Frank Thomas Future Hall Of Famer

[bogie]

10 players with at least a .300career average, 400 home runs, 1000 RBIs, 1000 runs scored, and 1000 walks:

Hank Aaron

Jimmie Foxx

Lou Gehrig

Willie Mays

Stan Musial

Mel Ott

Babe Ruth

Ted Williams

Barry Bonds

FRANK THOMAS

 

All 8 retired players are in the HOF. Bonds will be there.

 

SO SHOULD FRANK

[Pauly8509CWS]

10 players with at least a .300career average, 400 home runs, 1000 RBIs, 1000 runs scored, and 1000 walks:

Hank Aaron

Jimmie Foxx

Lou Gehrig

Willie Mays

Stan Musial

Mel Ott

Babe Ruth

Ted Williams

Barry Bonds

FRANK THOMAS

 

All 8 retired players are in the HOF. Bonds will be there.

 

SO SHOULD FRANK

 

Can't disagree and I dont think anyone on this board will...

[CSF]

You're gonna try to explain to a group of people who still believe a goat is cursing them the reasons why Frank is HOF-worthy?

 

Good luck with that.

[tonyho7476]

10 players with at least a .300career average, 400 home runs, 1000 RBIs, 1000 runs scored, and 1000 walks:

Hank Aaron

Jimmie Foxx

Lou Gehrig

Willie Mays

Stan Musial

Mel Ott

Babe Ruth

Ted Williams

Barry Bonds

FRANK THOMAS

 

All 8 retired players are in the HOF. Bonds will be there.

 

SO SHOULD FRANK

 

That says it all for me...and he's steroid free...we think

[JUGGERNAUT]

Frank says he wants to max out 4-5 more yrs. Let's look at what that might mean to his #'s using his 3yr avgs:

Frank Car: 1925G 6851AB 1308R 2113H 444D 11T 436HR 1439RBI 1450BB 1134K 32SB 23CS .308A .429O .567S .996OPS

Frank 02-04: 1309AB 217R 343H 80D 1T 88HR 246RBI 277FP 287K 3SB 2CS 262A 387O 526S 913OPS

 

Frank Car after 2007:

8000AB, 1500R, 2500H, 530D, 13T, 530HR, 1700RBI, 1900FP, 1500K, 35SB, 25CS, 290A, 410O, 550S, 960OPS

 

It would be interesting to know how many players are in the 500D+500HR club.

 

Sosa Car: 2138G 8021AB 1383R 2220H 340D 43T 574HR 1530RBI 856BB 2110K 233SB 106CS .277A .348O .545S .892OPS

Sosa 02-04: 1551AB 221R 425H 62D 2T 124HR 291RBI 231FP 420K 1SB 1CS 274A 366O 556S 922O

 

Sosa Career after 2007:

9500AB, 1600R, 2700H, 400D, 45T, 700HR, 1800RBI, 1200FP, 2600K, 234SB, 107CS, 270A, 355O, 550S, 905OPS

 

Sosa will make the HOF on the strength of his HR totals alone. (1HR/14AB)

But beyond the HR's there is not much to look at. He will definitely be viewed in MLB history as a 1-dimensional player.

Frank on the other hand will make the HOF on the strength of his career OPS.

Currently it's 996OPS after 6900AB. He's likely to finish with 960OPS over 8000AB.

Frank will be viewed in MLB history as a hitter who could do it all & will likely recieve greater stature than Sosa.

Edited March 11, 2005 by JUGGERNAUT

[AddisonStSox]

First ballot.

 

End of story.

[AnthraxFan93]

First ballot.

 

End of story.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Honestly.. I don't see that, He is going to have a hard time unless he gets 500.. What do 9 of those 10 guys all have in common?? They all played the field when they retired or going to. When was the last year Frank went and played the field? This will hurt his status unless he hit # 500.

[southsider2k5]

There are two ways that Frank can have his 95% on the first ballot solidified. #1 get to .500 HRs without taking 5 years to do it. #2 Get the Sox into the World Series.

 

He already is going to get a huge lift by all of the steroid controversy, because he is the one star hitter that you KNOW wasn't doped up during the 90's and his numbers STILL stand out.

[RockRaines]

There are two ways that Frank can have his 95% on the first ballot solidified.  #1 get to .500 HRs without taking 5 years to do it.  #2 Get the Sox into the World Series.

 

He already is going to get a huge lift by all of the steroid controversy, because he is the one star hitter that you KNOW wasn't doped up during the 90's and his numbers STILL stand out.

Well, how many 2-time MVP's are not in the HOF=1 Plus if Giambi was not juicing in 2000 Frank would have won his third MVP crown, and there is no doubt that a three time MVP should be in the hall. Even so, the fact that he is a 2-time MVP, will have 500 hr's alone will get him in the hall.

 

Plus he is starting to get positive press for being the only one willing to testify about steroids, this may help his public image in the long run.

[JUGGERNAUT]

I would be remissed if I didn't include Bonds

Frank Car: 1925G 6851AB 1308R 2113H 444D 11T 436HR 1439RBI 1450BB 1134K 32SB 23CS .308A .429O .567S .996OPS

Frank 02-04: 1309AB 217R 343H 80D 1T 88HR 246RBI 277FP 287K 3SB 2CS 262A 387O 526S 913OPS

 

Frank Car after 2007:

8000AB, 1500R, 2500H, 530D, 13T, 530HR, 1700RBI, 1900FP, 1500K, 35SB, 25CS, 290A, 410O, 550S, 960OPS

 

Bonds Car: 2716G 9098AB 2070R 2730H 563D 77T 703HR 1843RBI 2302BB 1428K 506SB 141CS .300A .443O .611S 1.053OPS

Bonds 02-04: 1166AB, 357R, 417H, 80D, 6T, 136HR, 301RBI, 600FP, 146K, 22SB, 3CS, 358A, 575O, 786S, 1361OPS

 

Bonds Car after 2007:

11000AB, 2500R, 3200H, 650D, 83T, 830HR, 2100RBI, 3000FP, 1600K, 525SB, 144CS, 310A, 460O, 630S, 1090OPS

 

Ok, so he may have taken the clear to help he get through injuries but give the man his due. Those numbers are phenomenal even if you ignore the HR. Look at all the clubs he'll be a member of:

3000H

2500R

500D+500HR

>800HR (only member)

2000RBI

3000FP (only member)

500SB

300A

400O

600S

1000OPS

 

Best ever to play the game. Period.

[kdhargo]

Frank says he wants to max out 4-5 more yrs.  Let's look at what that might mean to his #'s using his 3yr avgs:

Frank Car: 1925G  6851AB  1308R  2113H  444D  11T  436HR  1439RBI  1450BB  1134K  32SB  23CS .308A  .429O  .567S  .996OPS

Frank 02-04: 1309AB 217R 343H 80D 1T 88HR 246RBI 277FP 287K 3SB 2CS 262A 387O 526S 913OPS

 

Frank Car after 2007:

8000AB, 1500R, 2500H, 530D, 13T, 530HR, 1700RBI, 1900FP, 1500K, 35SB, 25CS, 290A, 410O, 550S, 960OPS

 

It would be interesting to know how many players are in the 500D+500HR club.

 

Sosa Car: 2138G 8021AB 1383R 2220H  340D  43T  574HR  1530RBI 856BB  2110K  233SB  106CS  .277A  .348O  .545S  .892OPS

Sosa 02-04: 1551AB 221R 425H 62D 2T 124HR 291RBI 231FP 420K 1SB 1CS 274A 366O 556S 922O

 

Sosa Career after 2007:

9500AB, 1600R, 2700H, 400D, 45T, 700HR, 1800RBI, 1200FP, 2600K, 234SB, 107CS, 270A, 355O, 550S, 905OPS

 

Sosa will make the HOF on the strength of his HR totals alone.  (1HR/14AB)

But beyond the HR's there is not much to look at.  He will definitely be viewed in MLB history as a 1-dimensional player.

Frank on the other hand will make the HOF on the strength of his career OPS.

Currently it's 996OPS after 6900AB.  He's likely to finish with 960OPS over 8000AB.

Frank will be viewed in MLB history as a hitter who could do it all & will likely recieve greater stature than Sosa.

 

Frank is going to lower his career batting average 18 points in the next three years? ......

[hammerhead johnson]

What do 9 of those 10 guys all have in common?? They all played the field when they retired or going to. When was the last year Frank went and played the field?  This will hurt his status unless he hit # 500.

 

There was no DH in baseball up until the 70s, correct?

 

You honestly believe that guys like Babe Ruth, Stan Musial, and Ted Williams wouldn't have taken advantage of the DH role back then?

[hammerhead johnson]

Well, how many 2-time MVP's are not in the HOF=1  Plus if Giambi was not juicing in 2000 Frank would have won his third MVP crown, and there is no doubt that a three time MVP should be in the hall.  Even so, the fact that he is a 2-time MVP, will have 500 hr's alone will get him in the hall. 

 

Plus he is starting to get positive press for being the only one willing to testify about steroids, this may help his public image in the long run.

 

The MVP awards are not a definitive argumentative approach considering how many guys in MLB history are damn good for a few years, and then flame out without having put up great stats over at least a decade. Guys like Juan Gonzalez and Roger Maris have won 2 MVP awards apiece. Are they HOF worthy? No way. Ted Kluszewski was an absolute beast of a hitter for a number of years...easily a top MVP candidate every year for at least 5 years straight. Is he a Hall Of Famer? Nope.

 

Besides, the MVP is uusually a BS award. Otherwise, Jordan would have won it every year. Sportswriters like new blood. It's retarded.

[JUGGERNAUT]

Why Thomas is a 1st ballot HOFer:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/OPS_career.shtml

AB: Ruth 8399, Williams 7706, Gehrig 8001, Bonds 9098, Helton 4150, Foxx 8134, Greenberg 5199, Hornsby 8173, M Ramirez 5572, Thomas 6851, McGuire 6187, Berkman 2683, Guerrero 4375, Thome 5726, Mantle 8102, DiMaggio 6821, Musial 10972, Walker 6592, Giles 4111, Mize 6443

 

I'm stopping there because Mize (#20) is the 960OPS mark & that's likely where Thomas is to end up after 07. Mize is in the HOF.

 

McGuire is the only retired player on this short list with > 6000AB not inducted into the HOF (yet). Ott 9456AB 947OPS in the HOF. Kiner 5205AB 946IOS in the HOF. O'Doul(28) 3264AB 945OPS not in the HOF.

 

When you look at the current players & project their OPS over 8000AB

Thomas should finish in the top 15 in OPS with nearly 8000AB. That's a first ballot HOFer all the way. Regardless of whether he passes the 500HR mark.

 

There's no way they are going to be able to justify a non first ballot with those numbers. Especially when OPS is considered the de-facto standard today for a hitter's performance.

[WilliamTell]

Frank deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. We all hope he'll get in it.

[mreye]

You're gonna try to explain to a group of people who still believe a goat is cursing them the reasons why Frank is HOF-worthy?

 

Good luck with that.

Perfect!

[JUGGERNAUT]

Bad guestimate on my part. Here's the real math:

Frank Car: 1925G 6851AB 1308R 2113H 444D 11T 436HR 1439RBI 1450BB 1134K 32SB 23CS .308A .429O .567S .996OPS

Frank 02-04: 1309AB 217R 343H 80D 1T 88HR 246RBI 277FP 287K 3SB 2CS 262A 387O 526S 913OPS

 

Frank retires after 2007: 300.62A 422.26O 560.42S

8000AB, 1500R, 2500H, 530D, 13T, 530HR, 1700RBI, 1900FP, 1500K, 35SB, 25CS, 301A, 423O, 560S, 983OPS (10th all-time)

 

Frank retires after 2010 (9469AB): 295A, 417O, 556S, 973OPS (18th all-time)

 

The > 6000AB, > 980OPS club: Ruth, Williams, Gehrig, Bonds, Foxx, Hornsby, Thomas(7th), McGuire, Mantle, DiMaggio, Musial

 

The > 8000AB, > 970OPS club: Ruth, Gehrig, Bonds, Foxx, Hornsby, Thomas(6th) , Musial, Mantle

 

The > 9000AB, > 950OPS club: Musial, Bonds, Frank(3rd)

 

Given that OPS is now the de-facto standard for performance, please explain to me how Thomas is not a first ballot HOFer?

Edited March 11, 2005 by JUGGERNAUT

[RockRaines]

The MVP awards are not a definitive argumentative approach considering how many guys in MLB history are damn good for a few years, and then flame out without having put up great stats over at least a decade.  Guys like Juan Gonzalez and Roger Maris have won 2 MVP awards apiece.  Are they HOF worthy?  No way.  Ted Kluszewski was an absolute beast of a hitter for a number of years...easily a top MVP candidate every year for at least 5 years straight.  Is he a Hall Of Famer?  Nope.

 

Besides, the MVP is uusually a BS award.  Otherwise, Jordan would have won it every year.  Sportswriters like new blood.  It's retarded.

Given the steroids Juan Gone may not be an HOF'er, but he has proven to be a dominant player, six silver slugger awards and 2 MVP's are pretty good resume builders, not to mention his ranks in hitting and HOF standards.

 

Frank finished in the top 10 in MVP voting 8 times, that is definatley a worthy stat, even if you think its political.

 

As for Maris, he has pretty good stats over his career (7 time all-star, led AL in rbi's two years, seven world series, and the single season home run record by a natural player) but he doesnt have 500 hr's and didnt hit 300 for his career, which will get Frank in.

[YASNY]

I really believe Frank will have a hard time getting in, and I seriously doubt he'll be a 1st ballot entry for the following reasons:

 

1. He plays in Chicago, not NY or Boston. If you don't think that makes a difference, compare Billy Pierce to Whitey Ford sometime.

 

2. He doesn't suck up to the sportswriters.

 

3. The steroid thing will barely be mentioned, if it's not totally disregarded at all. Remember, we are talking about 5 years after he retires and this is all just happening now.

 

4. No World Series yet and not much post season success.

 

5. Lack of respect he's received at All Star time. I believe it's a precursor of things to come.

 

6. The DH thing will have an impact.

[Harry Chappas]

I think you will know well before he retires. If MGwire has any trouble getting voted in this is good, it means steroids is an issue. If McGwire gets in hands down, Thomas may be hurt as those voting are not looking at the steroid issue. Thomas, Sosa, Griffey Palmerio, Bagwell, Juna Gonzalez will be coming due about the same time. I think this will give all of us the indication we will need.

 

In my book 1st ballot Griffey and Thomas, I just like both of them.

 

It will also be interesting to see how Edgar Martinez does, assuming he wasn't on the juice.

[JUGGERNAUT]

I really believe Frank will have a hard time getting in, and I seriously doubt he'll be a 1st ballot entry for the following reasons:

 

1.  He plays in Chicago, not NY or Boston.  If you don't think that makes a difference, compare Billy Pierce to Whitey Ford sometime.

 

2.  He doesn't suck up to the sportswriters.

 

3.  The steroid thing will barely be mentioned, if it's not totally disregarded at all.  Remember, we are talking about 5 years after he retires and this is all just happening now. 

 

4.  No World Series yet and not much post season success.

 

5.  Lack of respect he's received at All Star time.  I believe it's a precursor of things to come.

 

6.  The DH thing will have an impact.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I strongly disagree. As you said we are talking the earliest 5 yrs after he retires.

How big of an impact with AB's & OPS have on the voting by then? I think it will have the biggest impact of any other stat. How many years has OPS been the de-facto standard? We are talking another 10 yrs before Thomas is considered. OPS will be the major mark.

 

As for the roids scandal in MLB it's captured the nation's attention since McGuire yrs ago. It's not going away & it seems to be getting stronger not weaker. If it is a non-factor then it will be due to MLB cleaning the stuff up. In that respect we should expect to see declining OPS #'s for potential roids. That's only going to solidify Thomas' stance as being one of the best hitters of all time.

 

Helton - Will lose out to Thomas (> 6000AB), & never reach (>9000AB).

Ramirez - Will lose out Thomas (> 8000AB).

McGuire - Done. Thomas has beaten him (> 6000AB), & Thomas is likely to reach 8000AB.

Berkman - Will never pass Thomas at 6000, 8000, or 9000BAB . Will never reach 9000AB

Guerrero - See Helton.

Thome - Will never pass Thomas at 6000, 8000, or 9000AB. Never reach 8000AB.

Walker - On the decline now. No chance to pass Thomas but likely to reach 8000AB.

Giles - See Helton.

 

There is no current player in the top 20 OPS list right now who is likely to pass Thomas. That means Thomas is likely to finish in the top 10 OPS list. Translation

Thomas is among the 10 most best hitters of all time. Still think he's not a 1st ballot HOFer?

 

Up & Coming:

1. Alex Rodriguez (28) .9549 R - NO CHANCE!

22. Jason Giambi (33) .9508 L - FUGHEDABUTIT!

23. Jeff Bagwell (36) .9507 R - NO CHANCE!

24. Carlos Delgado (32) .9488 L - NOT EVEN CLOSE BUB!

26. Mike Piazza (35) .9470 R - LUCKLY TO KEEP THAT!

32. Joe Jackson .9401 L - Should be there.

34. Ken Griffey (34) .9372 L - PLEASE!

Chipper Jones (32) .9372 B - DOUBLE PLEASE!

39. Bobby Abreu (30) .9290 L - Not going to happen!

43. Gary Sheffield (35) .9282 R - Ummm .. no.

44. Jim Edmonds (34) .9277 L - Sorry bub!

50. Nomar Garciaparra (30) .9187 R - A Cub fan might think so

57. Juan Gonzalez (34) .9040 R - I'd bet all I own that he will not pass Thomas in this list.

Scott Rolen (29) .8980 R - No.

65. Sammy Sosa (35) .8923 R - I can't stop laughing

66. Magglio Ordonez (30) .8893 R - I still can't stop laughing

68. Rafael Palmeiro (39) .8888 L - Not even w roids!

72. Ryan Klesko (33) .8877 L - Please.

75. Tim Salmon (35) .8863 R - Nada.

76. Fred McGriff (40) .8860 L - Done. No chance at all.

88. Moises Alou (37) .8796 R - Declining. Nada.

93. Richie Sexson (29) .8769 R - In his dreams. Nada.

98. Bernie Williams (35) .8753 B - Declining. Nada.

99. Mike Sweeney (30) .8751 R - Fell way off pace. Nada.

100. Ellis Burks (39) .8737 R - Done.

 

No active player in the top 100 list threatens Thomas' top 10 standing.

 

More reasons: OPS progressive leaders

Leading Active Player Years Best

1991 Wade Boggs .9058 Frank Thomas 1.0056

1992 Fred McGriff .9194 Barry Bonds 1.0796

1993 Fred McGriff .9202 Barry Bonds 1.1356

1994 Barry Bonds .9303 Frank Thomas 1.2168

1995 Frank Thomas 1.0436 Edgar Martinez 1.1070

1996 Frank Thomas 1.0503 Mark McGwire 1.1977

1997 Frank Thomas 1.0526 Larry Walker 1.1719

1998 Frank Thomas 1.0274 Mark McGwire 1.2224

1999 Frank Thomas 1.0133 Larry Walker 1.1681

2000 Frank Thomas 1.0184 Todd Helton 1.1617

2001 Frank Thomas 1.0153 Barry Bonds 1.3785

2002 Todd Helton 1.0319 Barry Bonds 1.3807

2003 Todd Helton 1.0414 Barry Bonds 1.2778

2004 Barry Bonds 1.0533 Barry Bonds 1.4217

 

1881 Cap Anson 5 yrs straight

1887 Dan Brouthers 10 yrs straight, then 4, then 2!

1908 Honus Wagner 3 yrs

1911 Ty Cobb 4 yrs, then 5 yrs

1915 Joe Jackson 2 yrs

1922 Babe Ruth 14 yrs

1936 Lou Gehrig 4 yrs

1940 Jimmie Foxx 6 yrs

1946 Ted Williams 15 yrs straight!

1961 Mickey Mantle 8yrs

1969 Willie Mays 4 yrs

1973 Hank Aaron 4yrs

1981 Mike Schmidt 6yrs

1987 Wade Boggs 5yrs

1995 Frank Thomas 7yrs

 

Barry Bonds has only been the top Active Player in OPS twice in his career

1994 & 2004. His comparison to Ruth & Williams on this list is shocking. Sosa has never & will never appear on this list.

 

Let me put this list in perspective. Thomas first made the list for year's best OPS in 1991. He then made it again in 1994 (the strike season). From 1995 to 2001 he took over as having the best career OPS amongst active players. He did not relinquish that title under 2002. That means he was the best hitter in the game from 1991-2001. He wasn't the best every year but his OPS was consistent enough to vault him to his 7 yr reign.

 

Now again tell me how he's not a first ballot HOFer?

[hammerhead johnson]

I strongly disagree.  As you said we are talking the earliest 5 yrs after he retires.

How big of an impact with AB's & OPS have on the voting by then?  I think it will have the biggest impact of any other stat.  How many years has OPS been the de-facto standard?  We are talking another 10 yrs before Thomas is considered.  OPS will be the major mark. 

 

As for the roids scandal in MLB it's captured the nation's attention since McGuire yrs ago.  It's not going away & it seems to be getting stronger not weaker. If it is a non-factor then it will be due to MLB cleaning the stuff up.  In that respect we should expect to see declining OPS #'s for potential roids.  That's only going to solidify Thomas' stance as being one of the best hitters of all time.

 

Helton - Will lose out to Thomas (> 6000AB), & never reach (>9000AB).

Ramirez - Will lose out Thomas (> 8000AB).

McGuire - Done.  Thomas has beaten him (> 6000AB), & Thomas is likely to reach 8000AB.

Berkman - Will never pass Thomas at 6000, 8000, or 9000BAB . Will never reach 9000AB

Guerrero - See Helton.

Thome - Will never pass Thomas at 6000, 8000, or 9000AB.  Never reach 8000AB.

Walker - On the decline now.  No chance to pass Thomas but likely to reach 8000AB.

Giles - See Helton.

 

There is no current player in the top 20 OPS list right now who is likely to pass Thomas. That means Thomas is likely to finish in the top 10 OPS list.  Translation

Thomas is among the 10 most best hitters of all time.  Still think he's not a 1st ballot HOFer?

 

Up & Coming:

1. Alex Rodriguez (28) .9549 R - NO CHANCE!

22. Jason Giambi (33) .9508 L - FUGHEDABUTIT!

23. Jeff Bagwell (36) .9507 R - NO CHANCE!

24. Carlos Delgado (32) .9488 L - NOT EVEN CLOSE BUB!

26. Mike Piazza (35) .9470 R -  LUCKLY TO KEEP THAT!

32. Joe Jackson  .9401 L  - Should be there.

34. Ken Griffey (34) .9372 L - PLEASE!

  Chipper Jones (32) .9372 B - DOUBLE PLEASE!

39. Bobby Abreu (30) .9290 L - Not going to happen!

43. Gary Sheffield (35) .9282 R - Ummm .. no.

44. Jim Edmonds (34) .9277 L - Sorry bub!

50. Nomar Garciaparra (30) .9187 R - A Cub fan might think so

57. Juan Gonzalez (34) .9040 R - I'd bet all I own that he will not pass Thomas in this list.

  Scott Rolen (29) .8980 R - No.

65. Sammy Sosa (35) .8923 R - I can't stop laughing

66. Magglio Ordonez (30) .8893 R - I still can't stop laughing

68. Rafael Palmeiro (39) .8888 L - Not even w roids!

72. Ryan Klesko (33) .8877 L - Please.

75. Tim Salmon (35) .8863 R - Nada.

76. Fred McGriff (40) .8860 L - Done.  No chance at all.

88. Moises Alou (37) .8796 R - Declining.  Nada.

93. Richie Sexson (29) .8769 R - In his dreams.  Nada.

98. Bernie Williams (35) .8753 B - Declining.  Nada.

99. Mike Sweeney (30) .8751 R - Fell way off pace.  Nada.

100. Ellis Burks (39) .8737 R - Done.

 

No active player in the top 100 list threatens Thomas' top 10 standing.

 

More reasons: OPS progressive leaders

        Leading Active Player            Years Best

1991 Wade Boggs .9058  Frank Thomas 1.0056

1992 Fred McGriff .9194  Barry Bonds 1.0796

1993 Fred McGriff .9202  Barry Bonds 1.1356

1994 Barry Bonds .9303  Frank Thomas 1.2168

1995 Frank Thomas 1.0436  Edgar Martinez 1.1070

1996 Frank Thomas 1.0503  Mark McGwire 1.1977

1997 Frank Thomas 1.0526  Larry Walker 1.1719

1998 Frank Thomas 1.0274  Mark McGwire 1.2224

1999 Frank Thomas 1.0133  Larry Walker 1.1681

2000 Frank Thomas 1.0184  Todd Helton 1.1617

2001 Frank Thomas 1.0153  Barry Bonds 1.3785

2002 Todd Helton 1.0319  Barry Bonds 1.3807

2003 Todd Helton 1.0414  Barry Bonds 1.2778

2004 Barry Bonds 1.0533  Barry Bonds 1.4217

 

1881 Cap Anson 5 yrs straight

1887 Dan Brouthers 10 yrs straight, then 4, then 2!

1908 Honus Wagner 3 yrs

1911 Ty Cobb 4 yrs, then 5 yrs

1915 Joe Jackson 2 yrs

1922 Babe Ruth 14 yrs 

1936 Lou Gehrig 4 yrs

1940 Jimmie Foxx 6 yrs

1946 Ted Williams 15 yrs straight!

1961 Mickey Mantle 8yrs

1969 Willie Mays 4 yrs

1973 Hank Aaron 4yrs

1981 Mike Schmidt 6yrs

1987 Wade Boggs 5yrs

1995 Frank Thomas 7yrs

 

Barry Bonds has only been the top Active Player in OPS twice in his career 

1994 & 2004. His comparison to Ruth & Williams on this list is shocking.  Sosa has never & will never appear on this list. 

 

Let me put this list in perspective.  Thomas first made the list for year's best OPS in 1991.  He then made it again in 1994 (the strike season).  From 1995 to 2001 he took over as having the best career OPS amongst active players.  He did not relinquish that title under 2002.  That means he was the best hitter in the game from 1991-2001.  He wasn't the best every year but his OPS was consistent enough to vault him to his 7 yr reign.

 

Now again tell me how he's not a first ballot HOFer?

 

 

Beautifully done.

[JUGGERNAUT]

If you are not on this list you are not amongst the best hitters of all time. Period. Some had flashes of brilliance but most dominated for years.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/OPS_progress.shtml

 

Ruth posted the league's best OPS 4 straight yrs before holding the title of best career OPS amongst active players for 14 straight yrs.

 

Bonds posted the league's best OPS 2 straight yrs before grabbing the title of best career OPS amongst active players in the strike season (1994). Thomas then grabbed that title in 1995 & retained it until 2002.

 

Bonds posted the league's best OPS 4 straight yrs (01-04) before grabbing the title of best among active players (04). Based on his recent #'s Bonds will likely pass Gehrig on the all-time OPS list (1080). He would basically need around a 1300OPS 3 yrs in a row. If he does that he will have retained the active OPS title for 5 yrs. Still 2 short of Thomas 7 yr reign.

Bonds no doubt owns this decade but Thomas owned the last one. Any player that owns a decade should be given first ballot HOF consideration.

Regardless of where he plays or who he plays for. Owning a decade is a measure of dominance. That's what the HOF is all about.

[sox-r-us]

Frank is a sure HOF'er. No doubt about it.

 

Only maroons like Jay Mariotti would ever question that.

[AnthraxFan93]

I really believe Frank will have a hard time getting in, and I seriously doubt he'll be a 1st ballot entry for the following reasons:

 

1.  He plays in Chicago, not NY or Boston.  If you don't think that makes a difference, compare Billy Pierce to Whitey Ford sometime.

 

2.  He doesn't suck up to the sportswriters.

 

3.  The steroid thing will barely be mentioned, if it's not totally disregarded at all.  Remember, we are talking about 5 years after he retires and this is all just happening now. 

 

4.  No World Series yet and not much post season success.

 

5.  Lack of respect he's received at All Star time.  I believe it's a precursor of things to come.

 

6.  The DH thing will have an impact.

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Yeah, I agree..and a more detailed version of what I was trying to say..