellC0.00%N
233Willie HortonC0.00%N
233Dutch LeonardC0.00%N
233Jesse TannehillC0.00%N
232Donie BushC0.00%N
232Babe HermanC0.00%N
231Hal ChaseC0.00%N
231Paul DerringerC0.00%N
231Jack FournierC0.00%N
231Roy SieversC0.00%N
231George UhleC0.00%N
230Hardy RichardsonC0.00%N
229Ginger BeaumontC0.00%N
228Dizzy TroutC0.00%N
228Gene WoodlingC0.00%N
227Stuffy McInnisC0.00%N
227Dode PaskertC0.00%N
226Alvin DarkC0.00%N
225Tommy BridgesC0.00%N
225Pete BrowningC0.00%N
225Dick GroatC0.00%N
225Larry JacksonC0.00%N
225Urban ShockerC0.00%N
224Dolph CamilliD0.00%N
224Mickey LolichD0.00%N
223Topsy HartselD0.00%N
223Harvey KuennD0.00%N
223Roger MarisD0.00%N
223Bill NicholsonD0.00%N
223Charlie RootD0.00%N
223Bob ShawkeyD0.00%N
222Freddie FitzsimmonsD0.00%N
222Billy NashD0.00%N
221Curt FloodD0.00%N
221Bill HutchisonD0.00%N
221Arlie LathamD0.00%N
221Ed McKeanD0.00%N
220Dom DiMaggioD0.00%N
220Andy PafkoD0.00%N
220Lon WarnekeD0.00%N
219Doc CramerD0.00%N
219Bill MazeroskiD0.00%Y
219Vic WertzD0.00%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 0.66%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 0.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (337.28 WS avg)? 0.00% (Seven qualified.)

2002 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
363Darrell EvansB0.00%N
358Rusty StaubB0.00%N
351Lou WhitakerB0.00%N
347Dwight EvansB0.00%N
340Andre DawsonB45.34%N
339Bert BlylevenB26.27%N
337Gary CarterB72.67%N
329Bobby GrichB0.00%N
327Dave ParkerB13.98%N
325Ozzie SmithB91.74%Y
325Reggie SmithB0.00%N
321Graig NettlesB0.00%N
318Alan TrammellB15.68%N
316Jack ClarkB0.00%N
315Ted SimmonsB0.00%N
313Jose CruzB0.00%N
312Willie RandolphB0.00%N
311Keith HernandezB6.14%N
305Al OliverB0.00%N
302Ken SingletonB0.00%N
301Buddy BellB0.00%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 10.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 10.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.77 WS avg)? 0.00% (Seven qualified.)

2002 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
342Dick AllenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
325Reggie SmithB0.00%N
324Ron SantoB0.00%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB0.00%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
302Bobby BondsB0.00%N

Number selected: 0
Percentage by Top Win Shares: N/A
Percentage based on bypassed: N/A
Percentage by Grade: N/A
Percentage by Grade bypassed: N/A
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? N/A
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.77 WS avg)? N/A (Seven qualified.)

2003 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
437Eddie MurrayA85.28%Y
363Darrell EvansB0.00%N
358Rusty StaubB0.00%N
351Lou WhitakerB0.00%N
347Dwight EvansB0.00%N
346Ryne SandbergB49.19%N
340Andre DawsonB50.00%N
339Bert BlylevenB29.23%N
337Gary CarterB78.02%Y
329Bobby GrichB0.00%N
327Dave ParkerB10.28%N
321Graig NettlesB0.00%N
318Alan TrammellB14.11%N
316Jack ClarkB0.00%N
315Ted SimmonsB0.00%N
313Jose CruzB0.00%N
312Willie RandolphB0.00%N
311Keith HernandezB6.05%N
305Al OliverB0.00%N
302Ken SingletonB0.00%N
301Buddy BellB0.00%N

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 50,00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 22.22%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 26.32%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.70 WS avg)? 100.00% (Seven others qualified.)

2003 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
342Dick AllenB16.05%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
325Reggie SmithB0.00%N
324Ron SantoB56.79%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB25.93%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB35.80%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
302Bobby BondsB6.17%N

Number selected: 0
Percentage by Top Win Shares: N/A
Percentage based on bypassed: N/A
Percentage by Grade: N/A
Percentage by Grade bypassed: N/A
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? N/A
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.70 WS avg)? N/A (Seven qualified.)

2004 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
414Paul MolitorA85.18%Y
363Darrell EvansB0.00%N
358Rusty StaubB0.00%N
351Lou WhitakerB0.00%N
347Dwight EvansB0.00%N
346Ryne SandbergB61.07%N
340Andre DawsonB50.00%N
339Bert BlylevenB35.38%N
329Bobby GrichB0.00%N
327Dave ParkerB10.47%N
321Graig NettlesB0.00%N
318Alan TrammellB13.83%N
316Jack ClarkB0.00%N
315Ted SimmonsB0.00%N
313Jose CruzB0.00%N
312Willie RandolphB0.00%N
311Keith HernandezB4.35%N
305Al OliverB0.00%N
302Ken SingletonB0.00%N
301Buddy BellB0.00%N
301Dennis EckersleyB83.20%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 50.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 9.52%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 11.63%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.70 WS avg)? 50.00% (Seven others qualified.)

2004 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
342Dick AllenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
325Reggie SmithB0.00%N
324Ron SantoB0.00%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB0.00%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
302Bobby BondsB0.00%N
302Ken SingletonB0.00%N

Number selected: 0 (There is no election this year.)
Percentage by Top Win Shares: N/A
Percentage based on bypassed: N/A
Percentage by Grade: N/A
Percentage by Grade bypassed: N/A
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? N/A
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.70 WS avg)? N/A (Seven qualified.)

So there you have it. There are currently 14 men with Win Share totals greater than the Hall of Fame average, seven per committee. And neither one seems in a hurry to elect any of them. Well, perhaps that’s an overstatement: the writers seem to be moving toward electing Sandberg at some point and Dawson and Blyleven have some strong support. However, the other four over the Hall average Win Share total are not even on the ballot any longer and will have to wait until the veterans committee is an option. Dick Allen also has some support on the vets committee, but who knows if they’ll ever be able to elect anyone in their current configuration.

Next, I will have a final assessment and my means for fixing this mess.

By the way, Rich’s Weekend Baseball BEAT has a good overview of the Blyleven snubbing. (That is, if anyone has made it all the way through all of these posts.)


Like School on Saturday, Part XIII
2004-01-18 01:56
by Mike Carminati

1990 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
512Joe MorganA81.76%Y
369Gaylord PerryB72.07%N
342Dick AllenB13.06%N
325Reggie SmithB0.00%N
324Ron SantoB21.62%N
323Fergie JenkinsB66.67%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB8.11%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB12.39%N
312Jim PalmerB92.57%Y
310Orlando CepedaB47.52%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
302Ken SingletonB0.00%N
302Bobby BondsB6.76%N

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 50.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 9.09%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 21.74%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.52 WS avg)? 50.00% (Two others qualified.)

1990 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
329Richie AshburnB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
304Nellie FoxB0.00%N

Number selected: 0
Percentage by Top Win Shares: N/A
Percentage based on bypassed: N/A
Percentage by Grade: N/A
Percentage by Grade bypassed: N/A
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? N/A
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.52 WS avg)? N/A (Seven qualified.)

1991 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
384Rod CarewB90.52%Y
369Gaylord PerryB77.20%Y
358Rusty StaubB6.32%N
342Dick AllenB13.32%N
325Reggie SmithB0.00%N
324Ron SantoB26.19%N
323Fergie JenkinsB75.40%Y
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB6.77%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB9.26%N
310Orlando CepedaB43.34%N
305Al OliverB4.29%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
302Bobby BondsB8.80%N
302Ken SingletonB0.00%N

Number selected: 3
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 66.67%
Percentage based on bypassed: 42.86%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 42.86%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (337.47 WS avg)? 50.00% (Two others qualified.)

1991 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
329Richie AshburnB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
304Nellie FoxB0.00%N
296Mickey VernonC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
279Ken BoyerC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Rocky ColavitoC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
268Larry DobyC0.00%N
267Eddie YostC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Vern StephensC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
264Hal NewhouserC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Gil HodgesC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
257Jim BunningC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC0.00%Y

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 1.54%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 1.27%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (337.47 WS avg)? 0.00% (Seven qualified.)

(Note: Joe Jackson, 294 WS, was no longer eligible due to the rule change to bar players on the permanently ineligible list, i.e., Pete Rose.)

1992 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
388Tom SeaverB98.84%Y
358Rusty StaubB6.05%N
349Tony PerezB50.00%N
342Dick AllenB16.05%N
329Bobby GrichB2.56%N
325Reggie SmithB0.00%N
324Ron SantoB31.63%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB8.37%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB14.42%N
310Orlando CepedaB57.21%N
305Al OliverB0.00%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
302Bobby BondsB9.30%N
302Ken SingletonB0.00%N
297Frank HowardC0.00%N
296Cesar CedenoC0.47%N
287Toby HarrahC0.23%N
286Amos OtisC0.00%N
283Sal BandoC0.00%N
283Minnie MinosoC16.05%N
282Boog PowellC0.00%N
280Bert CampanerisC0.00%N
277Bobby MurcerC0.00%N
269Ron FairlyC0.00%N
269George FosterC5.58%N
268Jim KaatC26.51%N
267Bill FreehanC0.00%N
263Roy WhiteC0.00%N
261Jim FregosiC0.00%N
258Rick MondayC0.00%N
256Luis TiantC11.63%N
253Maury WillsC25.58%N
247Greg LuzinskiC0.00%N
245Tony OlivaC40.70%N
245Dusty BakerC0.93%N
241Felipe AlouC0.00%N
241Johnny CallisonC0.00%N
241Dick McAuliffeC0.00%N
240Jerry KoosmanC0.00%N
236Bob WatsonC0.00%N
233Willie HortonC0.00%N
231Gene TenaceC0.00%N
225Lee MayC0.00%N
224Mickey LolichD10.47%N
219Richie HebnerD0.00%N
219Bill MazeroskiD42.33%N
216George ScottD0.00%N
212Jose CardenalD0.00%N
212Mike HargroveD0.00%N
210Milt PappasD0.00%N
209Rico CartyD0.00%N
207Tommy DavisD0.00%N
206Thurman MunsonD7.44%N
205Jim PerryD0.00%N
205Rico PetrocelliD0.00%N
204Tommy HarperD0.00%N
204Tim McCarverD0.00%N
203Garry MaddoxD0.00%N
202Vida BlueD5.35%N
201Claude OsteenD0.00%N
199Leo CardenasD0.00%N
199John MayberryD0.00%N
198Tony TaylorD0.00%N
197Don MoneyD0.00%N
196Jeff BurroughsD0.00%N
195Dave KingmanD0.70%N
194Ben OglivieD0.00%N
191Ron HuntD0.00%N
190Wilbur WoodD0.00%N
189Bob BaileyD0.00%N
188Rollie FingersD81.16%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 50.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 2.74%
Percentage by Grade: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 3.28%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (337.34 WS avg)? 50.00% (Three others qualified.)

Rollie Fingers may be the one man in the Hall about which it can truly be said that he was in the right place at the right time. He went in the Hall based mostly on an MVP that he won undeservedly. The Hall voters seem to want one reliever per decade and Fingers became the Seventies rep even though Bruce Sutter and Goose Gossage both have better cases.

1992 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
329Richie AshburnB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
304Nellie FoxB0.00%N
296Mickey VernonC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
279Ken BoyerC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Rocky ColavitoC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
268Larry DobyC0.00%N
267Eddie YostC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Vern StephensC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
264Hal NewhouserC0.00%Y

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 2.08%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 1.61%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (337.34 WS avg)? 0.00% (Seven qualified.)

(Note: Joe Jackson, 294 WS, was no longer eligible due to the rule change to bar players on the permanently ineligible list, i.e., Pete Rose.)

1993 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
444Reggie JacksonA93.62%Y
374Phil NiekroB65.72%N
358Rusty StaubB7.57%N
349Tony PerezB55.08%N
342Dick AllenB16.55%N
329Bobby GrichB0.00%N
325Reggie SmithB0.00%N
324Ron SantoB36.64%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB8.98%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB14.89%N
310Orlando CepedaB59.57%N
305Al OliverB0.00%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
302Bobby BondsB10.64%N
302Ken SingletonB0.00%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 100.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.30 WS avg)? 100.00% (Four others qualified.)

1993 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
329Richie AshburnB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
304Nellie FoxB0.00%N

Number selected: 0
Percentage by Top Win Shares: N/A
Percentage based on bypassed: N/A
Percentage by Grade: N/A
Percentage by Grade bypassed: N/A
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? N/A
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.30 WS avg)? N/A (Seven qualified.)

1994 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
374Phil NiekroB60.00%N
366Steve CarltonB95.82%Y
358Rusty StaubB7.91%N
349Tony PerezB57.80%N
342Dick AllenB14.51%N
329Bobby GrichB0.00%N
325Reggie SmithB0.00%N
324Ron SantoB32.97%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Graig NettlesB8.35%N
321Vada PinsonB10.11%N
319Don SuttonB56.92%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Ted SimmonsB3.74%N
315Joe TorreB11.65%N
313Jose CruzB0.44%N
310Orlando CepedaB73.63%N
305Al OliverB0.00%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
302Bobby BondsB8.13%N
302Ken SingletonB0.00%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 50.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.95 WS avg)? 100.00% (Four others qualified.)

1994 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
329Richie AshburnB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
324Ron SantoB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
310Orlando CepedaB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
304Nellie FoxB0.00%N
297Frank HowardC0.00%N
296Mickey VernonC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
279Ken BoyerC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Rocky ColavitoC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
268Larry DobyC0.00%N
267Eddie YostC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Vern StephensC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Gil HodgesC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
257Jim BunningC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
253Maury WillsC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
248Billy PierceC0.00%N
247Jim GilliamC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC0.00%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%N
243Joe KuhelC0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%N
242Joe GordonC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
241Felipe AlouC0.00%N
241Wally BergerC0.00%N
241Johnny CallisonC0.00%N
241Dolf LuqueC0.00%N
239Roger PeckinpaughC0.00%N
239Frank SchulteC0.00%N
239Will WhiteC0.00%N
238Cupid ChildsC0.00%N
238Harry DavisC0.00%N
237Phil CavarrettaC0.00%N
237Wally MosesC0.00%N
237Bobo NewsomC0.00%N
236Joe AdcockC0.00%N
235Doc WhiteC0.00%N
235Cy WilliamsC0.00%N
234Mel HarderC0.00%N
233Ben ChapmanC0.00%N
233Del EnnisC0.00%N
233Wes FerrellC0.00%N
233Dutch LeonardC0.00%N
233Jesse TannehillC0.00%N
232Donie BushC0.00%N
232Babe HermanC0.00%N
231Hal ChaseC0.00%N
231Paul DerringerC0.00%N
231Jack FournierC0.00%N
231Phil RizzutoC0.00%Y
231Roy SieversC0.00%N
231George UhleC0.00%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 0.88%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 0.77%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.95 WS avg)? 0.00% (Seven qualified.)

It’s good to be the Scooter.

(By the way, Joe Jackson, 294 WS, and Eddie Cicotte, 247, were no longer eligible due to the rule change to bar players on the permanently ineligible list, i.e., Pete Rose.)

To be continued…


Like School on Saturday, Part XII
2004-01-18 01:53
by Mike Carminati

1985 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
374Billy WilliamsB63.80%N
348Lou BrockB79.75%Y
342Dick AllenB7.09%N
324Ron SantoB13.42%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB4.81%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB11.14%N
310Orlando CepedaB28.86%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
304Nellie FoxB74.68%N
297Frank HowardC0.00%N
282Boog PowellC0.00%N
279Ken BoyerC17.22%N
273Rocky ColavitoC0.00%N
269Ron FairlyC0.76%N
267Bill FreehanC0.00%N
263Roy WhiteC0.00%N
261Jim FregosiC0.00%N
257Jim BunningC54.18%N
256Hoyt WilhelmC83.80%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 50.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 9.52%
Percentage by Grade: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 9.38%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (337.42 WS avg)? 50.00% (Two others qualified.)

[Ron Santo reappeared on the ballot after a five-year absence. He also was allowed to remain on the ballot for an additional four years so that he had 20 ballots in total over 24 years. It seems that the five-percent rule (that a player who falls below 5% of the BBWAA vote falls off the ballot for subsequent seasons) had been in effect since about 1980. However, apparently the player would just fall off the ballot until either he was nominated anew or a certain number of years had passed (I can’t find the rule change so I’m not sure).

Also, today’s rule that the player must have been active in the last 20 years to be on the writers’ ballot had been a 20-ballot cutoff. However, besides Santo only a handful exceeded the current twenty-year cutoff.

In this study I include all candidates that meet the basic eligibility rules. If the writers decide to keep a player off the ballot because of some arbitrary cutoff (i.e., 5%), that’s there prerogative. I still consider him eligible. He’s no different than someone who receives no votes in my book even though he goes into some Cooperstownian limbo until the veterans come knocking, twenty years after retirement. Actually, previously those players ould not even be considered by the veterans.]

1985 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%Y
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
329Richie AshburnB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
323Enos SlaughterB0.00%Y
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
304Nellie FoxB0.00%N

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 12.50%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 12.50%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (337.42 WS avg)? 50.00% (Seven others qualified.)

Two good choices? To quote Fred Willard in “A Mighty Mind” (or the English Beat album title), “Wha’ happened?”

1986 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
408Willie McCoveyA81.41%Y
374Billy WilliamsB74.12%N
342Dick AllenB9.65%N
324Ron SantoB15.06%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB10.12%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB14.12%N
310Orlando CepedaB35.76%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 100.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.97 WS avg)? 100.00% (Two others qualified.)

1986 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
329Richie AshburnB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
304Nellie FoxB0.00%N
296Mickey VernonC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
281Bobby DoerrC0.00%Y
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
268Larry DobyC0.00%N
267Eddie YostC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Vern StephensC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
264Hal NewhouserC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Gil HodgesC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
262Red SchoendienstC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
248Billy PierceC0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%N
247Jim GilliamC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC0.00%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%N
243Joe KuhelC0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%N
242Joe GordonC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
241Wally BergerC0.00%N
241Dolf LuqueC0.00%N
239Roger PeckinpaughC0.00%N
239Frank SchulteC0.00%N
239Will WhiteC0.00%N
238Cupid ChildsC0.00%N
238Harry DavisC0.00%N
237Phil CavarrettaC0.00%N
237Wally MosesC0.00%N
237Bobo NewsomC0.00%N
236Joe AdcockC0.00%N
235Doc WhiteC0.00%N
235Cy WilliamsC0.00%N
234Mel HarderC0.00%N
233Ben ChapmanC0.00%N
233Del EnnisC0.00%N
233Wes FerrellC0.00%N
233Dutch LeonardC0.00%N
233Jesse TannehillC0.00%N
232Donie BushC0.00%N
232Babe HermanC0.00%N
231Hal ChaseC0.00%N
231Paul DerringerC0.00%N
231Jack FournierC0.00%N
231Phil RizzutoC0.00%N
231Roy SieversC0.00%N
231George UhleC0.00%N
230Hardy RichardsonC0.00%N
229Ginger BeaumontC0.00%N
228Dizzy TroutC0.00%N
228Gene WoodlingC0.00%N
227Stuffy McInnisC0.00%N
227Dode PaskertC0.00%N
226Alvin DarkC0.00%N
225Tommy BridgesC0.00%N
225Pete BrowningC0.00%N
225Urban ShockerC0.00%N
224Dolph CamilliD0.00%N
223Topsy HartselD0.00%N
223Harvey KuennD0.00%N
223Bill NicholsonD0.00%N
223Charlie RootD0.00%N
223Bob ShawkeyD0.00%N
222Freddie FitzsimmonsD0.00%N
222Miller HugginsD0.00%N
222Billy NashD0.00%N
221Bill HutchisonD0.00%N
221Arlie LathamD0.00%N
221Ed McKeanD0.00%N
220Dom DiMaggioD0.00%N
220Andy PafkoD0.00%N
220Lon WarnekeD0.00%N
219Doc CramerD0.00%N
219Vic WertzD0.00%N
218Tom BrownD0.00%N
218Art FletcherD0.00%N
218Larry FrenchD0.00%N
218Charlie KellerD0.00%N
218Ernie LombardiD0.00%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 1.42%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 0.75%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.97 WS avg)? 0.00% (Seven qualified.)

1987 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
374Billy WilliamsB85.71%Y
342Dick AllenB13.32%N
324Ron SantoB18.89%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB11.62%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB11.38%N
310Orlando CepedaB43.34%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
302Bobby BondsB5.81%N
297Frank HowardC0.00%N
283Minnie MinosoC19.85%N
283Sal BandoC0.73%N
282Boog PowellC0.00%N
279Ken BoyerC23.24%N
273Rocky ColavitoC0.00%N
269Ron FairlyC0.00%N
267Bill FreehanC0.00%N
263Roy WhiteC0.00%N
261Jim FregosiC0.00%N
257Jim BunningC69.98%N
253Maury WillsC27.36%N
245Tony OlivaC38.74%N
241Felipe AlouC0.00%N
241Johnny CallisonC0.00%N
241Dick McAuliffeC0.00%N
233Willie HortonC0.00%N
225Dick GroatC0.00%N
225Larry JacksonC0.00%N
224Mickey LolichD20.34%N
223Roger MarisD42.62%N
221Curt FloodD12.11%N
219Bill MazeroskiD30.27%N
216George ScottD0.00%N
212Jose CardenalD0.00%N
210Milt PappasD0.00%N
210Curt SimmonsD0.00%N
209Rico CartyD0.00%N
209Bill WhiteD0.00%N
207Tommy DavisD0.00%N
206Thurman MunsonD6.78%N
206Catfish HunterD76.27%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 50.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 4.76%
Percentage by Grade: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 5.13%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.28 WS avg)? 50.00% (One other qualified.)

Hunter is not really one of the stronger baseball writer choices.

1987 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
329Richie AshburnB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
304Nellie FoxB0.00%N

Number selected: 0
Percentage by Top Win Shares: N/A
Percentage based on bypassed: N/A
Percentage by Grade: N/A
Percentage by Grade bypassed: N/A
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? N/A
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.28 WS avg)? N/A (Seven qualified.)

1988 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
370Willie StargellB82.44%Y
342Dick AllenB12.18%N
325Reggie SmithB0.70%N
324Ron SantoB25.29%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB15.69%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB14.05%N
310Orlando CepedaB46.60%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
302Bobby BondsB6.32%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 100.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (335.67 WS avg)? 100.00% (One other qualified.)

1988 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
329Richie AshburnB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
304Nellie FoxB0.00%N

Number selected: 0
Percentage by Top Win Shares: N/A
Percentage based on bypassed: N/A
Percentage by Grade: N/A
Percentage by Grade bypassed: N/A
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? N/A
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (335.67 WS avg)? N/A (Seven qualified.)

1989 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
488Carl YastrzemskiA94.63%Y
369Gaylord PerryB68.01%N
356Johnny BenchB96.42%Y
342Dick AllenB7.83%N
325Reggie SmithB0.00%N
324Ron SantoB16.78%N
323Fergie JenkinsB52.35%N
322Willie DavisB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB7.38%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB8.95%N
310Orlando CepedaB39.37%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
302Bobby BondsB6.49%N

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 50.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 66.67%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 71.43%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (335.90 WS avg)? 100.00% (Two others qualified.)

1989 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
329Richie AshburnB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
304Nellie FoxB0.00%N
296Mickey VernonC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
279Ken BoyerC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Rocky ColavitoC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
268Larry DobyC0.00%N
267Eddie YostC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Vern StephensC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
264Hal NewhouserC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Gil HodgesC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
262Red SchoendienstC0.00%Y

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 1.85%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 1.47%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (335.90 WS avg)? 0.00% (Seven qualified.)

To be continued…


Selig the Brewers by the Pound
2004-01-17 01:58
by Mike Carminati

ESPN reports that Bud Selig and family will be selling the Milwaukee Brewers.

Before you naively reply that Selig's shares have been in trust during his time as commissioner, Let me say, "Ha!" I think that statement speaks for itself, but in case it doesn't: Does anyone believe that the Selig family would be selling the Brewers unless Big Daddy Bud wanted them to do so? And if he calls the shots, then what difference does it make that his shares are in trust? (Not to mention that every decision he has made as commissioner has been to help out the Milwaukee Welfare Brewers.)

Earlier this offseason, the Brewers announced that they were cutting payroll from the already low $40 M total in 2003 to $30 M. To that end they traded All-Star Richie Sexson. The Brewers have a municipally funded stadium that they can no longer fill (but at least it no longer leaks).

So what is really going on here? Bud, the man who allegedly bemoaned the loss of the Braves when they pulled up spikes and headed to Atlanta, has been slowly eroding any concept of the Brewers as a major-league team. But that practice has been accelerated since attendance at the new stadium dried up. Now, he is doing what any good, incredibly myopic business man would do. He is cutting payroll to make his bottom line look good to a prosective buyer. This has been going on at least since the end of the 2003 season if not earlier.

At least the Braves were allowed to move and develop a new fan base in a new city. They have gone on to be one of the more successful teams of the last dozen years. But Bud takes the moral high ground while creating a welfare recipient of the highest order in his team at the same time that he is selling off any reasonably talented player. Doesn't this seem a bit disingenuous? Meanwhile he is still steering the Expos...towards contraction in 2007.


Like School on Saturday, Part XI
2004-01-17 01:35
by Mike Carminati

1980 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
443Al KalineA88.31%Y
352Duke SniderB86.49%Y
329Richie AshburnB34.81%N
324Ron SantoB3.90%N
315Norm CashB1.56%N
310Orlando CepedaB12.47%N
304Nellie FoxB41.82%N

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 100.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (337.77 WS avg)? 100.00% (No others qualified.)

This is as good an election as you get: everyone over the hall average gets elected. Snider who had been waiting finally gets in on his 11th try. Kaline gets in on his first ballot.

1980 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
338Johnny MizeB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
323Enos SlaughterB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
296Mickey VernonC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
281Bobby DoerrC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
268Larry DobyC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Vern StephensC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
264Hal NewhouserC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC0.00%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%N
243Joe KuhelC0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%N
242Joe GordonC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
241Wally BergerC0.00%N
241Dolf LuqueC0.00%N
239Roger PeckinpaughC0.00%N
239Frank SchulteC0.00%N
239Will WhiteC0.00%N
238Cupid ChildsC0.00%N
238Harry DavisC0.00%N
238Chuck KleinC0.00%Y

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 1.15%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 0.97%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (337.77 WS avg)? 0.00% (Eight qualified.)

Yeah, sure. Why not?

1981 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
371Harmon KillebrewB59.60%N
329Richie AshburnB35.41%N
324Ron SantoB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB4.49%N
317Bob GibsonB84.04%Y
315Norm CashB0.00%N
310Orlando CepedaB19.20%N
304Nellie FoxB41.90%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 20.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 12.50%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (337.92 WS avg)? 0.00% (Only Killebrew qualified.)

1981 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
338Johnny MizeB0.00%Y
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
323Enos SlaughterB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 12.50%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 12.50%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (337.92 WS avg)? 100.00% (Seven others qualified.)

Huh? How did a decent candidate slip by? Somebody screwed up.

1982 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
643Hank AaronA97.83%Y
519Frank RobinsonA89.16%Y
374Billy WilliamsB23.37%N
371Harmon KillebrewB59.28%N
329Richie AshburnB30.36%N
324Ron SantoB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB1.45%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
310Orlando CepedaB10.12%N
304Nellie FoxB30.60%N

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 100.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (337.76 WS avg)? 100.00% (Two others qualified.)

The BBWAA vote is becoming a machine now.

1982 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
329Richie AshburnB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
323Enos SlaughterB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
296Mickey VernonC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
281Bobby DoerrC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
268Larry DobyC0.00%N
267Eddie YostC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Vern StephensC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
264Hal NewhouserC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC0.00%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%N
243Joe KuhelC0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%N
242Joe GordonC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
241Wally BergerC0.00%N
241Dolf LuqueC0.00%N
239Roger PeckinpaughC0.00%N
239Frank SchulteC0.00%N
239Will WhiteC0.00%N
238Cupid ChildsC0.00%N
238Harry DavisC0.00%N
237Phil CavarrettaC0.00%N
237Wally MosesC0.00%N
237Bobo NewsomC0.00%N
235Doc WhiteC0.00%N
235Cy WilliamsC0.00%N
234Mel HarderC0.00%N
233Ben ChapmanC0.00%N
233Del EnnisC0.00%N
233Wes FerrellC0.00%N
233Dutch LeonardC0.00%N
233Jesse TannehillC0.00%N
232Donie BushC0.00%N
232Babe HermanC0.00%N
231Hal ChaseC0.00%N
231Paul DerringerC0.00%N
231Jack FournierC0.00%N
231Phil RizzutoC0.00%N
231George UhleC0.00%N
230Hardy RichardsonC0.00%N
229Ginger BeaumontC0.00%N
229George KellC0.00%N
228Dizzy TroutC0.00%N
228Gene WoodlingC0.00%N
227Stuffy McInnisC0.00%N
227Dode PaskertC0.00%N
226Alvin DarkC0.00%N
225Tommy BridgesC0.00%N
225Pete BrowningC0.00%N
225Urban ShockerC0.00%N
224Dolph CamilliD0.00%N
223Topsy HartselD0.00%N
223Bill NicholsonD0.00%N
223Charlie RootD0.00%N
223Bob ShawkeyD0.00%N
222Freddie FitzsimmonsD0.00%N
222Miller HugginsD0.00%N
222Billy NashD0.00%N
221Bill HutchisonD0.00%N
221Arlie LathamD0.00%N
221Ed McKeanD0.00%N
220Dom DiMaggioD0.00%N
220Andy PafkoD0.00%N
220Lon WarnekeD0.00%N
219Doc CramerD0.00%N
218Tom BrownD0.00%N
218Art FletcherD0.00%N
218Larry FrenchD0.00%N
218Charlie KellerD0.00%N
218Ernie LombardiD0.00%N
217Carl FurilloD0.00%N
217Jeff HeathD0.00%N
216Harlond CliftD0.00%N
215Tom DalyD0.00%N
215Hooks DaussD0.00%N
215Danny MurphyD0.00%N
215Kip SelbachD0.00%N
214Tommy CorcoranD0.00%N
214Rudy YorkD0.00%N
214Heinie ZimmermanD0.00%N
213Frank DwyerD0.00%N
213Tip O'NeillD0.00%N
212Ted BreitensteinD0.00%N
212Sam LeeverD0.00%N
211Travis JacksonD0.00%Y
211Chick StahlD0.00%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 0.66%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 0.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (337.76 WS avg)? 0.00% (Seven qualified.)

Ah, now that’s more like it. Smell the mediocrity.

1983 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
374Billy WilliamsB40.91%N
371Harmon KillebrewB71.93%N
356Brooks RobinsonB91.98%Y
342Dick AllenB3.74%N
324Ron SantoB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB3.21%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB5.35%N
310Orlando CepedaB15.78%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
304Nellie FoxB46.26%N
297Frank HowardC0.00%N
296Luis AparicioC67.38%N
282Boog PowellC1.34%N
279Ken BoyerC0.00%N
273Rocky ColavitoC0.00%N
267Bill FreehanC0.00%N
263Juan MarichalC83.69%Y
263Gil HodgesC63.37%N

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 10.53%
Percentage by Grade: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 10.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (340.40 WS avg)? 50.00% (Three others qualified.)

1983 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
329Richie AshburnB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
323Enos SlaughterB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
296Mickey VernonC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
281Bobby DoerrC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
268Larry DobyC0.00%N
267Eddie YostC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Vern StephensC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
264Hal NewhouserC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Gil HodgesC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
262Red SchoendienstC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC0.00%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%N
243Joe KuhelC0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%N
242Joe GordonC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
241Wally BergerC0.00%N
241Dolf LuqueC0.00%N
239Roger PeckinpaughC0.00%N
239Frank SchulteC0.00%N
239Will WhiteC0.00%N
238Cupid ChildsC0.00%N
238Harry DavisC0.00%N
237Phil CavarrettaC0.00%N
237Wally MosesC0.00%N
237Bobo NewsomC0.00%N
235Doc WhiteC0.00%N
235Cy WilliamsC0.00%N
234Mel HarderC0.00%N
233Ben ChapmanC0.00%N
233Del EnnisC0.00%N
233Wes FerrellC0.00%N
233Dutch LeonardC0.00%N
233Jesse TannehillC0.00%N
232Donie BushC0.00%N
232Babe HermanC0.00%N
231Hal ChaseC0.00%N
231Paul DerringerC0.00%N
231Jack FournierC0.00%N
231Phil RizzutoC0.00%N
231George UhleC0.00%N
230Hardy RichardsonC0.00%N
229Ginger BeaumontC0.00%N
229George KellC0.00%Y

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 0.91%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 0.79%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (340.40 WS avg)? 50.00% (Three others qualified.)

1984 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
374Billy WilliamsB50.12%N
371Harmon KillebrewB83.13%Y
342Dick AllenB0.00%N
324Ron SantoB0.00%N
321Vada PinsonB0.00%N
315Norm CashB0.00%N
315Joe TorreB11.17%N
310Orlando CepedaB30.77%N
305Jimmy WynnB0.00%N
304Nellie FoxB61.04%N
297Frank HowardC0.00%N
296Luis AparicioC84.62%Y
282Boog PowellC0.00%N
279Ken BoyerC0.00%N
273Rocky ColavitoC0.00%N
269Ron FairlyC0.00%N
267Bill FreehanC0.00%N
261Jim FregosiC0.99%N
258Don DrysdaleC78.41%Y

Number selected: 3
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 33.33%
Percentage based on bypassed: 15.79%
Percentage by Grade: 33.33%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 13.79%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 33.33%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (339.16 WS avg)? 33.33% (Two others qualified.)

1984 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
329Richie AshburnB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
323Enos SlaughterB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB0.00%Y
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
296Mickey VernonC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
281Bobby DoerrC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
268Larry DobyC0.00%N
267Eddie YostC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Vern StephensC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
264Hal NewhouserC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Gil HodgesC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
262Red SchoendienstC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
248Billy PierceC0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC0.00%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%N
243Joe KuhelC0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%N
242Joe GordonC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
241Wally BergerC0.00%N
241Dolf LuqueC0.00%N
239Roger PeckinpaughC0.00%N
239Frank SchulteC0.00%N
239Will WhiteC0.00%N
238Cupid ChildsC0.00%N
238Harry DavisC0.00%N
237Phil CavarrettaC0.00%N
237Wally MosesC0.00%N
237Bobo NewsomC0.00%N
235Doc WhiteC0.00%N
235Cy WilliamsC0.00%N
234Mel HarderC0.00%N
233Ben ChapmanC0.00%N
233Del EnnisC0.00%N
233Wes FerrellC0.00%N
233Dutch LeonardC0.00%N
233Jesse TannehillC0.00%N
232Donie BushC0.00%N
232Babe HermanC0.00%N
231Hal ChaseC0.00%N
231Paul DerringerC0.00%N
231Jack FournierC0.00%N
231Phil RizzutoC0.00%N
231George UhleC0.00%N
230Hardy RichardsonC0.00%N
229Ginger BeaumontC0.00%N
228Dizzy TroutC0.00%N
228Gene WoodlingC0.00%N
227Stuffy McInnisC0.00%N
227Dode PaskertC0.00%N
226Alvin DarkC0.00%N
225Tommy BridgesC0.00%N
225Pete BrowningC0.00%N
225Urban ShockerC0.00%N
224Dolph CamilliD0.00%N
223Topsy HartselD0.00%N
223Bill NicholsonD0.00%N
223Charlie RootD0.00%N
223Bob ShawkeyD0.00%N
222Freddie FitzsimmonsD0.00%N
222Miller HugginsD0.00%N
222Billy NashD0.00%N
221Bill HutchisonD0.00%N
221Arlie LathamD0.00%N
221Ed McKeanD0.00%N
220Dom DiMaggioD0.00%N
220Andy PafkoD0.00%N
220Lon WarnekeD0.00%N
219Doc CramerD0.00%N
219Vic WertzD0.00%N
218Tom BrownD0.00%N
218Art FletcherD0.00%N
218Larry FrenchD0.00%N
218Charlie KellerD0.00%N
218Ernie LombardiD0.00%N
217Carl FurilloD0.00%N
217Jeff HeathD0.00%N
216Harlond CliftD0.00%N
216Pete RunnelsD0.00%N
215Tom DalyD0.00%N
215Hooks DaussD0.00%N
215Danny MurphyD0.00%N
215Kip SelbachD0.00%N
214Tommy CorcoranD0.00%N
214Rudy YorkD0.00%N
214Heinie ZimmermanD0.00%N
213Frank DwyerD0.00%N
213Tip O'NeillD0.00%N
212Ted BreitensteinD0.00%N
212Sam LeeverD0.00%N
211Chick StahlD0.00%N
209John AndersonD0.00%N
209Eddie JoostD0.00%N
209Sherm LollarD0.00%N
209Eddie RommelD0.00%N
208Lonny FreyD0.00%N
208Tommy HenrichD0.00%N
208Brickyard KennedyD0.00%N
208Ed MorrisD0.00%N
208Harry SteinfeldtD0.00%N
206Rick FerrellD0.00%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 0.61%
Percentage by Grade: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 1.49%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (339.16 WS avg)? 0.00% (Seven qualified.)

To be continued…


Like School on Saturday, Part X
2004-01-16 21:50
by Mike Carminati

1974 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
565Mickey MantleA88.22%Y
450Eddie MathewsA32.33%N
352Duke SniderB30.41%N
339Robin RobertsB61.37%N
329Richie AshburnB15.34%N
323Enos SlaughterB39.73%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB38.63%N
304Nellie FoxB21.64%N
296Mickey VernonC7.40%N
273Rocky ColavitoC0.55%N
268Larry DobyC0.00%N
267Eddie YostC0.00%N
265Vern StephensC0.00%N
264Hal NewhouserC20.00%N
263Gil HodgesC54.25%N
262Red SchoendienstC30.14%N
261Whitey FordC77.81%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 50.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 11.76%
Percentage by Grade: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 14.81%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (341.44 WS avg)? 50.00% (Two others also qualified.)

Ford was a better pitcher than his Win Shares indicate, probably because he never pitched a full season after age 36. However, the omission of Matthews is inexcusable. He was the best man ever to play the game at his position at the time.

1974 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
338Johnny MizeB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
298Billy HermanC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Amos RusieC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
281Bobby DoerrC0.00%N
280Earl AverillC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
277Joe SewellC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Jim BottomleyC0.00%Y
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC0.00%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%N
243Joe KuhelC0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%N
242Joe GordonC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
241Wally BergerC0.00%N
241Dolf LuqueC0.00%N
239Roger PeckinpaughC0.00%N
239Frank SchulteC0.00%N
239Will WhiteC0.00%N
238Cupid ChildsC0.00%N
238Harry DavisC0.00%N
238Chuck KleinC0.00%N
237Wally MosesC0.00%N
237Bobo NewsomC0.00%N
236Sam ThompsonC0.00%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 2.22%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 1.90%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (341.44 WS avg)? 0.00% (Seven qualified.)

1975 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
450Eddie MathewsA40.88%N
352Duke SniderB35.64%N
339Robin RobertsB72.65%N
329Richie AshburnB20.99%N
323Enos SlaughterB48.90%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB42.54%N
304Nellie FoxB20.99%N
296Mickey VernonC6.08%N
279Ken BoyerC2.49%N
273Rocky ColavitoC0.28%N
268Larry DobyC0.00%N
267Eddie YostC0.00%N
265Vern StephensC0.00%N
264Hal NewhouserC42.82%N
263Gil HodgesC51.93%N
262Red SchoendienstC25.97%N
258Don DrysdaleC20.99%N
248Billy PierceC0.00%N
247Jim GilliamC0.00%N
242Ralph KinerC75.41%Y

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 5.00%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 3.57%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (341.04 WS avg)? 0.00% (Two qualified.)

1975 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
338Johnny MizeB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
298Billy HermanC0.00%Y
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Amos RusieC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
281Bobby DoerrC0.00%N
280Earl AverillC0.00%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 5.88%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 4.08%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (341.04 WS avg)? 0.00% (Seven qualified.)

1976 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
450Eddie MathewsA48.71%N
352Duke SniderB40.98%N
339Robin RobertsB86.86%Y
329Richie AshburnB21.91%N
323Enos SlaughterB50.77%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB47.94%N
304Nellie FoxB44.85%N
296Mickey VernonC13.40%N
279Ken BoyerC3.87%N
273Rocky ColavitoC0.00%N
268Larry DobyC0.00%N
267Eddie YostC0.00%N
263Gil HodgesC60.05%N
262Red SchoendienstC33.25%N
258Don DrysdaleC29.38%N
248Billy PierceC0.00%N
247Jim GilliamC0.00%N
236Joe AdcockC0.00%N
233Del EnnisC0.00%N
232Bob LemonC78.61%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 10.00%
Percentage by Grade: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 10.71%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (339.3 WS avg)? 50.00 (We'll give Roberts the .3 Win Shares. Matthews and Snider also qualified.)

1976 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%Y
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
338Johnny MizeB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Amos RusieC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
281Bobby DoerrC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
277Joe SewellC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Vern StephensC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
264Hal NewhouserC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC0.00%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%N
243Joe KuhelC0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%N
242Joe GordonC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
241Wally BergerC0.00%N
241Dolf LuqueC0.00%N
239Roger PeckinpaughC0.00%N
239Frank SchulteC0.00%N
239Will WhiteC0.00%N
238Cupid ChildsC0.00%N
238Harry DavisC0.00%N
238Chuck KleinC0.00%N
237Phil CavarrettaC0.00%N
237Wally MosesC0.00%N
237Bobo NewsomC0.00%N
235Doc WhiteC0.00%N
235Cy WilliamsC0.00%N
234Mel HarderC0.00%N
233Ben ChapmanC0.00%N
233Wes FerrellC0.00%N
233Dutch LeonardC0.00%N
233Jesse TannehillC0.00%N
232Donie BushC0.00%N
232Babe HermanC0.00%N
231Hal ChaseC0.00%N
231Paul DerringerC0.00%N
231Jack FournierC0.00%N
231Phil RizzutoC0.00%N
231George UhleC0.00%N
230Hardy RichardsonC0.00%N
229Ginger BeaumontC0.00%N
227Stuffy McInnisC0.00%N
227Dode PaskertC0.00%N
225Tommy BridgesC0.00%N
225Pete BrowningC0.00%N
225Urban ShockerC0.00%N
224Dolph CamilliD0.00%N
224Hack WilsonD0.00%N
223Topsy HartselD0.00%N
223Bill NicholsonD0.00%N
223Charlie RootD0.00%N
223Bob ShawkeyD0.00%N
222Freddie FitzsimmonsD0.00%N
222Miller HugginsD0.00%N
222Billy NashD0.00%N
221Bill HutchisonD0.00%N
221Arlie LathamD0.00%N
221Ed McKeanD0.00%N
220Dom DiMaggioD0.00%N
220Lon WarnekeD0.00%N
219Doc CramerD0.00%N
218Tom BrownD0.00%N
218Art FletcherD0.00%N
218Larry FrenchD0.00%N
218Charlie KellerD0.00%N
218Ernie LombardiD0.00%N
217Jeff HeathD0.00%N
216Harlond CliftD0.00%N
215Tom DalyD0.00%N
215Hooks DaussD0.00%N
215Danny MurphyD0.00%N
215Kip SelbachD0.00%N
214Tommy CorcoranD0.00%N
214Rudy YorkD0.00%N
214Heinie ZimmermanD0.00%N
213Frank DwyerD0.00%N
213Tip O'NeillD0.00%N
212Ted BreitensteinD0.00%N
212Sam LeeverD0.00%N
211Travis JacksonD0.00%N
211Chick StahlD0.00%N
209John AndersonD0.00%N
209Eddie JoostD0.00%N
209Eddie RommelD0.00%N
208Lonny FreyD0.00%N
208Tommy HenrichD0.00%N
208Brickyard KennedyD0.00%N
208Ed MorrisD0.00%N
208Harry SteinfeldtD0.00%N
206Rick FerrellD0.00%N
206Deacon PhillippeD0.00%N
205Claude RitcheyD0.00%N
205Tom ZacharyD0.00%N
203Tony CuccinelloD0.00%N
203Wally PippD0.00%N
203Earl WhitehillD0.00%N
202Gavvy CravathD0.00%N
202Bill DonovanD0.00%N
202Marty McManusD0.00%N
202Ken WilliamsD0.00%N
201Willie KammD0.00%N
200Bill DinneenD0.00%N
199Ken KeltnerD0.00%N
198Lu BlueD0.00%N
198Charlie GrimmD0.00%N
196Bing MillerD0.00%N
195Joe BushD0.00%N
195Pinky HigginsD0.00%N
194Red LucasD0.00%N
193George GranthamD0.00%N
193Freddie LindstromD0.00%Y

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 1.14%
Percentage by Grade: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 1.60%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (339.3 WS avg)? 50.00% (Seven qualified.)

Eddie Matthews? No. Freddie Lindstrom? Yes. Now, that's what the Hall was about in the Seventies.

1977 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
450Eddie MathewsA62.40%N
352Duke SniderB55.35%N
332Ernie BanksB83.81%Y
329Richie AshburnB36.29%N
323Enos SlaughterB57.96%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB42.56%N
304Nellie FoxB39.69%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 33.33%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 13.33%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (337.4 WS avg)? 0.00% (Two qualified.)

1977 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
338Johnny MizeB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Amos RusieC0.00%Y
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
281Bobby DoerrC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
277Joe SewellC0.00%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 5.88%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 4.17%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (337.4 WS avg)? 0.00% (Nine qualified (Caruthers had 337).)

1978 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
450Eddie MathewsA79.42%Y
352Duke SniderB67.02%N
329Richie AshburnB41.69%N
323Enos SlaughterB68.87%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB44.59%N
304Nellie FoxB39.31%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 100.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.51 WS avg)? 100.00% (Snider also qualified.)

1978 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
338Johnny MizeB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
281Bobby DoerrC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Vern StephensC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
264Hal NewhouserC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC0.00%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%N
243Joe KuhelC0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%N
242Joe GordonC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
241Wally BergerC0.00%N
241Dolf LuqueC0.00%N
239Roger PeckinpaughC0.00%N
239Frank SchulteC0.00%N
239Will WhiteC0.00%N
238Cupid ChildsC0.00%N
238Harry DavisC0.00%N
238Chuck KleinC0.00%N
237Phil CavarrettaC0.00%N
237Wally MosesC0.00%N
237Bobo NewsomC0.00%N
235Doc WhiteC0.00%N
235Cy WilliamsC0.00%N
234Mel HarderC0.00%N
233Ben ChapmanC0.00%N
233Wes FerrellC0.00%N
233Dutch LeonardC0.00%N
233Jesse TannehillC0.00%N
232Donie BushC0.00%N
232Babe HermanC0.00%N
231Hal ChaseC0.00%N
231Paul DerringerC0.00%N
231Jack FournierC0.00%N
231Phil RizzutoC0.00%N
231George UhleC0.00%N
230Hardy RichardsonC0.00%N
229Ginger BeaumontC0.00%N
229George KellC0.00%N
228Dizzy TroutC0.00%N
227Stuffy McInnisC0.00%N
227Dode PaskertC0.00%N
225Tommy BridgesC0.00%N
225Pete BrowningC0.00%N
225Urban ShockerC0.00%N
224Dolph CamilliD0.00%N
224Hack WilsonD0.00%N
223Topsy HartselD0.00%N
223Bill NicholsonD0.00%N
223Charlie RootD0.00%N
223Bob ShawkeyD0.00%N
222Freddie FitzsimmonsD0.00%N
222Miller HugginsD0.00%N
222Billy NashD0.00%N
221Bill HutchisonD0.00%N
221Arlie LathamD0.00%N
221Ed McKeanD0.00%N
220Dom DiMaggioD0.00%N
220Lon WarnekeD0.00%N
219Doc CramerD0.00%N
218Tom BrownD0.00%N
218Art FletcherD0.00%N
218Larry FrenchD0.00%N
218Charlie KellerD0.00%N
218Ernie LombardiD0.00%N
217Jeff HeathD0.00%N
216Harlond CliftD0.00%N
215Tom DalyD0.00%N
215Hooks DaussD0.00%N
215Danny MurphyD0.00%N
215Kip SelbachD0.00%N
214Tommy CorcoranD0.00%N
214Rudy YorkD0.00%N
214Heinie ZimmermanD0.00%N
213Frank DwyerD0.00%N
213Tip O'NeillD0.00%N
212Ted BreitensteinD0.00%N
212Sam LeeverD0.00%N
211Travis JacksonD0.00%N
211Chick StahlD0.00%N
209John AndersonD0.00%N
209Eddie JoostD0.00%N
209Eddie RommelD0.00%N
208Lonny FreyD0.00%N
208Tommy HenrichD0.00%N
208Brickyard KennedyD0.00%N
208Ed MorrisD0.00%N
208Harry SteinfeldtD0.00%N
206Rick FerrellD0.00%N
206Deacon PhillippeD0.00%N
205Claude RitcheyD0.00%N
205Tom ZacharyD0.00%N
203Tony CuccinelloD0.00%N
203Wally PippD0.00%N
203Earl WhitehillD0.00%N
202Gavvy CravathD0.00%N
202Bill DonovanD0.00%N
202Marty McManusD0.00%N
202Ken WilliamsD0.00%N
201Willie KammD0.00%N
200Bill DinneenD0.00%N
199Ken KeltnerD0.00%N
198Lu BlueD0.00%N
198Charlie GrimmD0.00%N
198Virgil TrucksD0.00%N
196Bing MillerD0.00%N
195Joe BushD0.00%N
195Pinky HigginsD0.00%N
194Red LucasD0.00%N
193George GranthamD0.00%N
193Joe WoodD0.00%N
192Sam WestD0.00%N
191Bill BradleyD0.00%N
191Addie JossD0.00%Y
191Lee MeadowsD0.00%N
191Eddie StankyD0.00%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 0.55%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 0.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.51 WS avg)? 0.00% (Nine qualified.)

This should have been it for the veterans. Not only is Addie Joss a horrific pick, he is not even eligible under the Hall's own rules. He pitched only nine seasons, only eight with 200 in era in which pitched threw twice that. His ERA looks great, but he only led the league once in adjusted ERA (1908). Joss died of tubercular meningitis two days after turning 31. Could Joss have been a credible Hall of Famer had he played another five or ten seasons? Sure, but the same could have been said of Lyman Bostock. But this aint the Hall of Whadda Shoulda Coulda.

The Hall had been curbing their activities more and more since their shameless Seventies began. Somehow they survived though.

1979 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
642Willie MaysA94.68%Y
352Duke SniderB71.30%N
329Richie AshburnB30.09%N
323Enos SlaughterB68.75%N
304Nellie FoxB40.28%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 100.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.25 WS avg)? 100.00% (Snider also qualified.)

1979 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
338Johnny MizeB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
323Enos SlaughterB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
281Bobby DoerrC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
268Larry DobyC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Vern StephensC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
264Hal NewhouserC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC0.00%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%N
243Joe KuhelC0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%N
242Joe GordonC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
241Wally BergerC0.00%N
241Dolf LuqueC0.00%N
239Roger PeckinpaughC0.00%N
239Frank SchulteC0.00%N
239Will WhiteC0.00%N
238Cupid ChildsC0.00%N
238Harry DavisC0.00%N
238Chuck KleinC0.00%N
237Phil CavarrettaC0.00%N
237Wally MosesC0.00%N
237Bobo NewsomC0.00%N
235Doc WhiteC0.00%N
235Cy WilliamsC0.00%N
234Mel HarderC0.00%N
233Ben ChapmanC0.00%N
233Del EnnisC0.00%N
233Wes FerrellC0.00%N
233Dutch LeonardC0.00%N
233Jesse TannehillC0.00%N
232Donie BushC0.00%N
232Babe HermanC0.00%N
231Hal ChaseC0.00%N
231Paul DerringerC0.00%N
231Jack FournierC0.00%N
231Phil RizzutoC0.00%N
231George UhleC0.00%N
230Hardy RichardsonC0.00%N
229Ginger BeaumontC0.00%N
229George KellC0.00%N
228Dizzy TroutC0.00%N
227Stuffy McInnisC0.00%N
227Dode PaskertC0.00%N
225Tommy BridgesC0.00%N
225Pete BrowningC0.00%N
225Urban ShockerC0.00%N
224Dolph CamilliD0.00%N
224Hack WilsonD0.00%Y

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 0.87%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 0.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (336.25 WS avg)? 0.00% (Nine qualified.)

Hack Wilson is the position-player equivalent of Addie Joss. He at least played 12 seasons, so he was eligible without a Yuri Gellar-like bending of the rules. However, he had only six seasons of 120 or more games. He had a great five-year peak but Albert Belle is a better candidate.

To be continued…


Like School on Saturday, Part IX
2004-01-16 18:46
by Mike Carminati

1970 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
352Duke SniderB17.00%N
338Johnny MizeB42.00%N
329Richie AshburnB3.67%N
323Enos SlaughterB44.33%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB32.33%N
309Early WynnB46.67%N
296Mickey VernonC3.33%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
281Bobby DoerrC25.00%N
277Lou BoudreauC77.33%Y

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 10.00%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 6.25%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (354.73 WS avg)? 0.00% (None qualified)

1970 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
321Harry HooperB0.00%N
318Jake BeckleyB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Joe KelleyB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
298Billy HermanC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Amos RusieC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
280Earl AverillC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
277Joe SewellC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
269Dave BancroftC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Jim BottomleyC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC0.00%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%N
243Joe KuhelC0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%N
242Joe GordonC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
241Wally BergerC0.00%N
241Dolf LuqueC0.00%N
239Roger PeckinpaughC0.00%N
239Frank SchulteC0.00%N
239Will WhiteC0.00%N
238Cupid ChildsC0.00%N
238Harry DavisC0.00%N
238Chuck KleinC0.00%N
236Sam ThompsonC0.00%N
235Doc WhiteC0.00%N
235Cy WilliamsC0.00%N
234Mel HarderC0.00%N
233Ben ChapmanC0.00%N
233Wes FerrellC0.00%N
233Jesse TannehillC0.00%N
232Donie BushC0.00%N
232Babe HermanC0.00%N
231Hal ChaseC0.00%N
231Paul DerringerC0.00%N
231Jack FournierC0.00%N
231George UhleC0.00%N
230Hardy RichardsonC0.00%N
229Ginger BeaumontC0.00%N
227Earle CombsC0.00%Y
227Stuffy McInnisC0.00%N
227Dode PaskertC0.00%N
225Tommy BridgesC0.00%N
225Pete BrowningC0.00%N
225Urban ShockerC0.00%N
224Dolph CamilliD0.00%N
224Hack WilsonD0.00%N
223Topsy HartselD0.00%N
223Charlie RootD0.00%N
223Bob ShawkeyD0.00%N
222Freddie FitzsimmonsD0.00%N
222Miller HugginsD0.00%N
222Billy NashD0.00%N
221Bill HutchisonD0.00%N
221Arlie LathamD0.00%N
221Ed McKeanD0.00%N
220Lon WarnekeD0.00%N
219Doc CramerD0.00%N
218Tom BrownD0.00%N
218Art FletcherD0.00%N
218Larry FrenchD0.00%N
218Ernie LombardiD0.00%N
217Jeff HeathD0.00%N
216Harlond CliftD0.00%N
215Tom DalyD0.00%N
215Hooks DaussD0.00%N
215Danny MurphyD0.00%N
215Kip SelbachD0.00%N
214Tommy CorcoranD0.00%N
214Rudy YorkD0.00%N
214Heinie ZimmermanD0.00%N
213Frank DwyerD0.00%N
213Tip O'NeillD0.00%N
212Ted BreitensteinD0.00%N
212Sam LeeverD0.00%N
211Travis JacksonD0.00%N
211Chick StahlD0.00%N
209John AndersonD0.00%N
209Eddie RommelD0.00%N
208Lonny FreyD0.00%N
208Tommy HenrichD0.00%N
208Brickyard KennedyD0.00%N
208Rube MarquardD0.00%N
208Ed MorrisD0.00%N
208Harry SteinfeldtD0.00%N
207Jesse HainesD0.00%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 1.32%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 0.78%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (354.73 WS avg)? 0.00% (Six qualified though two had 354)

Haines and Combs? To say that these were horrible choices would be a gross understatement. When Frankie Frisch had taken over control of the Veterans Committee, it was well on its way to correcting the injustices of the previous committees. If they had gone another 10 years unhindered, there would no longer have been a need for the Veterans Committee. Frisch picked old cronies that had no business even being considered for the Hall of Fame.

1971 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
412Warren SpahnA0.00%N
375Yogi BerraB67.22%N
352Duke SniderB24.72%N
338Johnny MizeB43.61%N
329Richie AshburnB2.78%N
323Enos SlaughterB45.83%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB35.28%N
309Early WynnB66.67%N
304Nellie FoxB10.83%N

Number selected: 0
Percentage by Top Win Shares: N/A
Percentage based on bypassed: N/A
Percentage by Grade: N/A
Percentage by Grade bypassed: N/A
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? N/A
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (351.01 WS avg)? 0.00% (Three qualified though Spahn was technically not eligible because he pitched in the minors for a couple of years after his major-league career ended. The other two were Berra and Snider.)

More quagmire.

1971 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
321Harry HooperB0.00%Y
318Jake BeckleyB0.00%Y
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Joe KelleyB0.00%Y
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
298Billy HermanC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Amos RusieC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
281Bobby DoerrC0.00%N
280Earl AverillC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
277Joe SewellC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
269Dave BancroftC0.00%Y
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Jim BottomleyC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC0.00%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%N
243Joe KuhelC0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%N
242Joe GordonC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
241Wally BergerC0.00%N
241Dolf LuqueC0.00%N
239Roger PeckinpaughC0.00%N
239Frank SchulteC0.00%N
239Will WhiteC0.00%N
238Cupid ChildsC0.00%N
238Harry DavisC0.00%N
238Chuck KleinC0.00%N
237Wally MosesC0.00%N
236Sam ThompsonC0.00%N
235Doc WhiteC0.00%N
235Cy WilliamsC0.00%N
234Mel HarderC0.00%N
233Ben ChapmanC0.00%N
233Wes FerrellC0.00%N
233Jesse TannehillC0.00%N
232Donie BushC0.00%N
232Babe HermanC0.00%N
231Hal ChaseC0.00%N
231Paul DerringerC0.00%N
231Jack FournierC0.00%N
231George UhleC0.00%N
230Hardy RichardsonC0.00%N
229Ginger BeaumontC0.00%N
227Stuffy McInnisC0.00%N
227Dode PaskertC0.00%N
225Tommy BridgesC0.00%N
225Pete BrowningC0.00%N
225Urban ShockerC0.00%N
224Dolph CamilliD0.00%N
224Hack WilsonD0.00%N
223Topsy HartselD0.00%N
223Charlie RootD0.00%N
223Bob ShawkeyD0.00%N
222Freddie FitzsimmonsD0.00%N
222Miller HugginsD0.00%N
222Billy NashD0.00%N
221Bill HutchisonD0.00%N
221Arlie LathamD0.00%N
221Ed McKeanD0.00%N
220Lon WarnekeD0.00%N
219Doc CramerD0.00%N
218Tom BrownD0.00%N
218Art FletcherD0.00%N
218Larry FrenchD0.00%N
218Ernie LombardiD0.00%N
217Jeff HeathD0.00%N
216Harlond CliftD0.00%N
215Tom DalyD0.00%N
215Hooks DaussD0.00%N
215Danny MurphyD0.00%N
215Kip SelbachD0.00%N
214Tommy CorcoranD0.00%N
214Rudy YorkD0.00%N
214Heinie ZimmermanD0.00%N
213Frank DwyerD0.00%N
213Tip O'NeillD0.00%N
212Ted BreitensteinD0.00%N
212Sam LeeverD0.00%N
211Travis JacksonD0.00%N
211Chick StahlD0.00%N
209John AndersonD0.00%N
209Eddie RommelD0.00%N
208Lonny FreyD0.00%N
208Tommy HenrichD0.00%N
208Brickyard KennedyD0.00%N
208Rube MarquardD0.00%Y
208Ed MorrisD0.00%N
208Harry SteinfeldtD0.00%N
206Rick FerrellD0.00%N
206Deacon PhillippeD0.00%N
206Ross YoungsD0.00%N
205Claude RitcheyD0.00%N
205Tom ZacharyD0.00%N
203Tony CuccinelloD0.00%N
203Wally PippD0.00%N
203Earl WhitehillD0.00%N
202Gavvy CravathD0.00%N
202Bill DonovanD0.00%N
202Marty McManusD0.00%N
202Ken WilliamsD0.00%N
201Willie KammD0.00%N
200Bill DinneenD0.00%N
199Ken KeltnerD0.00%N
198Lu BlueD0.00%N
198Charlie GrimmD0.00%N
196Bing MillerD0.00%N
195Joe BushD0.00%N
195Pinky HigginsD0.00%N
194Red LucasD0.00%N
193George GranthamD0.00%N
193George KellyD0.00%N
193Freddie LindstromD0.00%N
193Joe WoodD0.00%N
192Sam WestD0.00%N
191Bill BradleyD0.00%N
191Addie JossD0.00%N
191Lee MeadowsD0.00%N
190Riggs StephensonD0.00%N
189Frankie CrosettiD0.00%N
188Bobby LoweD0.00%N
186Chick HafeyD0.00%Y

Number selected: 6
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 3.26%
Percentage by Grade: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 5.43%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (351.01 WS avg)? 0.00% (Seven qualified.)

Wow, that is potentially the worst class ever, given its size and quality. Hafey and Marquard are easily among the worst Hall of Famers ever. The others are overvalued by Win Shares because they played in the deadball era.

1972 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
412Warren SpahnA0.00%N
375Yogi BerraB85.61%Y
352Duke SniderB21.21%N
339Robin RobertsB0.00%N
338Johnny MizeB39.65%N
329Richie AshburnB2.78%N
323Enos SlaughterB37.63%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB32.58%N
309Early WynnB76.01%Y
304Nellie FoxB16.16%N
296Mickey VernonC3.03%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
268Larry DobyC0.00%N
267Eddie YostC0.00%N
265Vern StephensC0.00%N
264Hal NewhouserC23.23%N
263Gil HodgesC40.66%N
262Red SchoendienstC26.26%N
248Billy PierceC1.01%N
247Jim GilliamC0.00%N
242Ralph KinerC59.34%N
237Phil CavarrettaC15.40%N
237Bobo NewsomC7.83%N
236Joe AdcockC0.00%N
233Del EnnisC0.00%N
233Dutch LeonardC1.26%N
232Bob LemonC29.55%N
231Phil RizzutoC26.01%N
231Roy SieversC0.76%N
229George KellC29.04%N
228Dizzy TroutC0.00%N
228Gene WoodlingC0.00%N
226Alvin DarkC13.89%N
223Harvey KuennD0.00%N
223Bill NicholsonD0.00%N
220Dom DiMaggioD9.09%N
220Andy PafkoD0.00%N
219Vic WertzD1.01%N
218Charlie KellerD6.06%N
217Carl FurilloD0.51%N
216Pete RunnelsD0.00%N
209Eddie JoostD0.00%N
209Sherm LollarD0.00%N
205Bobby ThomsonD2.53%N
203Ted KluszewskiD2.53%N
198Virgil TrucksD0.00%N
194Sandy KoufaxD86.87%Y

Number selected: 3
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 33.33%
Percentage based on bypassed: 6.38%
Percentage by Grade: 66.67%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 9.09%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 66.67%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (346.07 WS avg)? 33.33% (Three qualified though again, Spahn is considered technically ineligible.)

Clearly career Win Shares don't tell you everything about a player's career. Sandy Koufax had arguably the greatest peak in major-league history. You don't capture him with 194 Win Shares.

1972 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
298Billy HermanC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Amos RusieC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
281Bobby DoerrC0.00%N
280Earl AverillC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
277Joe SewellC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Jim BottomleyC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC0.00%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%N
243Joe KuhelC0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%N
242Joe GordonC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
241Wally BergerC0.00%N
241Dolf LuqueC0.00%N
239Roger PeckinpaughC0.00%N
239Frank SchulteC0.00%N
239Will WhiteC0.00%N
238Cupid ChildsC0.00%N
238Harry DavisC0.00%N
238Chuck KleinC0.00%N
237Wally MosesC0.00%N
236Sam ThompsonC0.00%N
235Doc WhiteC0.00%N
235Cy WilliamsC0.00%N
234Mel HarderC0.00%N
233Ben ChapmanC0.00%N
233Wes FerrellC0.00%N
233Jesse TannehillC0.00%N
232Donie BushC0.00%N
232Babe HermanC0.00%N
231Hal ChaseC0.00%N
231Paul DerringerC0.00%N
231Jack FournierC0.00%N
231George UhleC0.00%N
230Hardy RichardsonC0.00%N
229Ginger BeaumontC0.00%N
227Stuffy McInnisC0.00%N
227Dode PaskertC0.00%N
225Tommy BridgesC0.00%N
225Pete BrowningC0.00%N
225Urban ShockerC0.00%N
224Dolph CamilliD0.00%N
224Hack WilsonD0.00%N
223Topsy HartselD0.00%N
223Charlie RootD0.00%N
223Bob ShawkeyD0.00%N
222Freddie FitzsimmonsD0.00%N
222Miller HugginsD0.00%N
222Billy NashD0.00%N
221Bill HutchisonD0.00%N
221Arlie LathamD0.00%N
221Ed McKeanD0.00%N
220Lon WarnekeD0.00%N
219Doc CramerD0.00%N
218Tom BrownD0.00%N
218Art FletcherD0.00%N
218Larry FrenchD0.00%N
218Charlie KellerD0.00%N
218Ernie LombardiD0.00%N
217Jeff HeathD0.00%N
216Harlond CliftD0.00%N
215Tom DalyD0.00%N
215Hooks DaussD0.00%N
215Danny MurphyD0.00%N
215Kip SelbachD0.00%N
214Tommy CorcoranD0.00%N
214Rudy YorkD0.00%N
214Heinie ZimmermanD0.00%N
213Frank DwyerD0.00%N
213Tip O'NeillD0.00%N
212Ted BreitensteinD0.00%N
212Sam LeeverD0.00%N
211Travis JacksonD0.00%N
211Chick StahlD0.00%N
209John AndersonD0.00%N
209Eddie RommelD0.00%N
208Lonny FreyD0.00%N
208Tommy HenrichD0.00%N
208Brickyard KennedyD0.00%N
208Ed MorrisD0.00%N
208Harry SteinfeldtD0.00%N
206Rick FerrellD0.00%N
206Deacon PhillippeD0.00%N
206Ross YoungsD0.00%Y
205Claude RitcheyD0.00%N
205Tom ZacharyD0.00%N
203Tony CuccinelloD0.00%N
203Wally PippD0.00%N
203Earl WhitehillD0.00%N
202Gavvy CravathD0.00%N
202Bill DonovanD0.00%N
202Marty McManusD0.00%N
202Ken WilliamsD0.00%N
201Willie KammD0.00%N
200Bill DinneenD0.00%N
199Ken KeltnerD0.00%N
198Lu BlueD0.00%N
198Charlie GrimmD0.00%N
196Bing MillerD0.00%N
195Joe BushD0.00%N
195Pinky HigginsD0.00%N
194Red LucasD0.00%N
193George GranthamD0.00%N
193George KellyD0.00%N
193Freddie LindstromD0.00%N
193Joe WoodD0.00%N
192Sam WestD0.00%N
191Bill BradleyD0.00%N
191Addie JossD0.00%N
191Lee MeadowsD0.00%N
190Riggs StephensonD0.00%N
189Frankie CrosettiD0.00%N
188Tommy HolmesD0.00%N
188Bobby LoweD0.00%N
185Lefty GomezD0.00%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 1.10%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 0.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (346.07 WS avg)? 0.00% (Seven qualified)

Well, after the 1971 class, the veterans were limited to two players a year for 1972 (plus a third non-player until 1977, when they were limited to two total). The numbers, and therefore, the damage, were limited, but the quality was still lacking.

1973 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
412Warren SpahnA83.16%Y
377Roberto ClementeB92.69%Y(Special Election)
339Robin RobertsB56.05%N
338Johnny MizeB41.32%N
329Richie AshburnB6.58%N
323Enos SlaughterB38.16%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB33.16%N
304Nellie FoxB19.21%N

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 100.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (341.72 WS avg)? 100.00% (Snider also qualified.)

Spahn finally became eligible and deservedly went right in. I can't consider him a first-ballot guy though since he earned a write-in vote midway through his career. After Clemente's death, he went straight in by "Special Election". The first-year eligibles are now solidly the stars of the election.

1973 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%Y
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
338Johnny MizeB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
298Billy HermanC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Amos RusieC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
281Bobby DoerrC0.00%N
280Earl AverillC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
277Joe SewellC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Jim BottomleyC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC0.00%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%N
243Joe KuhelC0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%N
242Joe GordonC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
241Wally BergerC0.00%N
241Dolf LuqueC0.00%N
239Roger PeckinpaughC0.00%N
239Frank SchulteC0.00%N
239Will WhiteC0.00%N
238Cupid ChildsC0.00%N
238Harry DavisC0.00%N
238Chuck KleinC0.00%N
237Wally MosesC0.00%N
237Bobo NewsomC0.00%N
236Sam ThompsonC0.00%N
235Doc WhiteC0.00%N
235Cy WilliamsC0.00%N
234Mel HarderC0.00%N
233Ben ChapmanC0.00%N
233Wes FerrellC0.00%N
233Dutch LeonardC0.00%N
233Jesse TannehillC0.00%N
232Donie BushC0.00%N
232Babe HermanC0.00%N
231Hal ChaseC0.00%N
231Paul DerringerC0.00%N
231Jack FournierC0.00%N
231George UhleC0.00%N
230Hardy RichardsonC0.00%N
229Ginger BeaumontC0.00%N
227Stuffy McInnisC0.00%N
227Dode PaskertC0.00%N
225Tommy BridgesC0.00%N
225Pete BrowningC0.00%N
225Urban ShockerC0.00%N
224Dolph CamilliD0.00%N
224Hack WilsonD0.00%N
223Topsy HartselD0.00%N
223Bill NicholsonD0.00%N
223Charlie RootD0.00%N
223Bob ShawkeyD0.00%N
222Freddie FitzsimmonsD0.00%N
222Miller HugginsD0.00%N
222Billy NashD0.00%N
221Bill HutchisonD0.00%N
221Arlie LathamD0.00%N
221Ed McKeanD0.00%N
220Dom DiMaggioD0.00%N
220Lon WarnekeD0.00%N
219Doc CramerD0.00%N
218Tom BrownD0.00%N
218Art FletcherD0.00%N
218Larry FrenchD0.00%N
218Charlie KellerD0.00%N
218Ernie LombardiD0.00%N
217Jeff HeathD0.00%N
216Harlond CliftD0.00%N
215Tom DalyD0.00%N
215Hooks DaussD0.00%N
215Danny MurphyD0.00%N
215Kip SelbachD0.00%N
214Tommy CorcoranD0.00%N
214Rudy YorkD0.00%N
214Heinie ZimmermanD0.00%N
213Frank DwyerD0.00%N
213Tip O'NeillD0.00%N
212Ted BreitensteinD0.00%N
212Sam LeeverD0.00%N
211Travis JacksonD0.00%N
211Chick StahlD0.00%N
209John AndersonD0.00%N
209Eddie RommelD0.00%N
208Lonny FreyD0.00%N
208Tommy HenrichD0.00%N
208Brickyard KennedyD0.00%N
208Ed MorrisD0.00%N
208Harry SteinfeldtD0.00%N
206Rick FerrellD0.00%N
206Deacon PhillippeD0.00%N
205Claude RitcheyD0.00%N
205Tom ZacharyD0.00%N
203Tony CuccinelloD0.00%N
203Wally PippD0.00%N
203Earl WhitehillD0.00%N
202Gavvy CravathD0.00%N
202Bill DonovanD0.00%N
202Marty McManusD0.00%N
202Ken WilliamsD0.00%N
201Willie KammD0.00%N
200Bill DinneenD0.00%N
199Ken KeltnerD0.00%N
198Lu BlueD0.00%N
198Charlie GrimmD0.00%N
196Bing MillerD0.00%N
195Joe BushD0.00%N
195Pinky HigginsD0.00%N
194Red LucasD0.00%N
193George GranthamD0.00%N
193George KellyD0.00%Y
193Freddie LindstromD0.00%N
193Joe WoodD0.00%N

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 1.13%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 50.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (341.72 WS avg)? 50.00% (Seven others also qualified.)

Who needs the likes of Arky Vaughn in the Hall when you can snare George Kelly? Kelly's most similar batter is Bob Watson, which tells you a lot. Bill Terry, the former New York Giant, was becoming more active on the committee, meaning that he got his old Giant cronies elected. Too bad for Terry that Welch played before him since he had no way of knowing that he was actually a qualified candidate.

To be continued…


Like School on Saturday, Part VIII
2004-01-15 00:39
by Mike Carminati

1960 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
378Luke ApplingB26.77%N
356Arky VaughanB3.72%N
355Goose GoslinB11.15%N
338Johnny MizeB16.73%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
327Sam RiceB53.16%N
322Red RuffingB0.00%N
316Stan HackB2.23%N
315Eppa RixeyB52.79%N
314Edd RoushB54.28%N
312Joe MedwickB14.13%N

Number selected: 0
Percentage by Top Win Shares: N/A
Percentage based on bypassed: N/A
Percentage by Grade: N/A
Percentage by Grade bypassed: N/A
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? N/A
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (361.97 WS avg)? N/A (Only Appling qualified)

More quagmire.

1961 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
413Tim KeefeA0.00%N
409John WardA0.00%N
403Pud GalvinA0.00%N
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
396John ClarksonB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%N
351Max CareyB0.00%Y
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
337Billy HamiltonB0.00%Y
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
321Harry HooperB0.00%N
318Jake BeckleyB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
314Edd RoushB0.00%N
305Joe KelleyB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 13.33%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 8.51%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (361.97 WS avg)? 0.00% (Eight qualified)

Again, two good choice by the veterans. Carey had gotten a lot of support from the writers in his year of eligibility and it probably carried over. At this point there were still so many older players to pick from, any form of notoriety (carryover support from the writers' election, broadcasting, illness, death, dating Madonna, etc.) was all it took to get someone in. At least they were picking qualified candidates if possible not all of the qualified candidates.

1962 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
378Luke ApplingB30.00%N
356Arky VaughanB3.75%N
355Goose GoslinB8.75%N
338Johnny MizeB8.75%N
334Frank McCormickB0.63%N
327Sam RiceB50.63%N
322Red RuffingB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
315Eppa RixeyB30.63%N
312Joe MedwickB21.25%N
298Billy HermanC2.50%N
292Kiki CuylerC19.38%N
292Red FaberC18.75%N
292Bob FellerC93.75%Y
287Bob ElliottC0.63%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
286Burleigh GrimesC26.88%N
285Heinie ManushC9.38%N
281Bobby DoerrC6.25%N
280Earl AverillC1.88%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.63%N
277Lou BoudreauC7.50%N
277Joe SewellC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
265Vern StephensC0.00%N
264Hal NewhouserC2.50%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
262Waite HoytC11.25%N
258Jim BottomleyC12.50%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC3.13%N
257Jackie RobinsonC77.50%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 6.06%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 4.65%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (361.44 WS avg)? 0.00% (Only Appling qualified)

Thus started the first-ballot phenomena that still persists today. The white noise of many qualified candidates can best be broken by throwing a new player, who was active relatively recently.

1962 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
413Tim KeefeA0.00%N
409John WardA0.00%N
403Pud GalvinA0.00%N
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
396John ClarksonB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
355Goose GoslinB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
327Sam RiceB0.00%N
321Harry HooperB0.00%N
318Jake BeckleyB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
315Eppa RixeyB0.00%N
314Edd RoushB0.00%Y
305Joe KelleyB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 4.76%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 4.08%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (361.44 WS avg)? 0.00% (Eight qualified)

Again the pendulum swung back to having more players enshrined in Cooperstown. The first step was to allow the Veterans to vote every year and then next was allowing them to select more than two players per election in 1963. Note that the veterans were limited to two selections a year. This came on the heels of the latest binge in 1953. The writers’ elections too would become annual and a run off election was imposed to guard against no one garnering the necessary votes.

1963 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
413Tim KeefeA0.00%N
409John WardA0.00%N
403Pud GalvinA0.00%N
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
396John ClarksonB0.00%Y
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
355Goose GoslinB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
327Sam RiceB0.00%Y
321Harry HooperB0.00%N
318Jake BeckleyB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
315Eppa RixeyB0.00%Y
305Joe KelleyB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Amos RusieC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Kiki CuylerC0.00%N
292Red FaberC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
291Elmer FlickC0.00%Y

Number selected: 4
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 13.33%
Percentage by Grade: 25.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 12.73%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 75.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (358.32 WS avg)? 25.00% (Eight qualified)

Four decent choices. They were perhaps not the best available but they were also not the worst.

1964 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTRun Off PCTinducted
378Luke ApplingB70.65%84.00%Y
356Arky VaughanB8.46%2.67%N
338Johnny MizeB26.87%5.33%N
334Frank McCormickB2.99%0.00%N
323Enos SlaughterB0.00%0.00%N
322Red RuffingB70.15%81.78%N
316Stan HackB0.00%0.00%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB36.32%20.89%N
312Joe MedwickB53.73%57.78%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 100.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (356.93 WS avg)? 100.00% (Appling was the only candidate above this figure though Vaughn was just fractions away.)

The re-imposed run off proved successful as the writers picked the best candidate according to Win Shares.

1964 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
413Tim KeefeA0.00%Y
409John WardA0.00%Y
403Pud GalvinA0.00%N
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
355Goose GoslinB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
321Harry HooperB0.00%N
318Jake BeckleyB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Joe KelleyB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Amos RusieC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Kiki CuylerC0.00%N
292Red FaberC0.00%Y
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
286Burleigh GrimesC0.00%Y
285Heinie ManushC0.00%Y
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N

Number selected: 5
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 40.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 13.89%
Percentage by Grade: 40.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 15.52%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 40.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (356.93 WS avg)? 40.00% (Seven qualified.)

Very mixed. There are two great selections and three marginal ones. It could be worse (and soon be).

1965 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
403Pud GalvinA0.00%Y
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
355Goose GoslinB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
321Harry HooperB0.00%N
318Jake BeckleyB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Joe KelleyB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 100.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (355.96 WS avg)? 100.00% (Five qualified.)

The veterans committee was finally taking care of business in this period.

1966 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
555Ted WilliamsA93.38%Y
356Arky VaughanB11.92%N
338Johnny MizeB26.82%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
323Enos SlaughterB33.11%N
322Red RuffingB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB31.46%N
312Joe MedwickB61.92%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 100.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (356.54 WS avg)? 100.00% (Vaughn also was within a half of a Win Share of qualifying.)

Even the logjammed writers couldn’t fail to pick Ted Williams without a run off.

1967 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTRun Off PCTinducted
356Arky VaughanB15.75%6.21%N
338Johnny MizeB30.48%4.58%N
323Enos SlaughterB42.12%15.69%N
322Red RuffingB72.60%86.93%Y
314Pee Wee ReeseB30.48%5.23%N
312Joe MedwickB72.60%81.05%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 25.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 25.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (358.93 WS avg)? 0.00% (None qualified.)

Ruffing is a decent choice from a decent group of candidates. Again, the run off does its job.

1967 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
355Goose GoslinB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
322Red RuffingB0.00%N
321Harry HooperB0.00%N
318Jake BeckleyB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Joe KelleyB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
298Billy HermanC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Amos RusieC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Kiki CuylerC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
280Earl AverillC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
277Joe SewellC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
269Dave BancroftC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
262Waite HoytC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Jim BottomleyC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%N
245Stan CoveleskiC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
245Lloyd WanerC0.00%Y

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 1.32%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 1.06%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (358.93 WS avg)? 0.00% (four qualified.)

Little Poison? So what happened? Well, James explains that Frankie Frisch was named to the committee in 1967 and quickly became its central figure. And the committee was back to the old schtick like Tinkers-to-Evers-to-Chance being selected en masse. Big Poison/Little Poison plays in Peoria just like an episode of “Big John, Little John”.

1968 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
356Arky VaughanB28.98%N
338Johnny MizeB36.40%N
334Frank McCormickB1.06%N
329Richie AshburnB2.12%N
323Enos SlaughterB45.58%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB28.62%N
312Joe MedwickB84.81%Y

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 14.29%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 14.29%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (357.15 WS avg)? 0.00% (None qualified.)

1968 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
355Goose GoslinB0.00%Y
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
321Harry HooperB0.00%N
318Jake BeckleyB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
312Joe MedwickB0.00%N
305Joe KelleyB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
298Billy HermanC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Amos RusieC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Kiki CuylerC0.00%Y
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 7.41%
Percentage by Grade: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 6.38%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (357.15 WS avg)? 0.00% (Four qualified.)

1969 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
604Stan MusialA93.24%Y
338Johnny MizeB34.12%N
329Richie AshburnB2.94%N
323Enos SlaughterB37.65%N
314Pee Wee ReeseB26.18%N
309Early WynnB27.94%N
296Mickey VernonC6.18%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
281Bobby DoerrC18.24%N
278Dixie WalkerC2.65%N
277Lou BoudreauC64.12%N
268Larry DobyC0.00%N
267Eddie YostC0.00%N
265Vern StephensC0.00%N
264Hal NewhouserC24.12%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Gil HodgesC24.12%N
262Red SchoendienstC19.12%N
258Bucky WaltersC5.88%N
242Joe GordonC28.53%N
242Ralph KinerC40.29%N
237Phil CavarrettaC10.88%N
237Bobo NewsomC9.41%N
237Wally MosesC1.18%N
233Del EnnisC0.00%N
233Dutch LeonardC1.18%N
232Bob LemonC16.47%N
231Phil RizzutoC22.94%N
229George KellC17.65%N
228Dizzy TroutC0.00%N
228Gene WoodlingC0.00%N
226Alvin DarkC14.12%N
223Bill NicholsonD0.00%N
220Dom DiMaggioD3.82%N
220Andy PafkoD0.00%N
219Vic WertzD0.00%N
218Charlie KellerD4.12%N
217Carl FurilloD0.00%N
217Jeff HeathD0.00%N
209Eddie JoostD0.00%N
209Sherm LollarD0.00%N
208Tommy HenrichD14.71%N
207Roy CampanellaD79.41%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 50.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 4.65%
Percentage by Grade: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 7.69%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (355.88 WS avg)? 50.00% (Musial alone qualified.)

Campanella looks bad on paper but had a great peak for a catcher and of course had an abbreviated career, because of segregation at the start and his career-ending injury at the end. Musial is a no-brainer.

1969 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
321Harry HooperB0.00%N
318Jake BeckleyB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Joe KelleyB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
298Billy HermanC0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Amos RusieC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
280Earl AverillC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
277Joe SewellC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
269Dave BancroftC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
262Waite HoytC0.00%Y
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Jim BottomleyC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%N
245Stan CoveleskiC0.00%Y
245Jimmy DykesC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 2.63%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 2.13%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (355.88 WS avg)? 0.00% (Five qualified.)

Not inspired, but these choices would look Solomon-like soon.

To be continued…


Like School on Saturday, Part VII
2004-01-14 00:32
by Mike Carminati

1949 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTRun Off PCTinducted
528Mel OttA61.44%68.45%N
435Jimmie FoxxA55.56%47.59%N
423Paul WanerA47.71%33.69%N
383Charlie GehringerB66.67%85.03%Y
380Zack WheatB9.80%0.00%N
375Al SimmonsB58.17%40.64%N
356Harry HeilmannB38.56%27.81%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%0.00%N
355Goose GoslinB2.61%0.00%N
351Max CareyB7.84%0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%0.00%N
333Joe CroninB21.57%8.56%N
327Sam RiceB1.96%0.00%N
325Gabby HartnettB22.88%3.74%N
322Red RuffingB14.38%2.14%N
321Harry HooperB0.00%0.00%N
316Stan HackB2.61%0.00%N
315Eppa RixeyB2.61%0.00%N
314Bill DickeyB42.48%20.86%N
314Edd RoushB9.15%0.00%N
312Ted LyonsB18.95%7.49%N
312Joe MedwickB0.00%0.00%N
302Rabbit MaranvilleB37.91%20.86%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 25.00%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 18.18%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (375.76 WS avg)? 100.00%

1949 Old Timers

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
478Kid NicholsA0.00%Y
446Sam CrawfordA0.00%N
413Tim KeefeA0.00%N
409John WardA0.00%N
403Pud GalvinA0.00%N
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
396John ClarksonB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%N
345Bobby WallaceB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
337Billy HamiltonB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
318Jake BeckleyB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Joe KelleyB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
301Frank BakerB0.00%N
296Mordecai BrownC0.00%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 50.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 8.33%
Percentage by Grade: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 7.69%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (375.76 WS avg)? 50.00%

Typical election by the Old Timers: They pick the best candidate and then the 24th best. Nichols was another 1894 Oriole, so maybe it was just a coincidence that he was the Win Share leader.

1950 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
528Mel OttA68.45%N
435Jimmie FoxxA61.31%N
423Paul WanerA56.55%N
380Zack WheatB10.12%N
375Al SimmonsB53.57%N
356Harry HeilmannB51.79%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
355Goose GoslinB1.19%N
351Max CareyB8.33%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
333Joe CroninB19.64%N
327Sam RiceB0.60%N
325Gabby HartnettB32.14%N
322Red RuffingB0.00%N
321Harry HooperB1.19%N
316Stan HackB4.76%N
315Eppa RixeyB3.57%N
314Bill DickeyB46.43%N
314Edd RoushB9.52%N
312Ted LyonsB25.00%N
312Joe MedwickB0.00%N
302Rabbit MaranvilleB39.29%N

Number selected: 0
Percentage by Top Win Shares: N/A
Percentage based on bypassed: N/A
Percentage by Grade: N/A
Percentage by Grade bypassed: N/A
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? N/A
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (376.42 WS avg)? N/A (Ott, Foxx, Waner, and Wheat qualified and Simmons was close.)

Typical election for the writers: no one was selected out a group of qualified candidates.

1951 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
528Mel OttA87.17%Y
435Jimmie FoxxA79.20%Y
423Paul WanerA71.68%N
380Zack WheatB8.41%N
378Luke ApplingB0.00%N
375Al SimmonsB51.33%N
356Harry HeilmannB67.70%N
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
355Goose GoslinB0.00%N
351Max CareyB11.95%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
333Joe CroninB19.47%N
327Sam RiceB0.44%N
325Gabby HartnettB25.22%N
322Red RuffingB0.00%N
316Stan HackB1.33%N
315Eppa RixeyB2.21%N
314Bill DickeyB52.21%N
314Edd RoushB9.29%N
312Ted LyonsB31.42%N
312Joe MedwickB0.00%N
302Rabbit MaranvilleB48.67%N

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 100.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (376.42 WS avg)? 100.00% (three others qualified)

Well, that's a little better. The top two got in and a number of the better candidates crept towards the 75% threshold. So what changed? Bill James says that at this time a subtle change was made to the procedures that made a big difference. A copy of the previous year's results accompanied the ballot that was sent to each voter. This may seem minor but it ushered in a brief golden age of Hall voting. That is, until it was discontinue in 1956—you see, it made way too much sense.

James also mentions that briefly players in uniform, that is, as a manager or coach, were barred from the vote. He said that this lasted a couple of years. I have not excluded any players who would have been thusly barred for two reasons: First, I'm too lazy and second, it was such a short-lived and arbitrary rule (what about GMs and scouts) that I would rather evaluate each ballot by the players that should have been available. (Note: Appling was the manager of the Memphis Chicks in the Southern Assoc., which may explain his lack of support. Red Ruffing was also managing in the minors at the time.)

1952 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
423Paul WanerA83.33%Y
387Joe DiMaggioB0.00%N
380Zack WheatB12.82%N
378Luke ApplingB0.00%N
375Al SimmonsB60.26%N
356Harry HeilmannB86.75%Y
356Arky VaughanB0.00%N
355Goose GoslinB0.00%N
351Max CareyB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
333Joe CroninB0.00%N
327Sam RiceB0.43%N
325Gabby HartnettB32.91%N
322Red RuffingB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
315Eppa RixeyB1.28%N
314Bill DickeyB59.40%N
314Edd RoushB10.26%N
312Ted LyonsB43.16%N
312Joe MedwickB0.00%N
302Rabbit MaranvilleB56.84%N

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 50.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 33.33%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 38.46%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (380.89 WS avg)? 50.00% (two others qualified)

1953 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
387Joe DiMaggioB44.32%N
380Zack WheatB12.12%N
378Luke ApplingB0.76%N
375Al SimmonsB75.38%Y
356Arky VaughanB0.38%N
355Goose GoslinB0.00%N
351Max CareyB20.83%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
333Joe CroninB26.14%N
327Sam RiceB1.14%N
325Gabby HartnettB39.39%N
322Red RuffingB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
315Eppa RixeyB1.14%N
314Bill DickeyB67.80%N
314Edd RoushB12.12%N
312Ted LyonsB52.65%N
312Joe MedwickB0.00%N
302Rabbit MaranvilleB62.12%N
298Billy HermanC0.00%N
292Kiki CuylerC6.82%N
292Red FaberC3.41%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
286Burleigh GrimesC3.41%N
285Heinie ManushC0.00%N
281Bobby DoerrC0.76%N
280Earl AverillC0.00%N
278Bill TerryC72.35%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
277Lou BoudreauC0.00%N
277Joe SewellC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
269Dave BancroftC3.79%N
267Hank GreenbergC30.30%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
262Waite HoytC5.30%N
258Jim BottomleyC3.79%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC3.79%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC10.61%N
245Stan CoveleskiC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC1.89%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
245Lloyd WanerC0.00%N
243Joe KuhelC0.00%N
242Joe GordonC0.00%N
241Wally BergerC0.00%N
241Dolf LuqueC0.38%N
241Dazzy VanceC56.82%N
239Roger PeckinpaughC1.14%N
238Chuck KleinC0.00%N
237Wally MosesC0.00%N
235Cy WilliamsC1.52%N
234Mel HarderC3.03%N
233Ben ChapmanC0.00%N
233Wes FerrellC0.00%N
232Babe HermanC0.76%N
231Paul DerringerC0.00%N
231Jack FournierC0.00%N
231George UhleC0.00%N
227Earle CombsC1.14%N
227Stuffy McInnisC0.00%N
225Tommy BridgesC0.00%N
225Urban ShockerC0.00%N
224Dolph CamilliD0.00%N
224Hack WilsonD16.29%N
223Charlie RootD0.00%N
223Bob ShawkeyD0.00%N
222Freddie FitzsimmonsD0.00%N
220Lon WarnekeD0.00%N
219Doc CramerD0.00%N
218Larry FrenchD0.00%N
218Charlie KellerD0.38%N
218Ernie LombardiD0.00%N
217Jeff HeathD0.00%N
216Harlond CliftD0.00%N
214Rudy YorkD0.00%N
211Travis JacksonD0.76%N
209Eddie RommelD0.38%N
208Lonny FreyD0.00%N
208Tommy HenrichD3.79%N
207Jesse HainesD1.52%N
206Rick FerrellD0.00%N
205Tom ZacharyD0.00%N
203Tony CuccinelloD0.00%N
203Wally PippD0.00%N
203Earl WhitehillD0.00%N
202Marty McManusD0.00%N
202Ken WilliamsD0.00%N
201Willie KammD0.00%N
199Ken KeltnerD0.00%N
198Lu BlueD0.00%N
198Charlie GrimmD3.41%N
196Bing MillerD0.00%N
195Joe BushD0.00%N
195Pinky HigginsD0.00%N
194Red LucasD0.00%N
193George GranthamD0.00%N
193George KellyD0.00%N
193Freddie LindstromD0.00%N
192Sam WestD0.00%N
191Lee MeadowsD0.00%N
191Ray SchalkD19.70%N
190Riggs StephensonD0.00%N
189Frankie CrosettiD0.00%N
188Tommy HolmesD0.00%N
186Chick HafeyD0.76%N
185Lefty GomezD13.26%N
184Max BishopD0.00%N
184Bob MeuselD0.00%N
183Ossie BluegeD0.00%N
183Art NehfD0.00%N
181Dizzy DeanD79.17%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 1.70%
Percentage by Grade: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 2.27%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (381.24 WS avg)? 0.00% (Only DiMaggio qualified)

Well, maybe "Golden Age" is a bit strong. Simmons was a good choice, but Dean was a poor one. He was a great pitcher but was washed up by 27 and only had six full seasons in the majors. The Hall would later rightfully elect Sandy Koufax under similar circumstance. However, Koufax had a better peak. Being a broadcaster and one of the "Gas House Gang" didn't hurt him. Dean's election pushed the envelope for peak-based players, but at least they didn't pick his brother.

1953 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
446Sam CrawfordA0.00%N
413Tim KeefeA0.00%N
409John WardA0.00%N
403Pud GalvinA0.00%N
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
396John ClarksonB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%N
345Bobby WallaceB0.00%Y
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
337Billy HamiltonB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
321Harry HooperB0.00%N
318Jake BeckleyB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Joe KelleyB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
301Frank BakerB0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Amos RusieC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
291Elmer FlickC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC0.00%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
239Frank SchulteC0.00%N
239Will WhiteC0.00%N
238Cupid ChildsC0.00%N
238Harry DavisC0.00%N
236Sam ThompsonC0.00%N
235Doc WhiteC0.00%N
233Jesse TannehillC0.00%N
232Donie BushC0.00%N
231Chief BenderC0.00%Y
231Hal ChaseC0.00%N

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 2.63%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 2.91%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (381.24 WS avg)? 0.00% (Eight qualified)

The Old Timers committee had been laying low since the 1949. Actually, so low that many were six feet underground. A new committee infamously named the Veterans Committee replaced ye Old Timers. In 1953 they inducted six men, including four non-players.

The two players they selected in 1953 might have been out of a hat. Bender was borderline at best. Wallace was a fine choice, but there were so many better. And it would get worse.

1954 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
387Joe DiMaggioB69.44%N
380Zack WheatB13.10%N
378Luke ApplingB0.00%N
356Arky VaughanB0.79%N
355Goose GoslinB0.40%N
351Max CareyB21.83%N
338Johnny MizeB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
333Joe CroninB33.73%N
327Sam RiceB3.57%N
325Gabby HartnettB59.92%N
322Red RuffingB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
315Eppa RixeyB1.98%N
314Bill DickeyB80.16%Y
314Edd RoushB20.63%N
312Ted LyonsB67.46%N
312Joe MedwickB0.00%N
302Rabbit MaranvilleB82.94%Y
298Billy HermanC0.00%N
292Kiki CuylerC7.94%N
292Red FaberC4.76%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
286Burleigh GrimesC0.00%N
285Heinie ManushC0.00%N
281Bobby DoerrC0.00%N
280Earl AverillC0.00%N
278Bill TerryC77.38%Y
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N

Number selected: 3
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 9.68%
Percentage by Grade: 66.67%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 10.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 66.67%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (373.83 WS avg)? 0.00% (Three qualified)

Not bad choices (Terry again had too brief a peak but a .400 season does help), but there were so many as good or better. If you think Ryne Sandberg is being raked over the coals, check out Joe DiMaggio's non-support. (By the way, DiMaggio was grandfathered in when they expanded the waiting period from eligibility from the previous one to five years.)

1955 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
387Joe DiMaggioB88.84%Y
380Zack WheatB20.32%N
378Luke ApplingB1.20%N
356Arky VaughanB1.59%N
355Goose GoslinB2.79%N
351Max CareyB47.41%N
338Johnny MizeB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
333Joe CroninB53.78%N
327Sam RiceB11.16%N
325Gabby HartnettB77.69%Y
322Red RuffingB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.00%N
315Eppa RixeyB3.19%N
314Edd RoushB38.65%N
312Ted LyonsB86.45%Y
312Joe MedwickB0.00%N
298Billy HermanC0.00%N
292Kiki CuylerC13.94%N
292Red FaberC10.76%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
286Burleigh GrimesC1.20%N
285Heinie ManushC0.00%N
281Bobby DoerrC0.00%N
280Earl AverillC0.80%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
277Lou BoudreauC0.00%N
277Joe SewellC0.40%N
272Heinie GrohC1.99%N
270Joe JudgeC0.80%N
269Dave BancroftC7.57%N
267Hank GreenbergC62.55%N
263Augie GalanC0.00%N
262Waite HoytC13.15%N
258Jim BottomleyC10.36%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Bucky WaltersC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
252Dick BartellC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC26.29%N
245Stan CoveleskiC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC0.40%N
245Sam JonesC0.40%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
245Lloyd WanerC0.00%N
243Joe KuhelC0.00%N
242Joe GordonC0.40%N
241Wally BergerC0.00%N
241Dolf LuqueC0.00%N
241Dazzy VanceC81.67%Y

Number selected: 4
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 25.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 7.69%
Percentage by Grade: 75.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 10.14%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 75.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (369.77 WS avg)? 25.00% (Two others qualified)

Well, they finally deigned to admit DiMaggio, but Vance wasn't a very inspired choice. I guess, "we'll Dizzy 'em in '53; we'll Dazzy them in '55"…or words to that effect.

1955 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
446Sam CrawfordA0.00%N
413Tim KeefeA0.00%N
409John WardA0.00%N
403Pud GalvinA0.00%N
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
396John ClarksonB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
337Billy HamiltonB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
321Harry HooperB0.00%N
318Jake BeckleyB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Joe KelleyB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
301Frank BakerB0.00%Y
294Kid GleasonC0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Amos RusieC0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
291Elmer FlickC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC0.00%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Herman LongC0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC0.00%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
239Frank SchulteC0.00%N
239Will WhiteC0.00%N
238Cupid ChildsC0.00%N
238Harry DavisC0.00%N
236Sam ThompsonC0.00%N
235Doc WhiteC0.00%N
233Jesse TannehillC0.00%N
232Donie BushC0.00%N
231Hal ChaseC0.00%N
230Hardy RichardsonC0.00%N
229Ginger BeaumontC0.00%N
227Dode PaskertC0.00%N
225Pete BrowningC0.00%N
223Topsy HartselD0.00%N
222Miller HugginsD0.00%N
222Billy NashD0.00%N
221Bill HutchisonD0.00%N
221Arlie LathamD0.00%N
221Ed McKeanD0.00%N
218Tom BrownD0.00%N
218Art FletcherD0.00%N
215Tom DalyD0.00%N
215Hooks DaussD0.00%N
215Danny MurphyD0.00%N
215Kip SelbachD0.00%N
214Tommy CorcoranD0.00%N
214Heinie ZimmermanD0.00%N
213Frank DwyerD0.00%N
213Tip O'NeillD0.00%N
212Ted BreitensteinD0.00%N
212Sam LeeverD0.00%N
211Chick StahlD0.00%N
209John AndersonD0.00%N
208Brickyard KennedyD0.00%N
208Rube MarquardD0.00%N
208Ed MorrisD0.00%N
208Harry SteinfeldtD0.00%N
206Deacon PhillippeD0.00%N
206Ross YoungsD0.00%N
205Claude RitcheyD0.00%N
202Gavvy CravathD0.00%N
202Bill DonovanD0.00%N
200Bill DinneenD0.00%N
193Joe WoodD0.00%N
191Bill BradleyD0.00%N
191Addie JossD0.00%N
191Ray SchalkD0.00%N

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 1.79%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 1.92%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (369.77 WS avg)? 0.00% (Seven qualified)

Another poor job by the Veterans. Baker is an OK selection today. Then, he was the 22nd best candidate, and Schalk, many say, got in because he was one of the non-Black Sox.

1956 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
380Zack WheatB13.47%N
378Luke ApplingB7.25%N
356Arky VaughanB4.66%N
355Goose GoslinB13.47%N
351Max CareyB33.68%N
338Johnny MizeB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB1.55%N
333Joe CroninB78.76%Y
327Sam RiceB23.32%N
322Red RuffingB0.00%N
316Stan HackB0.52%N
315Eppa RixeyB13.99%N
314Edd RoushB47.15%N
312Joe MedwickB16.06%N
298Billy HermanC1.04%N
292Kiki CuylerC28.50%N
292Red FaberC17.62%N
287Bob ElliottC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.52%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
286Burleigh GrimesC12.95%N
285Heinie ManushC6.74%N
281Bobby DoerrC2.59%N
280Earl AverillC1.55%N
278Dixie WalkerC0.00%N
277Lou BoudreauC1.04%N
277Joe SewellC1.55%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC1.04%N
269Dave BancroftC7.77%N
267Hank GreenbergC84.97%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 6.45%
Percentage by Grade: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 6.67%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 50.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (362.32 WS avg)? 50.00% (Two qualified)

Cronin and Greenberg, that seems like a pretty good class or at least an innocuous one. It would end up being the straw that broke the Veterans Committee's back or stirred their drink or did some other cliché to the vets. They saw Greenberg as a terrible selection. Even though his greatness doesn’t translate into Win Shares well because of his five seasons lost to the war and his early retirement (at 36 with an adjusted OPS 32% better than the league average—this is a decent average for a Hall of Famer over his entire career), I feel that he was a better selection than most of what the vets were offered since reforming. The Hall was not pleased ostensibly by the spate of mostly worthy candidates that the writers were selecting—15 in six elections!?! Shocking.

The Hall decided that they would alternate elections between the veterans and the writers. Failing to learn from the poor decisions made by the writers in 1939, they were destined to repeat them. They also stopped sending the previous year's results out with the blank ballots. Now, can you guess what happened next?

1957 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
446Sam CrawfordA0.00%Y
413Tim KeefeA0.00%N
409John WardA0.00%N
403Pud GalvinA0.00%N
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
396John ClarksonB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
380Zack WheatB0.00%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
337Billy HamiltonB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
321Harry HooperB0.00%N
318Jake BeckleyB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Joe KelleyB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 100.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (360.38 WS avg)? 100.00% (Ten qualified)

At least Veterans got the right guy this time around. It's too bad they didn't do more.

1958 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
378Luke ApplingB28.95%N
356Arky VaughanB2.26%N
355Goose GoslinB9.77%N
351Max CareyB51.13%N
338Johnny MizeB0.00%N
334Frank McCormickB0.00%N
327Sam RiceB33.83%N
322Red RuffingB0.00%N
316Stan HackB2.26%N
315Eppa RixeyB12.03%N
314Edd RoushB42.11%N
312Joe MedwickB18.80%N

Number selected: 0
Percentage by Top Win Shares: N/A
Percentage based on bypassed: N/A
Percentage by Grade: N/A
Percentage by Grade bypassed: N/A
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? N/A
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (361.69 WS avg)? N/A (Only Appling qualified)

And there we are, right back in the soup. The writers had many qualified candidates, but again couldn’t focus on any.

1959 Veterans

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
413Tim KeefeA0.00%N
409John WardA0.00%N
403Pud GalvinA0.00%N
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
396John ClarksonB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
380Zack WheatB0.00%Y
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.00%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%N
351Max CareyB0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
337Billy HamiltonB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
321Harry HooperB0.00%N
318Jake BeckleyB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
305Joe KelleyB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 12.50%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 10.53%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (361.69 WS avg)? 100.00% (Eight others qualified)

Again, a good choice by the veterans, and again why just one when there were so many that demanded selection?

To be continued…


Like School on Saturday, Part VI
2004-01-12 12:37
by Mike Carminati

The final study I would like to conduct into the history of the Hall of Fame is to go through each election, year by year, for the writers and the veterans and evaluate their acts of commission (i.e., inductees) and omission (i.e., how many George Davises slip through the cracks). Do the writers always select the best candidates available? Do the vets? How do they compare against each other?

I am still going to use Win Shares as the basis of the evaluation. I know that Win Shares overvalues early pitchers and oddly values relievers (some higher than expected and some lower), but as I said earlier, I feel that it does the best job of laying all of the players out in continuum from Babe Ruth to Jim Rutherford. I want to evaluate the selections, so without some basis Ross Youngs is as qualified a candidate as Cy Young. If there are five players elected in a given year, are the best five players elected? Maybe it's just 4 of the best 5, or 80%. Or maybe just one of the top five gets selected, 10%. I will grade each election based on that percentage, and compare them over time.

However, I am not going to be so draconian as to assume that just because one candidate is a few Win Shares better than another that is elected that the first candidate is not the only qualified candidate (or indeed that he may be an inferior candidate to the other). Therefore, I will be assigning letter grades to each candidate based on their Win Shares. They will be based on rough cutoff percentages of all players with at least 150 Win Shares (e.g. top 5%) that are translated into round numbers in Win Shares (400 WS):

Grade     %    Win Share Min  # Players (Total)
A Top 5% 400 44
B Next 10% 300 172
C Next 25% 225 421
D Next 60% 150 940

If the writers select one A candidate and pass up another that has slightly more Win Shares, it won't count against them. For example, in 1936 the writers selected Walter Johnson and Christy Mathewson, both of whom place lower than Cy Young, who was selected in 1937, in Win Shares (560, 426, and 634 respectively). However, each of those players was a Grade-A candidate—and many would argue that both Johnson and Mathewson were superior pitchers to Young. Therefore, in the letter grade evaluation, the writers will not be penalized.

However, if, for example, the veterans select Tommy McCarthy (Grade D, 170 Win Shares), when the likes of Kid Nichols (Grade A, 478 Win Shares), Sam Crawford (Grade A, 446 Win Shares), and Tim Keefe (Grade A, 413 Win Shares), among others, are available, then the veterans will be deservedly excoriated. For McCarthy they would be penalized one point per letter grade difference, or three points.

In all of these analysis, the electing body will be graded on who they selected against who was available as well as who was bypassed against who was selected. In this way, the McCarthy selection, which bypassed many superior players, will be seen as a much more glaring blunder than selecting the inferior of two players.

So here are the elections per year and group:

1936 BBWAA

Top eligible with voting results:

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
756Babe RuthA95.13%Y
722Ty CobbA98.23%Y
655Honus WagnerA83.63%Y
634Cy YoungA49.12%N
630Tris SpeakerA58.85%N
574Eddie CollinsA26.55%N
560Walter JohnsonA83.63%Y
496Nap LajoieA64.60%N
478Kid NicholsA0.00%N
476Pete AlexanderA24.34%N
446Sam CrawfordA0.44%N
426Christy MathewsonA90.71%Y

Number selected: 5
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 60%
Percentage based on bypassed: 41.67%
[Note, this is based on the number of players elected divided by the number elected plus number bypassed before "worst" electee.]
Percentage by Grade: 100%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 100%
[Note, this is based on the numeral representation of players elected (A=3, B=2, C=1, D=0) divided by the sum based on grade of those elected plus sum for those bypassed before "worst" electee.]
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall? N/A
[Note this tests the inductees against the average HoF Win Share total. Given that there were no players yet in the Hall in 1936, this could not be determined.]

1937 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
634Cy YoungA76.12%Y
630Tris SpeakerA82.09%Y
574Eddie CollinsA57.21%N
502Rogers HornsbyA26.37%N
496Nap LajoieA83.58%Y
478Kid NicholsA0.00%N
476Pete AlexanderA62.19%N
446Sam CrawfordA2.49%N
413Tim KeefeA0.00%N
409John WardA0.00%N
403Pud GalvinA0.00%N
400Fred ClarkeA10.95%N

Number selected: 3
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 66.67%
Percentage based on bypassed: 60.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 100%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (623.80 WS avg)? 66.67%

1938 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
574Eddie CollinsA66.79%N
502Rogers HornsbyA17.56%N
478Kid NicholsA1.15%N
476Pete AlexanderA80.92%Y
446Sam CrawfordA4.20%N
413Tim KeefeA0.00%N
409John WardA0.00%N
403Pud GalvinA0.00%N
400Fred ClarkeA24.05%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 25.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 100%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (609.88 WS avg)? 0.00%

1939 BBWAA/Old Timers

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
574Eddie CollinsA77.74%Y
502Rogers HornsbyA64.23%N
489Lou GehrigASpec ElY
478Kid NicholsA2.55%N
446Sam CrawfordA2.19%N
413Tim KeefeA0.00%N
409John WardA0.00%N
403Pud GalvinA0.00%N
400Fred ClarkeA21.53%N
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
396John ClarksonB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
391Charley RadbournB0.00%Y (Old Timers)
389Jesse BurkettB0.00%N
381Cap AnsonB0.00%Y (Old Timers)
380Zack WheatB1.46%N
366Frankie FrischB9.49%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
361Eddie PlankB10.22%N
356Harry HeilmannB2.92%N
355Ed DelahantyB52.92%N
355Dan BrouthersB0.00%N
355Goose GoslinB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.36%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%N
351Max CareyB2.55%N
345Bobby WallaceB1.82%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
337Billy HamiltonB0.00%N
333Willie KeelerB75.55%Y
328Tommy LeachB0.36%N
327Sam RiceB0.00%N
321Harry HooperB1.82%N
318Jake BeckleyB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
315Eppa RixeyB0.00%N
314Edd RoushB2.92%N
305Joe KelleyB0.36%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
305Jim O'RourkeB0.00%N
302Rabbit MaranvilleB29.93%N
301Frank BakerB10.95%N
296Mordecai BrownC19.71%N
295Hugh DuffyC12.41%N
294Kid GleasonC0.36%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Amos RusieC2.19%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292George SislerC85.77%Y
292Red FaberC1.09%N
292Kiki CuylerC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
291Elmer FlickC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.36%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.36%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
286Burleigh GrimesC0.36%N
285Heinie ManushC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
278Bill TerryC5.84%N
278Lave CrossC0.36%N
278King KellyC0.00%N
277Joe SewellC0.00%N
275Mickey CochraneC10.22%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
274Jimmy CollinsC26.28%N
274Pie TraynorC3.65%N
273Clark GriffithC7.30%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
269Joe McGinnityC11.68%N
269Dave BancroftC0.36%N
268Johnny EversC39.05%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.36%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Ed WalshC48.18%N
265Herman LongC0.36%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.36%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
262Waite HoytC0.36%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Joe TinkerC4.38%N
258Jim BottomleyC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC1.09%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%N
245Sam JonesC0.36%N
245Stan CoveleskiC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC4.01%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
241Buck EwingC0.73%Y (Old Timers)
241Dolf LuqueC0.36%N
241Dazzy VanceC0.00%N

BBWAA:
Number selected: 4 (including Gehrig by "Special Election")
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 50.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 7.69%
Percentage by Grade: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 8.26%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 75.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (595.00 WS avg)? 0.00 [Note that there were no eligible players were over 595 WS.]

Old Timers:
Number selected: 3
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00% (That would have been Tim Keefe, John Ward, and Pud Galvin)
Percentage based on bypassed: 2.59%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 3.03%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 66.67%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (595.00 WS avg)? 0.00

This was sort of a defining moment for the Hall. The "worst" player to be inducted in the first three years of voting, according to Win Shares, was Christy Mathewson (426 WS), arguably one of the greatest pitchers of all time. The average Hall of Famer's Win Share total was just under 600, a total that has been reached by fewer than 10 players all time.

This is the Hall of Fame that everyone today seems to be harping for. There were no poor clinkers. Everyone was truly famous. However, the Hall was at a crossroads.

As Ken Smith said in Baseball's Hall of Fame (as quoted by Bill James in The Politics of Glory), "For several years the consensus of complaint centered about the old favorites who were left out." In 1939, Commissioner Landis and the president of the baseball writers' association, Tom Swope, struck a deal: the writers would be given permanent authority over the twentieth-century players and could run their elections as they saw fit.

The Centennial Commission, which until now had just selected non-players for the Hall, was re-commissioned the Old Timers Committee and would have sovereignty over all nineteenth-century players. I have included their candidate pool and their voting together above because the line was never completely drawn between the two factions. You'll notice that Buck Ewing was selected by the Old Timers, but also had received a couple votes, probably as many as he deserved, from the writers even though his career ended in 1897 (he also managed until 1900, so maybe the writers claimed him due to this). The line between the two groups became even more blurred in 1945 when a majority of players who were selected by the Old Timers had retired after 1900 (as late as 1918). The system was changed in 1946 to give the Old Timers all players who had been retired for 25 or more years. (The line was still being stepped on though. The Old Timers selected Johnny Evers that year even though he had played one game in 1922 and another in 1929. The writers threw one vote to John Clarkson, who retired in 1899, in 1946 and one to Bill Lange of all people, who also retired in 1899, in the 1953 election.)

Anyway, back in 1939, the writers had given up a pool of players they had no interest in to begin with—through 1939, only 7 baseball writer votes had gone to nineteenth-century players and of those, one went to Connie Mack, who certainly was being considered more for his non-playing contributions, and four over three elections went to Marty "Who?" Bergen, who had played just four seasons and started only one, for the 1898 Boston Beaneaters. In exchange, the writers could do whatever they wished with the highest honor in baseballdom. And to quote Bill James, "They immediately did something stupid."

Actually, they did a couple of stupid things. They first voted to hold elections every three years, meaning that there would be fewer inductees and fewer induction ceremonies, much to the irritation of the Hall's administrators. The writers obviously wanted to keep those enshrined in the Hall to a minimum. By holding the vote less frequently, the assumption was the talent pool would have a chance to replenish itself. If you want the Hall to be for Ruth and Gehrig and Mathewson alone, this made sense. However, it seemed that the fans and (especially) the keepers of the Hall did not want this. This caused the tension that led to the poor decisions and two paths, the writers and the veterans, that we are still living with today. The writers saw their job as almost complete and the Hall executives would start to see this an abducation of their duties, leading to more and more power being ceded to the veterans' committee.

The next stupid thing they did had to deal with their selections for 1939. The writers had been picking the best of the best until this point and then we get Wee Willie Keeler and George Sisler. Don't get me wrong, though Sisler was highly overrated (James has him listed 24th among all first baseman, right above Mark Grace), Keeler is a decent Hall of Fame choice today. However, in 1939 Keeler was a bad pick and Sisler was a horrific one. Not only was Rogers Hornsby, arguably the greatest second baseman of all time, available (with 169 Win Shares more than Keeler and 210 more than Sisler) but so were dozens of other better candidates. For all of you who feel that the Hall should be for Ruth and Cy Young and Willie Mays–types only, this is the turning point. It was not the veterans who tainted the Hall first. It was the writers. Keeler and especially Sisler made it possible for people to bandy about Jim Rice and Dick Allen and Jack Morris and Dale Murphy, and to make decent cases for them.

1942 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
502Rogers HornsbyA78.11%Y
478Kid NicholsA2.15%N
446Sam CrawfordA0.86%N
413Tim KeefeA0.00%N
409John WardA0.00%N
403Pud GalvinA0.00%N
400Fred ClarkeA24.89%N
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
396John ClarksonB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
391Lefty GroveB0.00%N
389Jesse BurkettB1.72%N
383Charlie GehringerB0.00%N
380Zack WheatB1.29%N
366Frankie FrischB36.05%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
361Eddie PlankB27.04%N
356Harry HeilmannB1.72%N
355Ed DelahantyB44.64%N
355Dan BrouthersB0.00%N
355Goose GoslinB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.43%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%N
351Max CareyB0.00%N

Number selected: 1
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 100.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade: 100.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 100.00%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 100.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (503.50 WS avg)? 0.00% [But Hornsby was the best available and he was a hair under the avg (at 502).]

The 1942 election was the end of the last of the old elections. The writers selected the best player, a player that would not lower the Hall's standards. Self-satisfied, they went back into their self-imposed seclusion for another three years.

The Permanent Committee that oversaw the Hall, however, was not pleased. The 1942 election was, apparently, the last straw. Many things would change in the next election.

1945 BBWAA/Old Timers

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
478Kid NicholsA2.02%N
446Sam CrawfordA1.62%N
435Jimmie FoxxA0.00%N
423Paul WanerA0.00%N
413Tim KeefeA0.00%N
409John WardA0.00%N
403Pud GalvinA0.00%N
400Fred ClarkeA21.46%Y (Old Timers)
399Tony MullaneB0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%N
396John ClarksonB0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%N
391Lefty GroveB11.34%N
389Jesse BurkettB0.81%N
383Charlie GehringerB4.05%N
380Zack WheatB0.81%N
375Al SimmonsB0.00%N
366Frankie FrischB40.89%N
363Roger ConnorB0.00%N
361Eddie PlankB13.36%N
356Harry HeilmannB2.02%N
355Ed DelahantyB44.94%Y (Old Timers)
355Dan BrouthersB0.00%Y (Old Timers)
355Goose GoslinB0.00%N
354Sherry MageeB0.40%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%N
351Max CareyB0.40%N
345Bobby WallaceB1.21%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.40%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%N
337Billy HamiltonB0.00%N
333Joe CroninB0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%N
327Sam RiceB0.00%N
325Gabby HartnettB0.81%N
321Harry HooperB0.00%N
318Jake BeckleyB0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%N
315Eppa RixeyB0.40%N
314Edd RoushB2.02%N
305Carl HubbellB9.72%N
305Jim O'RourkeB0.00%Y (Old Timers)
305Joe KelleyB0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%N
302Rabbit MaranvilleB20.65%N
301Frank BakerB10.53%N
296Mordecai BrownC18.62%N
295Hugh DuffyC25.91%Y (Old Timers)
294Kid GleasonC0.40%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%N
293Amos RusieC0.40%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%N
292Kiki CuylerC0.00%N
292Red FaberC0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%N
291Elmer FlickC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
286Burleigh GrimesC0.00%N
285Heinie ManushC0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%N
280Earl AverillC0.00%N
278Bill TerryC12.96%N
278King KellyC0.00%Y (Old Timers)
278Lave CrossC0.00%N
277Joe SewellC0.00%N
275Mickey CochraneC50.61%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%N
274Jimmy CollinsC48.99%Y (Old Timers)
274Pie TraynorC32.79%N
273Clark GriffithC43.72%N
273Adonis TerryC0.00%N
272Heinie GrohC0.40%N
272Cy SeymourC0.40%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
269Joe McGinnityC17.81%N
269Dave BancroftC0.00%N
268Johnny EversC54.25%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
266Clyde MilanC0.00%N
265Ed WalshC55.47%N
265Herman LongC0.40%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
263Silver KingC0.00%N
262Waite HoytC0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%N
258Joe TinkerC19.84%N
258Jim BottomleyC0.00%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC0.40%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%N
245Stan CoveleskiC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Wally SchangC0.00%N
245Lloyd WanerC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC2.83%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
241Dazzy VanceC7.29%N
241Wally BergerC0.00%N
241Dolf LuqueC0.00%N
240Rube WaddellC62.35%N
240Herb PennockC18.22%N
239Roger PeckinpaughC0.00%N
239Frank SchulteC0.00%N
239Will WhiteC0.00%N
238Harry DavisC0.40%N
238Cupid ChildsC0.00%N
238Chuck KleinC0.00%N
237Frank ChanceC72.47%N
236Sam ThompsonC0.00%N
235Cy WilliamsC0.40%N
235Doc WhiteC0.00%N
233Jesse TannehillC0.40%N
233Wes FerrellC0.00%N
232Donie BushC0.40%N
232Babe HermanC0.00%N
231Roger BresnahanC53.85%Y (Old Timers)
231Chief BenderC16.19%N
231Hal ChaseC0.00%N
231Paul DerringerC0.00%N
231Jack FournierC0.00%N
231George UhleC0.00%N
230Hardy RichardsonC0.00%N
229Ginger BeaumontC0.40%N
227Earle CombsC0.40%N
227Stuffy McInnisC0.00%N
227Dode PaskertC0.00%N
225Pete BrowningC0.00%N
225Urban ShockerC0.00%N
224Dolph CamilliD0.00%N
224Hack WilsonD0.00%N
223Charlie RootD0.40%N
223Topsy HartselD0.00%N
223Bob ShawkeyD0.00%N
222Miller HugginsD53.85%N
222Freddie FitzsimmonsD0.00%N
222Billy NashD0.00%N
221Bill HutchisonD0.00%N
221Arlie LathamD0.00%N
221Ed McKeanD0.00%N
220Lon WarnekeD0.00%N
218Tom BrownD0.00%N
218Art FletcherD0.00%N
218Larry FrenchD0.00%N
216Harlond CliftD0.00%N
215Danny MurphyD0.40%N
215Tom DalyD0.00%N
215Hooks DaussD0.00%N
215Kip SelbachD0.00%N
214Hughie JenningsD37.25%Y (Old Timers)
214Tommy CorcoranD0.00%N
214Heinie ZimmermanD0.00%N

BBWAA:
Number selected: 0
Percentage by Top Win Shares: N/A
Percentage based on bypassed: N/A
Percentage by Grade: N/A
Percentage by Grade bypassed: N/A
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? N/A
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (503.41 WS avg)? 0.00 [Note that there were no eligible players were over 503.41 WS.]

Old Timers:
Number selected: 9
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 11.11%
Percentage based on bypassed: 5.08%
Percentage by Grade: 22.22%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 6.22%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 44.44%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (503.41 WS avg)? 0.00

Now they really did. Pandemonium. Cats and dogs sleeping together.

The writers can't decide on any player. The Old Timers Committee was then used to correct the writers' mistakes. Six of the nine men selected by the Old Timers had been voted on by the writers in 1945 as well. If the veterans had selected the nine best men, then maybe the writers' log jam would have been cleared and all would have been well with the world. But they seemed to select nine players almost at random (other than an Ahab-like fascination with the 1894 Baltimore Orioles). Some were strong choices (Clark, Brouthers, Delahanty), some are OK given the standards today (O'Rourke, Duffy), and some are among the worst choices in the Hall (Bresnahan and Jennings).

Hoping to reduce the log jam, the Permanent Committee that oversaw the Hall in 1946 changed the baseball writers' procedures so that there would be a two-pass election. First the writers would vote for all eligible players, and then the top 20 qualifiers would be assessed in a runoff election. They also required that the writers hold an election annually and that they concentrate only on players who had been active in the last 25 years. This was going back on Landis' deal, but they felt that changes had to be made and the writers were not making them for themselves.

1946 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTRun Off PCTinducted
435Jimmie FoxxA12.87%0.00%N
423Paul WanerA1.98%0.00%N
391Lefty GroveB35.15%23.19%N
383Charlie GehringerB21.29%8.75%N
380Zack WheatB2.97%0.00%N
375Al SimmonsB0.50%0.00%N
366Frankie FrischB51.49%25.48%N
356Harry HeilmannB11.39%0.00%N
355Goose GoslinB0.00%0.00%N
351Max CareyB0.00%0.00%N
333Joe CroninB0.00%0.00%N
327Sam RiceB0.00%0.00%N
325Gabby HartnettB0.99%0.00%N
321Harry HooperB0.00%0.00%N
315Eppa RixeyB0.00%0.00%N
314Edd RoushB5.45%0.00%N
305Carl HubbellB50.00%28.52%N
302Rabbit MaranvilleB24.75%11.03%N
301Frank BakerB19.31%13.69%N

Number selected: 0
Percentage by Top Win Shares: N/A
Percentage based on bypassed: N/A
Percentage by Grade: N/A
Percentage by Grade bypassed: N/A
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? N/A
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (433.27 WS avg)? N/A [Note that only Foxx qualified.]

1946 Old Timers

Win SharesNameGradePCTRun Off PCTinducted
478Kid NicholsA0.00%0.00%N
446Sam CrawfordA0.00%0.00%N
413Tim KeefeA0.00%0.00%N
409John WardA0.00%0.00%N
403Pud GalvinA0.00%0.00%N
399Tony MullaneB0.00%0.00%N
398George DavisB0.00%0.00%N
396John ClarksonB0.00%0.00%N
394Bill DahlenB0.00%0.00%N
389Jesse BurkettB0.99%0.00%Y
363Roger ConnorB0.00%0.00%N
361Eddie PlankB16.83%0.00%Y
354Sherry MageeB0.00%0.00%N
354Mickey WelchB0.00%0.00%N
345Bobby WallaceB0.00%0.00%N
344George Van HaltrenB0.00%0.00%N
339Jimmy SheckardB0.00%0.00%N
337Bob CaruthersB0.00%0.00%N
337Billy HamiltonB0.00%0.00%N
328Tommy LeachB0.00%0.00%N
318Jake BeckleyB0.00%0.00%N
316Jimmy RyanB0.00%0.00%N
305Joe KelleyB0.00%0.00%N
305Bid McPheeB0.00%0.00%N
296Mordecai BrownC0.00%0.00%N
294Kid GleasonC0.00%0.00%N
294Joe JacksonC0.00%0.00%N
293Amos RusieC0.00%0.00%N
293Vic WillisC0.00%0.00%N
292Dave FoutzC0.00%0.00%N
291Elmer FlickC0.00%0.00%N
290Fielder JonesC0.00%0.00%N
289Larry DoyleC0.00%0.00%N
287Ed KonetchyC0.00%0.00%N
287Jack PowellC0.00%0.00%N
285Elmer SmithC0.00%0.00%N
285Jack StivettsC0.00%0.00%N
283Charlie BuffintonC0.00%0.00%N
278Lave CrossC0.00%0.00%N
275Jim WhitneyC0.00%0.00%N
273Clark GriffithC36.14%31.18%Y
273Adonis TerryC0.00%0.00%N
272Cy SeymourC0.00%0.00%N
269Joe McGinnityC26.24%17.87%Y
268Johnny EversC64.36%41.83%Y (Not eligible though)
265Herman LongC0.00%0.00%N
265Harry StoveyC0.00%0.00%N
265Ed WalshC56.93%40.30%Y
263Silver KingC0.00%0.00%N
261Jack GlasscockC0.00%0.00%N
260Roy ThomasC0.00%0.00%N
259Guy HeckerC0.00%0.00%N
258Joe TinkerC27.23%17.11%Y
258Gus WeyhingC0.00%0.00%N
255George MullinC0.00%0.00%N
254Dummy HoyC0.00%0.00%N
251Mike TiernanC0.00%0.00%N
250George GoreC0.00%0.00%N
249Paul HinesC0.00%0.00%N
249Fred TenneyC0.00%0.00%N
247Eddie CicotteC0.00%0.00%N
245Mike GriffinC0.00%0.00%N
243Tommy BondC0.00%0.00%N
243Al OrthC0.00%0.00%N
240Rube WaddellC60.40%33.08%Y
239Frank SchulteC0.00%0.00%N
239Will WhiteC0.00%0.00%N
238Cupid ChildsC0.00%0.00%N
238Harry DavisC0.00%0.00%N
237Frank ChanceC71.29%57.03%Y
236Sam ThompsonC0.00%0.00%N
235Doc WhiteC0.00%0.00%N
233Jesse TannehillC0.00%0.00%N
231Hal ChaseC0.00%0.00%N
230Hardy RichardsonC0.00%0.00%N
229Ginger BeaumontC0.00%0.00%N
227Dode PaskertC0.00%0.00%N
225Pete BrowningC0.00%0.00%N
223Topsy HartselD0.00%0.00%N
222Miller HugginsD0.00%0.00%N
222Billy NashD0.00%0.00%N
221Bill HutchisonD0.00%0.00%N
221Arlie LathamD0.00%0.00%N
221Ed McKeanD0.00%0.00%N
218Tom BrownD0.00%0.00%N
215Tom DalyD0.00%0.00%N
215Danny MurphyD0.00%0.00%N
215Kip SelbachD0.00%0.00%N
214Tommy CorcoranD0.00%0.00%N
214Heinie ZimmermanD0.00%0.00%N
213Frank DwyerD0.00%0.00%N
213Tip O'NeillD0.00%0.00%N
212Ted BreitensteinD0.00%0.00%N
212Sam LeeverD0.00%0.00%N
211Chick StahlD0.00%0.00%N
209John AndersonD0.00%0.00%N
209Jack ChesbroD0.50%0.00%Y
208Brickyard KennedyD0.00%0.00%N
208Ed MorrisD0.00%0.00%N
208Harry SteinfeldtD0.00%0.00%N
206Deacon PhillippeD0.00%0.00%N
205Claude RitcheyD0.00%0.00%N
202Gavvy CravathD0.00%0.00%N
202Bill DonovanD0.00%0.00%N
200Bill DinneenD0.00%0.00%N
191Bill BradleyD0.00%0.00%N
191Addie JossD0.00%0.00%N
188Bobby LoweD0.00%0.00%N
184Kid ElberfeldD0.00%0.00%N
170Tommy McCarthyD0.00%0.00%Y

Number selected: 11
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 9.09%
Percentage based on bypassed: 10.00%
Percentage by Grade: 18.18%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 10.28%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 18.18%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (433.27 WS avg)? 0.00% [Note that only Kid Nichols and Sam Crawford qualified.]

It's like the Wild West, right? Complete chaos. Where's Maxwell Smart when you need him?

The writers don't want to induct anyone. Frank Chance leads all candidates. The only problem is that technically, he is no longer eligible for their elections. Players like Jimmie Foxx, Paul Waner, and Lefty Grove, who would be first-ballot layups today, can't even get 50% of the voters to notice them.

In the other camp, the Old Timers are electing bushelfuls of players, some of whom weren't even mentioned in a poem. They even picked one (Evers) who technically was not eligible for the Old Timers as yet. You'll notice that the majority of their selections were picked over by the writers in their vote and were found lacking. You'll also notice that the quality of the candidates varied wildly. Jesse Burkett and Eddie Plank were pretty good choices, though not the best available. The rest weren't great and three (Frank Chance, Jack Chesbro, and Tommy McCarthy) were among the four worst men inducted to date, according to Win Shares. McCarthy still has the lowest Win Share total (170) of anyone in the Hall.

Basically, there were two different Hall of Fame worlds. The writers may have been too tight with their plaques but at least they kept their errors of commission to a minimum. The Old Timers plumbed the depths of Hall of Fame viability. Maybe the writers did not vote for the older players because given the scholarship of the day very little was known besides what had been passed down anecdotally. Maybe their restraint would have been seen as a virtue once a means to evaluate these old time players was in place (probably in the Sixties).

However, their restraint also was their undoing. If the writers had admitted the somewhat current, qualified candidates like Foxx then they wouldn't have had the ownership of the Hall taken away from them. It would have been interesting if the writers had kept electing one or two high-quality candidates a year, thereby obviating the need for the Old Timers. Where would we be now?

1947 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
435Jimmie FoxxA6.21%N
423Paul WanerA0.00%N
391Lefty GroveB76.40%Y
383Charlie GehringerB65.22%N
380Zack WheatB22.98%N
375Al SimmonsB3.73%N
366Frankie FrischB84.47%Y
356Harry HeilmannB40.37%N
355Goose GoslinB0.00%N
351Max CareyB0.00%N
333Joe CroninB3.73%N
327Sam RiceB0.00%N
325Gabby HartnettB1.24%N
321Harry HooperB0.00%N
315Eppa RixeyB1.24%N
314Bill DickeyB0.00%N
314Edd RoushB15.53%N
312Ted LyonsB0.00%N
305Carl HubbellB86.96%Y
302Rabbit MaranvilleB56.52%N
301Frank BakerB30.43%N
292Kiki CuylerC0.00%N
292Red FaberC0.00%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC0.00%N
286Burleigh GrimesC0.00%N
285Heinie ManushC0.00%N
280Earl AverillC0.00%N
278Bill TerryC28.57%N
277Joe SewellC0.00%N
275Mickey CochraneC79.50%Y

Number selected: 4
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 25.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 12.50%
Percentage by Grade: 50.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 12.73%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 75.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (386.97 WS avg)? 25.00%

1948 BBWAA

Win SharesNameGradePCTinducted
528Mel OttA0.00%N
435Jimmie FoxxA41.32%N
423Paul WanerA42.15%N
383Charlie GehringerB42.98%N
380Zack WheatB12.40%N
375Al SimmonsB49.59%N
356Harry HeilmannB33.06%N
355Goose GoslinB0.83%N
351Max CareyB7.44%N
333Joe CroninB20.66%N
327Sam RiceB0.83%N
325Gabby HartnettB27.27%N
322Red RuffingB0.00%N
321Harry HooperB1.65%N
316Stan HackB1.65%N
315Eppa RixeyB4.13%N
314Bill DickeyB32.23%N
314Edd RoushB14.05%N
312Ted LyonsB12.40%N
302Rabbit MaranvilleB31.40%N
298Billy HermanC0.83%N
292Kiki CuylerC2.48%N
292Red FaberC2.48%N
290George BurnsC0.00%N
287Jack QuinnC1.65%N
287Bob JohnsonC0.83%N
286Burleigh GrimesC5.79%N
285Heinie ManushC0.83%N
280Earl AverillC0.00%N
278Bill TerryC42.98%N
277Joe SewellC0.83%N
274Pie TraynorC76.86%Y
272Heinie GrohC0.83%N
270Joe JudgeC0.00%N
269Dave BancroftC3.31%N
267Hank GreenbergC0.00%N
266Wilbur CooperC0.00%N
265Bobby VeachC0.00%N
263Jake DaubertC0.00%N
262Waite HoytC5.79%N
258Jim BottomleyC3.31%N
258Larry GardnerC0.00%N
258Buddy MyerC0.00%N
256Carl MaysC0.00%N
252Tony LazzeriC17.36%N
252Dick BartellC0.83%N
245Wally SchangC0.83%N
245Stan CoveleskiC1.65%N
245Sam JonesC0.00%N
245Jimmy DykesC4.13%N
245Lloyd WanerC0.00%N
243Babe AdamsC3.31%N
243Joe KuhelC0.00%N
242Del PrattC0.00%N
241Wally BergerC0.00%N
241Dolf LuqueC0.00%N
241Dazzy VanceC19.01%N
240Herb PennockC77.69%Y

Number selected: 2
Percentage by Top Win Shares: 0.00%
Percentage based on bypassed: 3.45%
Percentage by Grade: 0.00%
Percentage by Grade bypassed: 2.47%
Percentage elected over 300 Win Shares? 0.00%
Percentage better than the established standards for the Hall (381.70 WS avg)? 0.00% (4 players were over)

Well, again the writers’ eccentricities will revive the specter of the veterans’ committee. The writers broadened their standards on the urging of the Old Timers’ voluminous selections in the mid-Forties. Unfortunately, they let their standards fall as well. Pie Traynor was the 32nd best player eligible according to Win Shares. Herb Pennock was 58th. There were also 20 candidates with at least 300 Win Shares. Again, the concept of Win Shares, of course, did not exist at this time, but this tells you the quality of the candidates involved.

In 1949, the Old Timers, who had laid low for two years, would be back to their old shenanigans.

To be continued…


Win Sharing Means Win Caring
2004-01-12 00:32
by Mike Carminati

The Baseball Crank has a study of Win Share Levels. Check him out.


News of the Stupid
2004-01-12 00:30
by Mike Carminati

Mike's Baseball Rants recieved its 100,000th visitor this weekend.

...And there was much rejoicing.


Tugger
2004-01-08 20:53
by Mike Carminati

"It isn't that," said Scrooge, heated by the remark, and speaking unconsciously like his former, not his latter, self. "It isn't that, Spirit. He has the power to render us happy or unhappy; to make our service light or burdensome; a pleasure or a toil. Say that his power lies in words and looks; in things so slight and insignificant that it is impossible to add and count them up: what then? The happiness he gives, is quite as great as if it cost a fortune."

—On the amount of money that his old boss, Fezziwig, spent on a gloriously remembered holiday party from Ebeneezer "Don't Call Me Scroogie" Scrooge's youth, A "Clay" Christmas Carol By Charles "Don't Call Me Jason" Dickens

Tug McGraw passed away at the age of 59 on Monday after a hard-fought struggle with brain cancer. I hadn't posted anything about it until now because frankly I didn't really know what to say. We sabermetricians love looking under the hood at the numbers. Though McGraw's numbers were nothing to sneer at, he meant something else to the community, something that's difficult to put into words.

McGraw was a very good reliever for almost twenty seasons, but if his legacy was dependent pitching alone, he would never have become the icon that he has been for the past thirty years in Philadelphia. After all two of Tug's best years came before he ever joined the Phils. The third one came during the Phils' sole World Championship year, 1980. McGraw threw the last pitch in that World Series striking out Willie Wilson with the bases loaded and with the winning run at the plate, and he will be remembered forever in Philly for his exultant leap that followed (see above).

(It's odd that on the play just before the strikeout Pete Rose snared in midair a foul Frank White popup that had bounced out of catcher Bob Boone's glove to record out number two, a play that rivaled Derek Jeter's incredible throwout of Jason Giambi at home in the 2001 playoffs for postseason shock and awe in my estimation. Now news of Rose's self-indulgent, tell-some biography precedes news of McGraw's death and the outpouring of emotion that followed, clearly delineating the much different paths that the two individuals traveled in life in the intervening years.)

The pictures of that moment remind me of the old picture of Babe Ruth, who is calmly standing with a self-satisfied grin amid a sea of faces that are almost spinning around him as if feeling his gravitational pull. McGraw was the eye of the jubilant maelstrom that quickly followed. It was such a classic moment that the Phils had McGraw re-enact it at the closing ceremonies for Veterans Stadium this fall.

McGraw had a great postseason in 1980. He ended game 5 of the Series by striking out Amos Otis again with the bases loaded. He also pitched in every game of the classic five-game League Championship Series between the Phils and the Astros, recording two saves. He did falter in game 5 allowing the tying run in the eighth, but consider that he was making his fifth appearance in six days and was pitching his eighth inning over that span. He also gave up the winning and only run in the eleventh inning of game three on a bases-loaded sac fly by Denny Walling (the Phils walked the bases full intentionally after a Joe Morgan triple led off the inning—see, it didn't work back then either). Of course it was after throwing three scoreless innings. In total McGraw collected four saves in nine appearances. He appeared in nine of the eleven postseason games for the Phils.

Those were great moments, but that's not what I remember about Tug McGraw. I remember the delivery that always looked like a righty trying to throw lefty (at least that’s how I look when I throw lefty). It started with the high knee kick and hands meeting and pointing skyward as if in supplication. Then he sort of teetered on his back leg, finally toppling at the waist. He ended up almost doubled over, his legs and arms taking separate flights to the same location, and the ball always seemed to come from way towards the first base side. Or maybe I’m just remembering his scroogie. Anyway, at the end of each inning he would slap his glove on his thigh, which, I believe, he once explained was a signal to his wife, who was not a big baseball fan, that the inning was over. After an especially grueling inning, he would sometimes rapidly pat his chest to demonstrate what his heart was doing.

But again with Tug, the emotion and personality that he displayed on the field was just the tip of the iceberg. He named his pitches. He had his signature pitch, the Scroogie, as well as the Cutty Sark fastball, so named because "It sailed", and the Peggy Lee fastball, which left the batter asking, "Is that all there is?" He even penned a comic strip named "Scroogie", which was also the name of the main character, who was also a relief pitcher but for the Pets (Phillies/Mets). By the way, does anyone remember Royce Rawls? I had a copy of the comic book somewhere that I have to dig up.

Then of course were the great Tug McGraw quips. He coined "Ya gotta believe" before he joined the Phils, and it's become famous. In simpler times, he responded to his preference for grass or astroturf with, "I don't know. I never smoked any astroturf" and when asked how he would spent his postseason earnings responded, "Ninety percent I'll spend on good times, women and Irish Whiskey. The other ten percent I'll probably waste."

There was a comment that struck me as odd during the 1980 World Championship festivities: "New York can take this championship and stick it." I though it was odd for a player who had once played in New York and whose current team had had no problems with a New York team since the Whiz Kids lost the Series to the Yanks 30 years earlier. I have since grown to understand Philly's inferiority complex caused by its proximity to the Big Apple.

Finally, Tug had some great advice that we can all live by, "Ten million years from now, when then sun burns out and the Earth is just a frozen iceball hurtling through space, nobody's going to care whether or not I got this guy out." Maybe that attitude is what made him such a memorable person.

Tug was the one who instigated the Phils' all-green St. Pat's Day uniforms that they wore in spring training every year. He taped aspirins to his arm. He read "Casey at the Bat" on stage. He became a staple on local Philly TV after he retired. He was like your goofy uncle who's always a bit tipsy, but McGraw remained avuncular and charming and a big lovable ham. He never displayed the sordid underbelly that personalities today always seem to have. Maybe it was the times in which he played, but I prefer to think that Tug was just what he seemed. Given the outpouring of positive stories since his death, I see no reason to think otherwise.

It reminds me of a story about Bombo Rivera that I was ready to attribute to W.P. Kinsella's Shoeless Joe (which was made into a film as Field of Dreams) but couldn't find there. Anyway, the author attended a game in Minnesota and as Rivera stepped into the batter's box, one half of the stadium cheered "Bombo" while the other followed with "Rivera". He admitted that Rivera was not the best player on the field, but he just had that certain something that drew fans to him. I criticize ballplayers for their old-cronyism, but I have a special place for the ballplayers of my youth including Tug McGraw. Just the nickname alone is so full of personality. He played in an era when it was OK to have a personality on the field, when players weren't considered crybaby multi-millionaires and weren't expected to act as such. Before the strike. Before the lost World Series. When baseball cards were little pieces of cheap cardboard with fuzzy pictures slapped on them, were almost indistinguishable from the brittle splinters of (alleged) gum that attended them, and were made by only one company. Maybe the players themselves have not changed much since that era: maybe it's society that's gotten jaded. Maybe I just grew up and nothing else has changed but me. I have no way of knowing, nor do I particularly care. It affects me all the same.

Meanwhile, with GM and manager Paul Owens' recent death, the Phils have lost two pillars from their late Seventies dynasty in less than two weeks. This comes at a time when the Phils are featuring their recent history while preparing to implode the old stadium, much to the chagrin of locals who fear there will be fallout to the surrounding area, and open a new one. Tug’s death makes the closing of an otherwise featureless tin can of a stadium actually poignant.


Like School on Saturday, Part V
2004-01-07 13:01
by Mike Carminati

So, now that we have established 300 Win Shares as out litmus test for Hall-worthiness, let's take a look at how players meeting this criterion have done historically in the Hall of fame voting. The following is a table of Hall elections as of a set of years from 1936 to today (actually yesterday when the 2004 results were released). While before I looked at the number of players from a certain era have gotten into the Hall, now I will look at the results as a snapshot in time as of the given year:

As ofInductedEligible%Change
193655010.00%
1940145425.93%15.93%
1950267037.14%11.22%
1960417356.16%19.02%
1970568070.00%13.84%
1980729377.42%7.42%
19908911676.72%-0.70%
200010814475.00%-1.72%
200411415374.51%-0.49%

What I'm looking for is a saturation point. Did the voters reach a point at which the criteria for Hall-worthiness were understood and the number of new inductees kept pace with newly eligible players? At first, the Hall was playing catch-up given that major-league baseball had been around since 1871 and yet the Hall was not created until 1936. In the first election only 10% of the eligible 300-Win Share players were inducted. As the Hall continued to induct players, new and old, the percentage rose about 10-20% per decade until 70% of eligible players with 300 Win Shares had been inducted. I think that the Hall reached the saturation point around 1980. The growth slowed until the inducted percent was just over three-quarters.

After reaching this saturation point, an odd thing happened to the Hall voting. The new inductees were losing pace to the new eligibles. It wasn't as if the small percentages of the early decades of the Hall were due for a return, but one or two percentage points per decade were lost. The influx of players from the expansion era caused some of this, but I think that the voters, both the writers and the veterans, started to get a bit pickier. Let's test that by looking at the results from each group individually:

As ofBBWAAVetsEligibleBBWAA %ChangeVets %Change
1936505010.00%0.00%
19401135420.37%10.37%5.56%5.56%
195016107022.86%2.49%14.29%8.73%
196027147336.99%14.13%19.18%4.89%
197032248040.00%3.01%30.00%10.82%
198042299345.16%5.16%31.18%1.18%
1990553311647.41%2.25%28.45%-2.73%
2000693914447.92%0.50%27.08%-1.36%
2004753915349.02%1.10%25.49%-1.59%

You'll notice that the growth for both the vets and the writers slowed after 1980. However, while the writers continued to grow the inductee percentage slightly (1-2% per decade), the vets percentage started to shrink.

I submit that around 1980 the Veterans' Committee had served its purpose and could have been retired given that the saturation point had been reached. At the same time, the writers reached some sort of stasis as to what they felt was a Hall-worthy player and have voted accordingly since. The only problem is that the standard that the writers came to was not actually reflective of the Hall membership at the time. So that's why the writers are not terribly impressed with Bert Blyleven and Andre Dawson, even though one could make a very strong argument for their embodying the average Hall of Famer (Dawson, 340 WS, and Blyleven, 339, rank 100th and 101st all-time and their numbers in Bill James' Hall of Fame tests are about average for a HoFer). Gary Carter (337 WS) had to languish for years before being allowed into the hallowed Hall. Ryne Sandberg (346 WS) still awaits induction. There have been a spate of players since the Eighties who have been over 300 Win Shares and yet not gotten much support (e.g., Lou Whitaker, Bobby Grich, Darrell and Dwight Evans, and Dave Parker).

So what we have are two sets of "standards", the writers and the veterans, and the writers don't seem willing to acknowledge the vets'. Given that the players involved (i.e., from the Sixties, Seventies, and Eighties) have lost a bit of luster in the last decade following the offensive glut since 1993, worthy players are getting overlooked. Whereas in the past the veterans would clean up after writers (while inducting a flotilla of their old buddies), the vets have failed to pick up the slack. This wouldn't be a problem had the writers adopted a broader view of what a Hall of Famer is based more on the membership of the Hall rather than their own opinions, but they didn't.

This schism can be seen by looking a the Win Shares of the players inducted by each body over time. First the writers:

Inducted#Avg WSGrand #Avg WSChange
19365623.805623.80
19373586.678609.88-13.93
19381476.009595.00-14.88
19393399.6712546.17-48.83
19421502.0013542.77-3.40
19474334.2517493.71-49.06
19482257.0019468.79-24.92
19491383.0020464.50-4.29
19512481.5022466.051.55
19522389.5024459.67-6.38
19532278.0026445.69-13.97
19543298.0029430.41-15.28
19554316.2533416.58-13.84
19562300.0035409.91-6.66
19622274.5037402.59-7.32
19641378.0038401.95-0.65
19661555.0039405.873.92
19671322.0040403.78-2.10
19681312.0041401.54-2.24
19692405.5043401.720.18
19701277.0044398.89-2.83
19723292.6747392.11-6.78
19731412.0048392.520.41
19742413.0050393.340.82
19751242.0051390.37-2.97
19762285.5053386.42-3.96
19771332.0054385.41-1.01
19781450.0055386.581.17
19791642.0056391.144.56
19802397.5058391.360.22
19811317.0059390.10-1.26
19822581.0061396.366.26
19832309.5063393.60-2.76
19843308.3366389.73-3.88
19852302.0068387.15-2.58
19861408.0069387.450.30
19872290.0071384.70-2.75
19881370.0072384.50-0.20
19892422.0074385.511.01
19902412.0076386.210.70
19913358.6779385.16-1.05
19922288.0081382.77-2.40
19931444.0082383.510.75
19941366.0083383.30-0.21
19951467.0084384.301.00
19971374.0085384.18-0.12
19981319.0086383.42-0.76
19993396.3389383.850.44
20002358.5091383.30-0.56
20012348.0093382.54-0.76
20021325.0094381.93-0.61
20032387.0096382.030.11
20042357.5098381.53-0.50

Now the vets:

Inducted#Avg WSGrand #Avg WSChange
19394375.504375.50
19459300.7813323.77-51.73
194610266.6023298.91-24.86
19492387.0025305.967.05
19532288.0027304.63-1.33
19552246.0029300.59-4.04
19571446.0030305.434.85
19591380.0031307.842.41
19612344.0033310.032.19
19621314.0034310.150.12
19634332.2538312.472.33
19645337.0043315.332.85
19651403.0044317.321.99
19671245.0045315.71-1.61
19682323.5047316.040.33
19692253.5049313.49-2.55
19702217.0051309.71-3.78
19716267.8357305.30-4.41
19722195.5059301.58-3.72
19733308.0062301.890.31
19742247.0064300.17-1.72
19752289.0066299.83-0.34
19762278.0068299.19-0.64
19772285.0070298.79-0.41
19781191.0071297.27-1.52
19791224.0072296.25-1.02
19801238.0073295.45-0.80
19811338.0074296.030.57
19821211.0075294.89-1.13
19831229.0076294.03-0.87
19842260.0078293.15-0.87
19852339.5080294.311.16
19862249.5082293.22-1.09
19891262.0083292.84-0.38
19911252.0084292.36-0.49
19921264.0085292.02-0.33
19941231.0086291.31-0.71
19952311.0088291.760.45
19961257.0089291.37-0.39
19971304.0090291.510.14
19982333.0092292.410.90
19991310.0093292.600.19
20001305.0094292.730.13
20011219.0095291.96-0.78

So, the writers settled on a standard that is best represented by players who have slightly under 400 Win Shares. In this range are Tom Seaver, Joe DiMaggio, Rod Carew, Charlie Gehringer, and Cap Anson. This is the level of player that the writers seem to have no problem inducting usually on the first ballot, nowadays at least.

The veterans on the other hand settled in at around 300 Win Shares as an average within three veteran classes. Players in this range are Dale Murphy, Nellie Fox, Carl Hubbell, Amos Rusie, Vic Willis, Buddy Bell, and Dennis Eckersley.

What we end up with are two voting bodies with extremely disparate ideas of what a Hall of Famer is. There are about 100 Win Shares separating the two "standards". While, of course, the voters didn't use the Bill James tool to develop their standards, I think Win Shares embodies their concepts as to the average Hall-worthy player's value. Using the writers' concept (382 WS as an average or rather median player), the Hall would consist of 116 players. Whereas the veterans' concept (292 WS) would create a 382-player Hall. To give you an idea of what the difference between the two concepts is, Richie Ashburn and Bobby Grich are tied at #115 (at 329 WS) and the likes of Del Ennis, Dutch Leonard, Jesse Tannehill, Dennis Martinez, Ben Chapman, Wes Ferrell, Willie Horton, and Charlie Hough establish the lower boundary for the vets (233 WS). That's quite a difference in value

To be continued…


Like School on Saturday, Part IV
2004-01-06 12:39
by Mike Carminati

Now, let's look at the players elected by the baseball writers. How did they fare in the years prior to induction? Note, first-ballot electees will not appear in the list:

Inductedvoted byNameLowHighRetired
1937BBWAACy Young49.12%49.12%1911
1937BBWAANap Lajoie64.60%64.60%1916
1937BBWAATris Speaker58.85%58.85%1928
1938BBWAAPete Alexander24.34%62.19%1930
1939BBWAAEddie Collins26.55%66.79%1930
1939BBWAAGeorge Sisler34.07%68.32%1930
1939BBWAAWillie Keeler17.70%67.56%1910
1942BBWAARogers Hornsby17.56%64.23%1937
1947BBWAACarl Hubbell9.72%38.40%1943
1947BBWAAFrankie Frisch6.19%40.89%1937
1947BBWAALefty Grove5.31%30.20%1941
1947BBWAAMickey Cochrane10.22%50.61%1937
1948BBWAAHerb Pennock7.46%53.42%1934
1948BBWAAPie Traynor1.15%73.91%1937
1949Run OffCharlie Gehringer0.44%66.67%1942
1951BBWAAJimmie Foxx6.21%61.31%1945
1951BBWAAMel Ott61.44%68.45%1947
1952BBWAAHarry Heilmann1.72%67.70%1932
1952BBWAAPaul Waner1.52%71.68%1945
1953BBWAAAl Simmons0.38%60.26%1944
1953BBWAADizzy Dean0.44%64.96%1947
1954BBWAABill Dickey6.88%67.80%1946
1954BBWAABill Terry2.67%72.35%1936
1954BBWAARabbit Maranville12.44%62.12%1935
1955BBWAADazzy Vance0.38%62.70%1935
1955BBWAAGabby Hartnett0.44%59.92%1941
1955BBWAAJoe DiMaggio0.40%69.44%1951
1955BBWAATed Lyons1.14%67.46%1946
1956BBWAAHank Greenberg1.21%62.55%1947
1956BBWAAJoe Cronin3.73%53.78%1945
1964Run OffLuke Appling0.76%70.65%1950
1967Run OffRed Ruffing2.14%81.78%1947
1968BBWAAJoe Medwick0.83%81.05%1948
1969BBWAARoy Campanella55.56%72.44%1957
1970BBWAALou Boudreau1.04%64.12%1952
1972BBWAAEarly Wynn27.94%66.67%1963
1972BBWAAYogi Berra67.22%67.22%1965
1973BBWAAWarren Spahn0.38%0.38%1965
1974BBWAAWhitey Ford67.11%67.11%1967
1975BBWAARalph Kiner1.33%61.84%1955
1976BBWAABob Lemon1.33%64.36%1958
1976BBWAARobin Roberts56.05%72.65%1966
1978BBWAAEddie Mathews32.33%62.40%1968
1980BBWAADuke Snider17.00%71.30%1964
1983BBWAAJuan Marichal58.10%73.49%1975
1984BBWAADon Drysdale20.99%64.71%1969
1984BBWAAHarmon Killebrew59.28%71.93%1975
1984BBWAALuis Aparicio11.97%67.38%1973
1985BBWAAHoyt Wilhelm38.89%71.96%1972
1987BBWAABilly Williams23.37%74.12%1976
1987BBWAACatfish Hunter53.67%68.00%1979
1991BBWAAFergie Jenkins52.35%66.67%1983
1991BBWAAGaylord Perry68.01%72.07%1983
1992BBWAARollie Fingers65.69%65.69%1985
1997BBWAAPhil Niekro60.00%68.30%1987
1998BBWAADon Sutton56.92%73.15%1988
2000BBWAACarlton Fisk66.40%66.40%1993
2000BBWAATony Perez50.00%67.86%1986
2003BBWAAGary Carter33.80%72.67%1992
Avg (>0)25.17%64.01%

Well, they did have more support from the writers prior to their election, but then again it is the same body, the baseball writers, throughout. Note that the players elected from the Eighties on have gotten a great deal of support throughout their tenure on the writers' ballot as opposed to the ones that were inducted in the Fifties and Sixties.

Now let's look at the progress by decade:

DecadeCountLowHigh
1910s343.81%60.42%
1920s158.85%58.85%
1930s1212.06%62.10%
1940s156.79%62.42%
1950s610.07%67.14%
1960s836.13%59.05%
1970s640.88%71.15%
1980s658.83%68.96%
1990s250.10%69.53%
Total5925.17%64.01%

It seems like there was an abrupt change in the way that players got elected in the Seventies.

Now, let's look at the progression of the writers' choices over the course of their eligibility (note that these numbers include the tallies that did indeed get the players inducted):

Eligibility#Avg PCT
1st yr9765.70%
2nd yr4048.29%
3rd yr3943.81%
4th yr3245.34%
5th yr2246.46%
6th yr2046.00%
7th yr1841.07%
8th yr1146.95%
9th yr1640.80%
10th yr2435.53%
11th yr2835.22%
12th yr2151.63%
13th yr1641.34%
14th yr1845.55%
15th yr1050.60%
16th yr1163.19%
17th yr855.36%
18th yr667.67%
19th yr670.24%
20th yr478.25%
21st yr184.81%

You'll note that players get the most support when they are new to the ballot or when their eligibility is about to expire (from the 16th year on, depending on the various eligibility cutoffs of the past).

Now let's take a look at the same progression for those players who have not gained admission to the hallowed halls of Cooperstown (Note, this includes the 2003 veterans voting, basically everything after the 30th year):

Eligibility#Avg PCT
1st yr7211.74%
2nd yr1704.92%
3rd yr1614.85%
4th yr887.70%
5th yr847.82%
6th yr688.58%
7th yr699.01%
8th yr6110.02%
9th yr967.36%
10th yr579.40%
11th yr858.22%
12th yr6010.34%
13th yr808.67%
14th yr6010.98%
15th yr5511.28%
16th yr268.22%
17th yr278.68%
18th yr288.83%
19th yr2512.41%
20th yr158.26%
21st yr711.80%
22nd yr1212.65%
23rd yr810.52%
24th yr1312.66%
25th yr418.39%
26th yr423.80%
27th yr317.97%
28th yr113.19%
29th yr215.67%
30th yr413.58%
31st yr114.69%
35th yr240.74%
37th yr14.94%
38th yr113.58%
46th yr119.75%
48th yr316.87%
56th yr114.81%
59th yr123.46%
67th yr17.41%

Boy, they drop like flies after the first couple of years of eligibility, eh? The ones that stick around do get more support as time goes on.

One thing to keep in mind is that the rule to drop those players who don't receive five percent from the writers' ballot is relatively new. Even players who got elected to the Hall have years under 5% as well as years in which they are omitted altogether from the writers' ballot. If the to the 5% rule had been in effect throughout the voting, twenty Hall of Famers elected by the writers would have been dropped from the ballot. They are: Al Simmons, Dazzy Vance, Joe DiMaggio, Charlie Gehringer, Dizzy Dean, Gabby Hartnett, Luke Appling, Joe Medwick, Lou Boudreau, Ted Lyons, Pie Traynor, Hank Greenberg, Ralph Kiner, Bob Lemon, Paul Waner, Harry Heilmann, Red Ruffing, Bill Terry, Joe Cronin, and Warren Spahn, who received one vote while still active. Of the vets' selections, only 15 of 94 would have passed the 5% rule strictures. Of course, given the number of high quality players eligible in the early voting, the 5% rule would not have made sense initially. But it does illustrate that the writers' ballot is much less forgiving for modern players.

Next, let's use Win Shares to evaluate past elections. First, we need to establish that a) Win Shares is a credible tool for this type of research and b) what is the rule of thumb as far as Win Shares for Hall of Famers? Is there a cutoff by which we can evaluate past elections? Let's see:

Here is table of various career Win Share ranges with the number of eligible players as well as Hall-inducted players in the range. That is also represented as a percentage of eligible players inducted with the difference in percentage from one range to the next. Note that the ranges end at 150 since no one with fewer than 150 career Win Shares has ever been elected to the Hall (Tommy McCarthy, 170, is the lowest). Also, Hall-of-Famer Addie Joss (191 career Win Shares) is not included in this table since he technically is ineligible for the Hall having played only 9 seasons:

Win SharesInductedEligible%Diff
700+22100.00%
650-69911100.00%0.00%
600-64955100.00%0.00%
550-59944100.00%0.00%
500-5494580.00%-20.00%
450-49977100.00%20.00%
400-4491616100.00%0.00%
350-399354185.37%-14.63%
300-349387054.29%-31.08%
250-2994112133.88%-20.40%
200-2492819914.07%-19.81%
150-19991994.52%-9.55%
19067028.36%

I would say that career Win Shares is a pretty good predictor of Hall of Famers. 39 of the 40 "eligible" players over 400 career WS are in the Hall. (The one person who is eligible in terms of eligibility years but is not in the Hall is Pete Rose, 547 WS, but he's ineligible for some other reason that escapes me just now. There are also four players who have not yet been eligible for the writers' ballot, but should be no-brainers: Ripken, Bonds, Henderson, and Molitor.)

For each range from 400 career Win Shares down to 150, the percent of Hall of Famers drops by about 20% per rung until it's zero for those under 150. There are six eligible players in the 350-399 range who have not yet been elected (Tony Mullane, 399; Bill Dahlen, 394; Darrell Evans, 363; Rusty Staub, 358; Sherry Magee, 354; and Lou Whitaker, 351), though s few may still go in. (Gwynn, Boggs, Raines, and Clemens are also in this range but are not yet eligble.)

The next group (300-349) seems to be where voters become uncertain about the player's Hall worthiness and is therefore, the source of most of the Hall voting controversy. Only slightly 50% of the eligible players in this group have ended up getting elected, though many are still active on the writers' ballot. Players of note are Ryne Sandberg, Dick Allen, Andre Dawson, Bert Blyleven, Dave Parker, Ron Santo, Alan Trammell, Joe Torre, Ted Simmons, Willie Randolph, Keith Hernandez, Dwight Evans, and Bobby Grich. Though there are an odd George Van Haltren or Tommy Leach thrown in, most of the players not in the Hall from this range are from the Sixties until the present. They best represent the chasm between what had previously been the de facto standard for a Hall of Famer and what is the standard today.

From 300 Win Shares down, Hall voters get extremely picky. I think that Win Shares does represent a reasonable means to evaluate Hall voting and that 300 Win Shares can be used as an historic threshold for that evaluation. Sure, there are plenty of qualified players with fewer than 300 Win Shares—Sandy Koufax merits just 194 for his career. However, almost all of the controversial selections are below 300 Win Shares. Koufax is and should be the exception rather than the rule. His truly was an exceptional career.

To further illustrate this point, here is a table of the average career Win Shares for each election class and the cumulative average as of that election year:

Inducted#Avg WSGrand #Avg WSChange
19365623.805623.80
19373586.678609.88-13.93
19381476.009595.00-14.88
19397385.8616503.50-91.50
19421502.0017503.41-0.09
19459300.7826433.27-70.14
194610266.6036386.97-46.30
19474334.2540381.70-5.27
19482257.0042375.76-5.94
19493385.6745376.420.66
19512481.5047380.894.47
19522389.5049381.240.35
19534283.0053373.83-7.41
19543298.0056369.77-4.06
19556292.8362362.32-7.45
19562300.0064360.38-1.95
19571446.0065361.691.32
19591380.0066361.970.28
19612344.0068361.44-0.53
19623287.6771358.32-3.12
19634332.2575356.93-1.39
19646343.8381355.96-0.97
19651403.0082356.540.57
19661555.0083358.932.39
19672283.5085357.15-1.77
19683319.6788355.88-1.28
19694329.5092354.73-1.15
19703237.0095351.01-3.72
19716267.83101346.07-4.94
19725253.80106341.72-4.35
19734334.00110341.44-0.28
19744330.00114341.04-0.40
19753273.33117339.30-1.74
19764281.75121337.40-1.90
19773300.67124336.51-0.89
19782320.50126336.25-0.25
19792433.00128337.771.51
19803344.33131337.920.15
19812327.50133337.76-0.16
19823457.67136340.402.65
19833282.67139339.16-1.25
19845289.00144337.42-1.74
19854320.75148336.97-0.45
19863302.33151336.28-0.69
19872290.00153335.67-0.60
19881370.00154335.900.22
19893368.67157336.520.63
19902412.00159337.470.95
19914332.00163337.34-0.13
19923280.00166336.30-1.04
19931444.00167336.950.64
19942298.50169336.49-0.45
19953363.00172336.950.46
19961257.00173336.49-0.46
19972339.00175336.520.03
19983328.33178336.38-0.14
19994374.75182337.230.84
20003340.67185337.280.06
20013305.00188336.77-0.52
20021325.00189336.70-0.06
20032387.00191337.230.53
The average Hall of Famer is in the mid-330 Win Share range. Within ten years of the Hall's founding, the average Hall of Famer was very quickly approaching that figure (386.97 average as of 1946). The average Hall of Famer had been over 500 Win Shares until 1942. If that were the "standard" today there would be just 19 men in the Hall. If it fell to 400, then there would be just 44 men in the Hall. The change came as what was a Hall of Famer was evolving. With the veterans' voluminous and highly questionable selections in the Forties, especially given the number of exceptional candidates still having to pay for their admission to the Hall, the career Win Share average for the Hall fell quickly. Unfortunately, instead of merely broadening the concept of a Hall of Famer to encompass a larger group (as of 2001 there were 172 players with at least 300 Win Shares), the vets haphazardly selected players, passing up many more deserving in the process. We are still dealing with their mess today. Using 300 Win Shares as out standard, let's look at how men meeting this cutoff have fared in the voted historically. Here's a table of the percentage of eligible players who would be eventually inducted in the Hall as of the end of each decade as well as today and the first vote year, 1936.
YearInductedEligible%
1936425084.00%
1940465485.19%
1950607085.71%
1960637386.30%
1970708087.50%
1980819387.10%
19909611682.76%
200010914475.69%
200311215174.17%

Note that 300 Win Shares have been a good predictor for Hall-inducted since the outset, about 85-87%. A few early players have been ignored (witness the 84%). The accuracy of the voting for 300+ candidates was improving until the early Eighties and since then the dropoff has been severe. Though more recent numbers are the most likely to change as new players are selected, at least 17 eligible players would have to be selected before the inducted percent for 300+ Win Share players got back above 85%.

To be continued…


Like School on Saturday, Part III
2004-01-06 01:05
by Mike Carminati

So when we left off in our Hall of Fame study, we had found that the voting for the baseball writers had been more and more concentrated in first-ballot candidates and that the veterans had become gluttons on players who retired in the Thirties and had been progressively ignoring each decade thereafter. Now, I would like to study a few aspects of the Hall voting.

Specifically, I wonder if the 75% threshold that is used to determine whether or not candidates on the baseball writers’ ballots are enshrined is actually significant. Has there ever been a mature candidate (i.e., not first eligible in just the last few years) who received, say, 50% of the vote and yet failed to get in in subsequent elections? How about 25%? What is the highest percentage that a candidate received and yet still failed to garner enough votes down the road? Is there a lowest percentile threshold, like 50% or 25%, that can be used to determine which candidates today will eventually get in? Do these percentiles differ between the players elected by the baseball writers and those elected by the veterans (I would suspect so)? Have they changed over time? Have players been elected by the veterans who would have been dropped by the current 5% rule in the baseball writers’ vote?

Also, I would like to use a tool to evaluate players as a means to grade the elections of the past. That tool will be Win Shares, which I am aware has certain eccentricities but I feel is the best tool to evaluate all players from all positions across all eras. Do the voters actually pick the best players aside from an odd Tommy McCarthy or a Ross Youngs? Who does better, the writers or the vets? Have they changed over time? Have the best players from the past been elected, thereby justifying the writers’ focusing almost solely on the new candidates every election? And if so, should the veterans’ committee be retired? What is the cutoff, in Win Shares, for what constitutes a Hall of Famer? How have the voters adhered to that cutoff over time?

First, let’s look at the 75% rule: Here are the only players to have received 50% of the vote and not yet gained be-plaque-ment:

YearNamePCT
1983Gil Hodges63.37%
2003Gil Hodges61.73%
1981Gil Hodges60.10%
1976Gil Hodges60.05%
1980Gil Hodges59.74%
1978Gil Hodges59.63%
2003Tony Oliva59.26%
1977Gil Hodges58.49%
2001Jim Rice57.86%
1973Gil Hodges57.37%
2003Ron Santo56.79%
1979Gil Hodges56.02%
2002Jim Rice55.08%
1974Gil Hodges54.25%
2003Bruce Sutter53.63%
2003Jim Rice52.22%
1975Gil Hodges51.93%
2000Jim Rice51.50%
2002Bruce Sutter50.42%
1971Gil Hodges50.00%
2003Andre Dawson50.00%

So, basically there are a handful of candidates still on the writers’ ballot today and a few from last year’s veterans’ ballot. The only one who received 50% from the writers and is no longer on their ballot is Gil Hodges. Just because you’re paranoid, Gil, doesn’t mean that people aren’t against you. Hodges seems the most likely veterans’ choice, once they straighten themselves out. So don’t let’s cry for him yet, Argentina.

Let’s now focus on those players who have gotten into Cooperstown after getting at least 50% but not 75% of the vote in a prior election. How many years did they have to wait?:

YrName50% ballotPCTElectedElected ballotWait
1936Nap LajoieBBWAA64.60%1937BBWAA1
1936Tris SpeakerBBWAA58.85%1937BBWAA1
1937Pete AlexanderBBWAA62.19%1938BBWAA1
1937Eddie CollinsBBWAA57.21%1939BBWAA2
1937Willie KeelerBBWAA57.21%1939BBWAA2
1937George SislerBBWAA52.74%1939BBWAA2
1938Frank ChanceBBWAA50.76%1946Old Timers8
1938Eddie CollinsBBWAA66.79%1939BBWAA1
1938Ed DelahantyBBWAA50.38%1945Old Timers7
1938Willie KeelerBBWAA67.56%1939BBWAA1
1938George SislerBBWAA68.32%1939BBWAA1
1938Rube WaddellBBWAA56.49%1946Old Timers8
1939Frank ChanceBBWAA57.66%1946Old Timers7
1939Ed DelahantyBBWAA52.92%1945Old Timers6
1939Rogers HornsbyBBWAA64.23%1942BBWAA3
1939Rube WaddellBBWAA65.33%1946Old Timers7
1942Frank ChanceBBWAA58.37%1946Old Timers4
1942Rube WaddellBBWAA54.08%1946Old Timers4
1945Roger BresnahanBBWAA53.85%1945Old Timers0
1945Frank ChanceBBWAA72.47%1946Old Timers1
1945Mickey CochraneBBWAA50.61%1947BBWAA2
1945Johnny EversBBWAA54.25%1946Old Timers1
1945Miller HugginsBBWAA53.85%1964Veterans19
1945Rube WaddellBBWAA62.35%1946Old Timers1
1945Ed WalshBBWAA55.47%1946Old Timers1
1946Frank ChanceNominating54.75%1946Old Timers0
1946Frank ChanceBBWAA74.26%1946Old Timers0
1946Johnny EversNominating54.46%1946Old Timers0
1946Miller HugginsNominating52.48%1964Veterans18
1946Ed WalshNominating52.48%1946Old Timers0
1947Dizzy DeanBBWAA54.66%1953BBWAA6
1947Charlie GehringerBBWAA65.22%1949Run Off2
1947Rabbit MaranvilleBBWAA56.52%1954BBWAA7
1947Herb PennockBBWAA53.42%1948BBWAA1
1947Pie TraynorBBWAA73.91%1948BBWAA1
1949Dizzy DeanBBWAA57.52%1953BBWAA4
1949Jimmie FoxxBBWAA55.56%1951BBWAA2
1949Charlie GehringerBBWAA66.67%1949Run Off0
1949Mel OttBBWAA61.44%1951BBWAA2
1949Mel OttBBWAA68.45%1951BBWAA2
1949Al SimmonsBBWAA58.17%1953BBWAA4
1949Bill TerryRun Off52.94%1954BBWAA5
1950Dizzy DeanBBWAA50.60%1953BBWAA3
1950Jimmie FoxxBBWAA61.31%1951BBWAA1
1950Harry HeilmannBBWAA51.79%1952BBWAA2
1950Mel OttBBWAA68.45%1951BBWAA1
1950Al SimmonsBBWAA53.57%1953BBWAA3
1950Bill TerryBBWAA62.50%1954BBWAA4
1950Paul WanerBBWAA56.55%1952BBWAA2
1951Dizzy DeanBBWAA64.16%1953BBWAA2
1951Bill DickeyBBWAA52.21%1954BBWAA3
1951Harry HeilmannBBWAA67.70%1952BBWAA1
1951Al SimmonsBBWAA51.33%1953BBWAA2
1951Bill TerryBBWAA65.49%1954BBWAA3
1951Paul WanerBBWAA71.68%1952BBWAA1
1952Dizzy DeanBBWAA64.96%1953BBWAA1
1952Bill DickeyBBWAA59.40%1954BBWAA2
1952Rabbit MaranvilleBBWAA56.84%1954BBWAA2
1952Al SimmonsBBWAA60.26%1953BBWAA1
1952Bill TerryBBWAA66.24%1954BBWAA2
1953Bill DickeyBBWAA67.80%1954BBWAA1
1953Ted LyonsBBWAA52.65%1955BBWAA2
1953Rabbit MaranvilleBBWAA62.12%1954BBWAA1
1953Bill TerryBBWAA72.35%1954BBWAA1
1953Dazzy VanceBBWAA56.82%1955BBWAA2
1954Joe DiMaggioBBWAA69.44%1955BBWAA1
1954Gabby HartnettBBWAA59.92%1955BBWAA1
1954Ted LyonsBBWAA67.46%1955BBWAA1
1954Dazzy VanceBBWAA62.70%1955BBWAA1
1955Joe CroninBBWAA53.78%1956BBWAA1
1955Hank GreenbergBBWAA62.55%1956BBWAA1
1958Max CareyBBWAA51.13%1961Veterans3
1960Sam RiceBBWAA53.16%1963Veterans3
1960Eppa RixeyBBWAA52.79%1963Veterans3
1960Edd RoushBBWAA54.28%1962Veterans2
1962Sam RiceBBWAA50.63%1963Veterans1
1964Luke ApplingBBWAA70.65%1964Run Off0
1964Roy CampanellaRun Off61.33%1969BBWAA5
1964Roy CampanellaBBWAA68.66%1969BBWAA5
1964Joe MedwickBBWAA53.73%1968BBWAA4
1964Joe MedwickRun Off57.78%1968BBWAA4
1964Red RuffingBBWAA70.15%1967Run Off3
1964Red RuffingRun Off81.78%1967Run Off3
1966Roy CampanellaBBWAA65.23%1969BBWAA3
1966Joe MedwickBBWAA61.92%1968BBWAA2
1967Roy CampanellaBBWAA55.56%1969BBWAA2
1967Roy CampanellaRun Off69.86%1969BBWAA2
1967Joe MedwickBBWAA72.60%1968BBWAA1
1967Joe MedwickRun Off81.05%1968BBWAA1
1967Red RuffingBBWAA72.60%1967Run Off0
1968Lou BoudreauBBWAA51.59%1970BBWAA2
1968Roy CampanellaBBWAA72.44%1969BBWAA1
1969Lou BoudreauBBWAA64.12%1970BBWAA1
1970Ralph KinerBBWAA55.67%1975BBWAA5
1971Yogi BerraBBWAA67.22%1972BBWAA1
1971Ralph KinerBBWAA58.89%1975BBWAA4
1971Early WynnBBWAA66.67%1972BBWAA1
1972Ralph KinerBBWAA59.34%1975BBWAA3
1973Whitey FordBBWAA67.11%1974BBWAA1
1973Ralph KinerBBWAA61.84%1975BBWAA2
1973Robin RobertsBBWAA56.05%1976BBWAA3
1974Ralph KinerBBWAA58.90%1975BBWAA1
1974Bob LemonBBWAA52.05%1976BBWAA2
1974Robin RobertsBBWAA61.37%1976BBWAA2
1975Bob LemonBBWAA64.36%1976BBWAA1
1975Robin RobertsBBWAA72.65%1976BBWAA1
1976Enos SlaughterBBWAA50.77%1985Veterans9
1977Don DrysdaleBBWAA51.44%1984BBWAA7
1977Eddie MathewsBBWAA62.40%1978BBWAA1
1977Enos SlaughterBBWAA57.96%1985Veterans8
1977Duke SniderBBWAA55.35%1980BBWAA3
1978Don DrysdaleBBWAA57.78%1984BBWAA6
1978Enos SlaughterBBWAA68.87%1985Veterans7
1978Duke SniderBBWAA67.02%1980BBWAA2
1979Don DrysdaleBBWAA53.94%1984BBWAA5
1979Enos SlaughterBBWAA68.75%1985Veterans6
1979Duke SniderBBWAA71.30%1980BBWAA1
1980Don DrysdaleBBWAA61.82%1984BBWAA4
1980Hoyt WilhelmBBWAA54.29%1985BBWAA5
1981Don DrysdaleBBWAA60.60%1984BBWAA3
1981Harmon KillebrewBBWAA59.60%1984BBWAA3
1981Juan MarichalBBWAA58.10%1983BBWAA2
1981Hoyt WilhelmBBWAA59.35%1985BBWAA4
1982Don DrysdaleBBWAA56.14%1984BBWAA2
1982Harmon KillebrewBBWAA59.28%1984BBWAA2
1982Juan MarichalBBWAA73.49%1983BBWAA1
1982Hoyt WilhelmBBWAA56.87%1985BBWAA3
1983Luis AparicioBBWAA67.38%1984BBWAA1
1983Don DrysdaleBBWAA64.71%1984BBWAA1
1983Harmon KillebrewBBWAA71.93%1984BBWAA1
1983Hoyt WilhelmBBWAA64.97%1985BBWAA2
1984Nellie FoxBBWAA61.04%1997Veterans13
1984Hoyt WilhelmBBWAA71.96%1985BBWAA1
1984Billy WilliamsBBWAA50.12%1987BBWAA3
1985Jim BunningBBWAA54.18%1996Veterans11
1985Nellie FoxBBWAA74.68%1997Veterans12
1985Catfish HunterBBWAA53.67%1987BBWAA2
1985Billy WilliamsBBWAA63.80%1987BBWAA2
1986Jim BunningBBWAA65.65%1996Veterans10
1986Catfish HunterBBWAA68.00%1987BBWAA1
1986Billy WilliamsBBWAA74.12%1987BBWAA1
1987Jim BunningBBWAA69.98%1996Veterans9
1988Jim BunningBBWAA74.24%1996Veterans8
1989Jim BunningBBWAA63.31%1996Veterans7
1989Fergie JenkinsBBWAA52.35%1991BBWAA2
1989Gaylord PerryBBWAA68.01%1991BBWAA2
1990Jim BunningBBWAA57.88%1996Veterans6
1990Fergie JenkinsBBWAA66.67%1991BBWAA1
1990Gaylord PerryBBWAA72.07%1991BBWAA1
1991Jim BunningBBWAA63.66%1996Veterans5
1991Rollie FingersBBWAA65.69%1992BBWAA1
1992Orlando CepedaBBWAA57.21%1999Veterans7
1992Tony PerezBBWAA50.00%2000BBWAA8
1993Orlando CepedaBBWAA59.57%1999Veterans6
1993Phil NiekroBBWAA65.72%1997BBWAA4
1993Tony PerezBBWAA55.08%2000BBWAA7
1994Orlando CepedaBBWAA73.63%1999Veterans5
1994Phil NiekroBBWAA60.00%1997BBWAA3
1994Tony PerezBBWAA57.80%2000BBWAA6
1994Don SuttonBBWAA56.92%1998BBWAA4
1995Phil NiekroBBWAA62.17%1997BBWAA2
1995Tony PerezBBWAA56.30%2000BBWAA5
1995Don SuttonBBWAA57.39%1998BBWAA3
1996Phil NiekroBBWAA68.30%1997BBWAA1
1996Tony PerezBBWAA65.74%2000BBWAA4
1996Don SuttonBBWAA63.83%1998BBWAA2
1997Tony PerezBBWAA65.96%2000BBWAA3
1997Don SuttonBBWAA73.15%1998BBWAA1
1998Tony PerezBBWAA67.86%2000BBWAA2
1999Carlton FiskBBWAA66.40%2000BBWAA1
1999Tony PerezBBWAA60.76%2000BBWAA1
2001Gary CarterBBWAA64.85%2003BBWAA2
2002Gary CarterBBWAA72.67%2003BBWAA1
No one’s ever had to wait as long as Hodges (Huggins waited 19 years but got in as a manager). I have a feeling that Hodges is stuck between a rock and a hard place as both the writers and the veterans became more stingy with their love for, shall we say, more mature candidates. Anyway, it does appear that if 50% of the writers vote for a candidate, he has an excellent chance of one day getting chosen, or at least that was the case in the past. We’ll have to see about Rice, Sutter, and Dawson, who do have OK support on the writers’ ballot. Let’s also check out 25% while we here. To quote John Winger as he told Dexey Oxburger when he refused to continue a mud-wrestling match, “You’re already dirty.” Here are the players who received 25% but not 50% of the vote and yet failed to get elected. It’s not nearly as promising as the 50% list:
YrNamePCT
1982Gil Hodges49.40%
2003Ryne Sandberg49.19%
1970Gil Hodges48.33%
2001Bruce Sutter47.57%
1988Tony Oliva47.31%
2002Andre Dawson45.34%
2001Rich Gossage44.27%
1998Ron Santo43.13%
1988Roger Maris43.09%
2002Rich Gossage43.01%
1998Jim Rice42.92%
1987Roger Maris42.62%
1995Steve Garvey42.61%
2003Lee Smith42.34%
2003Rich Gossage42.14%
1986Roger Maris41.65%
1993Steve Garvey41.61%
1998Steve Garvey41.23%
1992Tony Oliva40.70%
1972Gil Hodges40.66%
1981Maury Wills40.65%
1970Marty Marion40.00%
1988Harvey Kuenn39.34%
1997Ron Santo39.32%
1987Tony Oliva38.74%
2000Bruce Sutter38.48%
1979Maury Wills38.43%
1980Maury Wills37.92%
1997Jim Rice37.63%
1996Steve Garvey37.23%
1993Tony Oliva37.12%
1996Ron Santo37.02%
1993Ron Santo36.64%
1994Steve Garvey36.48%
1986Tony Oliva36.24%
1996Tony Oliva36.17%
1991Tony Oliva36.12%
1955Hank Gowdy35.86%
2003Joe Torre35.80%
1975Phil Cavarretta35.64%
1996Jim Rice35.32%
1997Steve Garvey35.31%
1987Harvey Kuenn34.87%
1994Tony Oliva34.73%
2001Steve Garvey34.17%
1971Marty Marion34.17%
1975Johnny Sain33.98%
1986Harvey Kuenn33.88%
1968Allie Reynolds33.57%
1973Marty Marion33.42%
2000Rich Gossage33.27%
1994Ron Santo32.97%
1969Marty Marion32.94%
1985Roger Maris32.41%
1995Tony Oliva32.39%
2000Steve Garvey32.06%
1990Tony Oliva31.98%
1985Harvey Kuenn31.65%
1992Ron Santo31.63%
1968Marty Marion31.45%
1998Bruce Sutter31.08%
1988Luis Tiant30.91%
1967Marty Marion30.82%
1984Tony Oliva30.77%
1971Allie Reynolds30.56%
1978Maury Wills30.34%
1972Marty Marion30.30%
1995Ron Santo30.22%
1989Tony Oliva30.20%
1999Steve Garvey30.18%
1967Johnny Vander Meer29.79%
1995Jim Rice29.78%
1995Bruce Sutter29.78%
1988Maury Wills29.74%
1970Allie Reynolds29.67%
2003Maury Wills29.63%
1993Jim Kaat29.55%
1979Roger Maris29.40%
1999Jim Rice29.38%
1970Johnny Vander Meer29.33%
2003Bert Blyleven29.23%
1986Maury Wills29.18%
1996Bruce Sutter29.15%
1985Tony Oliva28.86%
1980Roger Maris28.83%
1969Allie Reynolds28.82%
1969Joe Gordon28.53%
1966Marty Marion28.48%
2002Steve Garvey28.39%
2001Tommy John28.35%
2001Don Mattingly28.16%
1969Johnny Vander Meer27.94%
1968Johnny Vander Meer27.92%
2003Steve Garvey27.82%
1974Allie Reynolds27.67%
1997Bruce Sutter27.48%
1987Maury Wills27.36%
1971Johnny Vander Meer27.22%
1968Joe Gordon27.21%
2000Tommy John27.05%
2001Jim Kaat26.99%
2002Tommy John26.91%
1984Roger Maris26.55%
1972Allie Reynolds26.52%
1992Jim Kaat26.51%
1967Allie Reynolds26.37%
1970Joe Gordon26.33%
1984Harvey Kuenn26.30%
2002Bert Blyleven26.27%
2003Jim Kaat26.21%
1991Ron Santo26.19%
2003Vada Pinson25.93%
1984Maury Wills25.81%
1989Harvey Kuenn25.73%
1992Maury Wills25.58%
1988Ken Boyer25.53%
1988Mickey Lolich25.53%
1956Hank Gowdy25.39%
1964Mel Harder25.37%
1964Johnny Vander Meer25.37%
1988Ron Santo25.29%
2000Jim Kaat25.05%

OK, so do the veterans look for the strongest candidates among the writers’ votes, those that got strong support but somehow fell through the cracks? Let’s look at the writers’ voting percentage, high and low, for the veterans’ selections:

Inductedvoted byNameLowHigh
1978VeteransAddie Joss0.37%14.16%
1977VeteransAmos Rusie0.40%3.05%
1985VeteransArky Vaughan0.38%28.98%
2000VeteransBid McPhee0.00%0.00%
2001VeteransBill Mazeroski6.07%42.33%
1961VeteransBilly Hamilton0.43%0.43%
1975VeteransBilly Herman0.83%20.21%
1986VeteransBobby Doerr0.76%25.00%
1953VeteransBobby Wallace0.50%2.67%
1939Old TimersBuck Ewing0.73%0.73%
1964VeteransBurleigh Grimes0.36%34.20%
1939Old TimersCap Anson0.00%0.00%
1939Old TimersCharley Radbourn0.00%0.00%
1971VeteransChick Hafey0.43%10.78%
1953VeteransChief Bender0.88%44.72%
1980VeteransChuck Klein2.48%27.86%
1945Old TimersDan Brouthers0.00%0.00%
1971VeteransDave Bancroft0.36%16.17%
1975VeteransEarl Averill0.65%5.26%
1970VeteransEarle Combs0.40%15.99%
1945Old TimersEd Delahanty7.52%52.92%
1946Old TimersEd Walsh8.85%55.47%
1962VeteransEdd Roush0.43%54.28%
1946Old TimersEddie Plank10.22%27.04%
1963VeteransElmer Flick0.38%0.38%
1985VeteransEnos Slaughter15.69%68.87%
1963VeteransEppa Rixey0.40%52.79%
1986VeteransErnie Lombardi1.33%16.42%
1955VeteransFrank Baker0.44%30.43%
1946Old TimersFrank Chance2.21%74.26%
1945Old TimersFred Clarke0.44%24.89%
1976VeteransFreddie Lindstrom0.65%4.38%
1998VeteransGeorge Davis0.00%0.00%
1983VeteransGeorge Kell3.56%36.81%
1973VeteransGeorge Kelly0.62%1.86%
1968VeteransGoose Goslin0.40%13.47%
1979VeteransHack Wilson0.36%38.34%
1992VeteransHal Newhouser1.33%42.82%
1971VeteransHarry Hooper1.19%2.99%
1964VeteransHeinie Manush0.65%9.38%
1945Old TimersHugh Duffy3.48%33.05%
1945Old TimersHughie Jennings1.99%37.25%
1946Old TimersJack Chesbro0.38%2.19%
1971VeteransJake Beckley0.43%0.43%
1946Old TimersJesse Burkett0.50%1.72%
1970VeteransJesse Haines0.36%8.27%
1974VeteransJim Bottomley2.65%33.09%
1996VeteransJim Bunning33.25%74.24%
1945Old TimersJim O'Rourke0.00%0.00%
1945Old TimersJimmy Collins25.66%48.99%
1971VeteransJoe Kelley0.36%0.43%
1946Old TimersJoe McGinnity5.97%25.32%
1977VeteransJoe Sewell0.38%8.55%
1946Old TimersJoe Tinker4.38%22.28%
1963VeteransJohn Clarkson0.38%0.38%
1964VeteransJohn Ward0.00%0.00%
1946Old TimersJohnny Evers2.65%54.46%
1981VeteransJohnny Mize4.58%43.61%
1949Old TimersKid Nichols0.38%2.55%
1968VeteransKiki Cuyler2.48%33.83%
1945Old TimersKing Kelly0.00%0.00%
1998VeteransLarry Doby0.33%3.42%
1972VeteransLefty Gomez0.62%46.11%
1967VeteransLloyd Waner0.44%23.38%
1939Special ElLou Gehrig22.57%22.57%
1961VeteransMax Carey0.40%51.13%
1973VeteransMickey Welch0.00%0.00%
1949Old TimersMordecai Brown2.65%27.04%
1997VeteransNellie Fox10.83%74.68%
1999VeteransOrlando Cepeda10.12%73.63%
1984VeteransPee Wee Reese5.23%47.94%
1994VeteransPhil Rizzuto0.52%38.40%
1965VeteransPud Galvin0.00%0.00%
1955VeteransRay Schalk1.77%45.02%
1964VeteransRed Faber0.38%30.86%
1989VeteransRed Schoendienst19.12%42.60%
1995VeteransRichie Ashburn2.12%41.69%
1984VeteransRick Ferrell0.37%0.52%
1945Old TimersRoger Bresnahan20.80%53.85%
1976VeteransRoger Connor0.00%0.00%
1972VeteransRoss Youngs4.42%22.36%
1971VeteransRube Marquard0.44%13.94%
1946Old TimersRube Waddell14.60%65.33%
1957VeteransSam Crawford0.44%4.20%
1963VeteransSam Rice0.38%53.16%
1974VeteransSam Thompson0.00%0.00%
1969VeteransStan Coveleski0.38%12.78%
1964VeteransTim Keefe0.00%0.00%
1946Old TimersTommy McCarthy0.00%0.00%
1991VeteransTony Lazzeri0.40%33.16%
1982VeteransTravis Jackson0.40%7.25%
1995VeteransVic Willis0.00%0.00%
1969VeteransWaite Hoyt0.36%19.17%
1959VeteransZack Wheat0.81%22.98%
Avg (>0)3.59%27.95%

Well, it doesn’t seem as if the vets are swayed much by the writers. However, perhaps that has changed over time. Let’s take a look at the totals by decades based on retirement year:

DecadeCountLowHigh
1890s120.49%4.72%
1900s153.06%12.26%
1910s142.37%25.85%
1920s92.49%34.22%
1930s211.67%19.95%
1940s80.89%21.09%
1950s84.00%38.36%
1960s310.69%52.99%
1970s417.56%61.01%
Total943.02%23.49%

It seems that the veterans are starting to listen to the writers more, but then again they are getting pickier as well. It did take them some time after the Thirties glut to get more in tune with the writers, too.

Let’s also look at the progression of the veterans’ choices when they were still in the hands of the writers:

Eligibility#Avg PCT
1st yr7914.04%
2nd yr579.97%
3rd yr5712.81%
4th yr4017.01%
5th yr2213.91%
6th yr3114.68%
7th yr3722.45%
8th yr2717.04%
9th yr3917.17%
10th yr4623.50%
11th yr4825.39%
12th yr4318.90%
13th yr3819.59%
14th yr3819.38%
15th yr3816.00%
16th yr2410.82%
17th yr2311.67%
18th yr2113.69%
19th yr1715.86%
20th yr1819.04%
21st yr528.40%
22nd yr1019.83%
23rd yr247.63%
24th yr1019.38%
25th yr252.45%
26th yr520.88%

To be continued…


Rose Pathos
2004-01-04 00:20
by Mike Carminati

In my own boorish way, I'm only suggesting that if you two gentlemen continue to work from a script with cues and stage directions, these procedings take on all the dignity of very bad Gilbert & Sullivan.

-"Jim" Edmond O'Brien in the staggeringly overlooked film Seven Days in May, written by "A-"Rod Serling.

So word has it that Pete Rose in his new book, and what a masterpiece that must be (masterpiece of what?), will confess to betting on baseball.

"Shocking! Horrors! Cats and dogs sleeping together!" You say?

My response is more like, "Big deal." As I have said many times (just search on the right for "Pete Rose"), it doesn't matter if Rose bet on baseball. Betting on baseball carries a one-year suspension, a sentence Rose is on his 15th year of serving (even though baseball signed an agreement with him that states they couldn't, or more accurately, wouldn't, find that he bet on the game).

Now, if Rose admits that he bet on the Reds that would be earth-shattering. It would also be monumentally stupid since it would be the first piece of credible evidence against him on the matter. Betting on one's own team, for or against, carries a deserved lifetime ban.

So, Rose's book will come out, it will be scandalous for a short time, and eventually baseball will forgive and forget. Probably in time for next year's Hall of Fame elections. Rose and Selig really know how to hit their marks. Basically, the only worthwhile thing to come of it will be to clear Baseball Prospectus, who published the story last year and drew Selig's ire.


This is my site with my opinions, but I hope that, like Irish Spring, you like it, too.
Frozen Toast
Search
Google Search
Web
Toaster
Mike's Baseball Rants
Archives

2009
01 

2008
10  09  07 
06  05  04  03 

2007
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2006
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2005
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2004
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2003
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2002
12  11  10  09  08  07 
Links to MBBR