Gwynn and Ripken are HOF class of 2007

[southsider2k5]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/hof07/news/story?id=2725461

 

NEW YORK -- Mark McGwire fell far short in his first try for the Hall of Fame, picked by 23.5 percent of voters while Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. easily gained baseball's highest honor.

 

2007 Hall of Fame Voting

 

 

Total ballots cast: A record 545 (including two blanks). Necessary for election: 409 votes. Minimum votes needed to remain on the ballot: 28.

 

Votes Pct.

Cal Ripken Jr. 537 98.5

Tony Gwynn 532 97.6

Rich Gossage 388 71.2

Jim Rice 346 63.5

Andre Dawson 309 56.7

Bert Blyleven 260 47.7

Lee Smith 217 39.8

Jack Morris 202 37.1

Mark McGwire 128 23.5

Tommy John 125 22.9

Steve Garvey 115 21.1

Dave Concepcion 74 13.6

Alan Trammell 73 13.4

Dave Parker 62 11.4

Don Mattingly 54 9.9

Dale Murphy 50 9.2

Harold Baines 29 5.3

Orel Hershiser 24 4.4

Albert Belle 19 3.5

Paul O'Neill 12 2.2

Bret Saberhagen 7 1.3

Jose Canseco 6 1.1

Tony Fernandez 4 0.7

Dante Bichette 3 0.6

Eric Davis 3 0.6

Bobby Bonilla 2 0.4

Ken Caminiti 2 0.4

Jay Buhner 1 0.2

Scott Brosius 0 0

Wally Joyner 0 0

Devon White 0 0

Bobby Witt 0 0

 

 

Tarnished by accusations of steroid use, McGwire appeared on 128 of a record 545 ballots in voting released Tuesday by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

 

Ripken was picked by 537 voters, appearing on 98.5 percent of ballots, falling just short of the record percentage of 98.84 set by Tom Seaver when he was selected on 425 of 430 ballots in 1992.

 

Gwynn was just behind with 532 votes, 97.6 percent.

 

Goose Gossage finished third with 388 votes, falling 21 shy of the necessary 409 for election. Jim Rice was fourth with 346, followed by Andre Dawson (309), Bert Blyleven (260), Lee Smith (217) and Jack Morris (202).

 

McGwire was ninth, followed by Tommy John (125) and Steve Garvey (115), who was in his final year of eligibility.

 

McGwire's dismal showing raises doubts about whether he will ever get elected -- players can appear on the BBWAA ballot for 15 years -- and whether the shadow of steroids will cost Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Rafael Palmeiro places in Cooperstown.

 

Jose Canseco, on the ballot for the first time, received six votes, well below the 5 percent threshold needed to stay on future ballots. In his book two years ago, Canseco accused McGwire and others of using steroids. The book's publication was quickly followed by a congressional hearing on steroids during which McGwire evaded questions, saying: "I'm not here to talk about the past."

 

Harold Baines, who received 29 votes, reached the 5 percent threshold. Bret Saberhagen got seven votes in his first appearance on the ballot and Ken Caminiti, who admitted using steroids during his career and died in 2004, received two.

 

"To be remembered at all is a very special thing. Having said that, I guess I'll be remembered for the streak," Ripken said about his major league-record 2,632 consecutive games played last week in an interview with The Associated Press. "I'm very proud of what the streak represents. Not that you were able to play in all those games, but that you showed up to play every single day."

 

Ripken showed up every day and played well enough that his manager decided the Baltimore Orioles would be best served with him in the lineup. Ripken's lifetime batting average of .276 does not rank highly among those enshrined in Cooperstown, but he retired in 2002 as one of seven players in major-league history with more than 400 home runs and 3,000 hits.

 

He won two MVP awards, was the 1982 rookie of the year and was named to the All-Star team an AL-record 19 times. The 6-foot-4 Ripken also redefined the shortstop position, proving a tall, free swinger could play the middle of the infield just as well -- or better -- as a diminutive slap-hitter.

 

"I love the fact that I'm thought of as having success at shortstop as a bigger person, that maybe I opened up the [door] for the other shortstops," he said. "I didn't change the game, per se, but my success at the position might have changed the mind-set ever so slightly."

 

Former Orioles pitcher Jim Palmer, also in the Hall of Fame, said, "If you didn't have Cal Ripken, you wouldn't have Alex Rodriguez. Cal paved the way for the rest of the taller, stronger shortstops to play the position."

 

Ripken also helped mend baseball's image in the wake of a damaging work stoppage that canceled the 1994 World Series. In 1995, as he charged toward Gehrig's record, Ripken signed thousands of autographs, at home and on the road.

 

When he broke Gehrig's record on Sept. 6, 1995, Ripken's impromptu lap around the stadium at Camden Yards provided a feel-good moment for even the most bitter fan.

 

"The streak brought back a connection between the fans and the game itself," Ripken said. "I always thought of myself as sort of a social introvert, and I always used the autograph to bring that down. I had all this energy, I felt my responsibility to the media and everything else was taking away that relationship with the fans."

 

So he signed autographs for hours after nearly every game in August and September.

 

"That's a wonderful memory, because it brought the fans into the celebration a little bit more and made that connection a little bit better," Ripken said. "That was a positive thing to look to in a time when we were all wondering about the game."

 

The streak is what made Ripken famous, but it will be only a small part of the 80 to 95 words on his Hall of Fame plaque.

 

"I don't know if it defines him," Palmer said. "He was a marvelous player in his own right."

 

Ripken, 46, was born in Aberdeen, Md. His father, Cal Sr., was a longtime coach in the Orioles' system, so Cal Jr. grew up rooting for Baltimore. Drafted by the Orioles as a pitcher, he played the infield after his father spoke his mind at a meeting between Ripken and team officials.

 

"My dad diplomatically came in and said, 'In my experience of developing players, if you start a player out as a [position] player and it doesn't work out, he can always go back to pitching. But it's very difficult to go in reverse.' It was Dad's way to help me make the choice," Ripken said. "When they asked me what I wanted to do, I said, 'I want to play every day. A pitcher only gets to play every five days.' It's kind of ironic, sitting where I am now, that I had the desire to be in the lineup every day."

 

Cal Sr. died in 1999, but Ripken believes his father will be part of the induction ceremony in late July.

 

"Because he loved the game so much, he taught me to love the game. Since Dad has passed, he's been on my shoulder watching out for me," Ripken said. "Going through a Hall of Fame experience, Dad will be with me every step of the way."

 

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

[greasywheels121]

Congrats to Gwynn and Ripken!

[WilliamTell]

Congrats to Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr.

 

Harold Baines squeeked past the mandatory 5% to stay eligible. I was looking at his stats and he finished with 2,866 hits and 384 homeruns. He missed half the year in 1982 apparently and in 1987, 1990, 1993, and 1995 missed a good portion of games aswell. Getting traded every year for a while probably didn't help his cause along with not playing a full season after 1996.

Edited January 9, 2007 by WilliamTell

[Brian]

Get Blyleven in!

[Cerbaho-WG]

It is completely mind boggling to see how Dale Murphy, a career .265 hitter, can get more votes than Harold Baines, who was a career .289 hitter and had roughly 700 more hits than Murphy. And then Jack Morris gets 25% of the vote? He never had an ERA under three his entire career and people still vote him in?

[Chisoxfn]

I am utterly happy and excited that two of the classiest guys in baseball (Gwynn and Ripken) were annoited to the hall. Both of these guys stood for the game of baseball and would make outstanding commissioners for the game.

 

They played hard every day and while one was one of the most consistent players of all time (Ripken) the other was possibly the greatest pure hitter to ever play the game. Best of all both of these guys were clean, unless you think Gwynn's donut diet consisted of roids .

 

I am not one to watch the speaches these guys give and I probably won't watch them when they get inducted but with all the gray area around steroids I don't think there is a better time for these two to be joining the honorary shrine that is the hall of fame.

 

Gwynn = one of my 3 or 4 all time favorites to ever play the game. He had such a pretty swing, a great attitude, and played in just one city because he loved it.

[RME JICO]

Congrats to Gwynn and Ripken, two of the best.

 

Baines is still alive with more than 5%!

[witesoxfan]

Albert Belle 19 3.5

 

That surprises the hell out of me. Belle's s***ty attitude keeps him out, because it sure as hell isn't the numbers. 373 homers and 1673 hits in 10 years are both pretty impressive, and a .933 OPS to boot as well.

 

Jose Canseco 6 1.1

 

That has to be the lowest number and percentage of votes for a player with as many career homers as Canseco has. My twisted side really can't wait to see how many votes Palmeiro gets, because I imagine it could be similar to Canseco's.

 

Eric Davis 3 0.6

 

That's a lot of talent that got wasted. I can only imagine how ridiculously good he looked coming up.

[Chisoxfn]

Albert Belle 19 3.5

 

That surprises the hell out of me. Belle's s***ty attitude keeps him out, because it sure as hell isn't the numbers. 373 homers and 1673 hits in 10 years are both pretty impressive, and a .933 OPS to boot as well.

 

Jose Canseco 6 1.1

 

That has to be the lowest number and percentage of votes for a player with as many career homers as Canseco has. My twisted side really can't wait to see how many votes Palmeiro gets, because I imagine it could be similar to Canseco's.

 

Eric Davis 3 0.6

 

That's a lot of talent that got wasted. I can only imagine how ridiculously good he looked coming up.

I don't think Belle deserves it. I tihnk part of what makes you a HOFer is the ability to be good for a long peirod of time and while Belle was good for 10 years and was one of the best players in the game for a few of him, he didn't have the longevity to be in the hall.

 

And in case you were wondering, no, I don't think Kirby Puckett should be in the hall either. However if they vote Kirby in (and he wasn't near the character guy everyone thought he was) than those same voters should give Belle the same shot (cause he was one of the very best at what he did for a few year stretch).

 

Of course I am very strict when it comes to HOFer's. Mike Piazza isn't in my hall simply because I consider him a first baseman and as a first baseman I think he should have been great for a long period (and 99% of the world will disagree with me on that one).

[WCSox]

I don't think Belle deserves it. I tihnk part of what makes you a HOFer is the ability to be good for a long peirod of time and while Belle was good for 10 years and was one of the best players in the game for a few of him, he didn't have the longevity to be in the hall.

 

Agreed.

 

And while I love Harold, I don't think that he's a HOFer either.

 

Congrats to Tony and Cal.

[greasywheels121]

I don't think Belle deserves it. I tihnk part of what makes you a HOFer is the ability to be good for a long peirod of time and while Belle was good for 10 years and was one of the best players in the game for a few of him, he didn't have the longevity to be in the hall.

 

And in case you were wondering, no, I don't think Kirby Puckett should be in the hall either. However if they vote Kirby in (and he wasn't near the character guy everyone thought he was) than those same voters should give Belle the same shot (cause he was one of the very best at what he did for a few year stretch).

 

Of course I am very strict when it comes to HOFer's. Mike Piazza isn't in my hall simply because I consider him a first baseman and as a first baseman I think he should have been great for a long period (and 99% of the world will disagree with me on that one).

 

The character thing is interesting. There's a lot of different ways that can go:

 

Puckett was loved by the media and was a pretty bad person off the field.

Belle was hated by the media and was a pretty bad person off the field.

 

Frank seems to be the opposite of Puckett.

[Rowand44]

Two of the best and two of the classiest guys in the game. Both very deserving.

[Chisoxfn]

In regards to Frank Thomas, I think last years season made him a first ballot hall of famer. Prior to that I think anyone that didn't follow the Sox would have had doubts because of Frank really fading later on in his career due to health issues.

 

However, his overall career numbers are crazy and than when you factor in a 6 or so year run where he ranked amongst the best to ever play the game and well you have a first ballot HOF.

 

I've never seen a man hit for as much power, avg, and show the ability to draw walks as Frank Thomas. Of course one player that I think is a better overall hitter would be Manny Ramirez, who is an absolute phenom as far as I'm concerned. I even remember telling buddies of mine that the Cubs would have been smart to dump Sammy at his peak and sign Manny because Manny was twice the player Sammy was (and boy was I right).

 

My question is will Roger Clemens get 100% of the vote? I'd like to think a guy like him, Pedro (best I've ever seen when at his prime) or Maddux would absolutely clean up, the guys are legends considering what they did in a pure offensive era.

[Baines3]

Congrat's to Gwynn and Cal Ripken. I'm disapppointed that Gossage didn't get in again but he's getting closer since they just now seem to be consider closers for the HOF.

 

Harold Baines being trade that much didn't help any. I recall former Detroit Tiger player and broadcaster George Kell was traded alot and that seem to hurt his chances but he finally got in as a player some years ago. Harold is still alive for consideration hopefully he will get in before too long.

 

Hopefully the veterans committee will elect Minnie Minoso he deserves to be in the hall IMO.

[witesoxfan]

The character thing is interesting. There's a lot of different ways that can go:

 

Puckett was loved by the media and was a pretty bad person off the field.

Belle was hated by the media and was a pretty bad person off the field.

 

Frank seems to be the opposite of Puckett.

 

Very much.

 

There was also a respect for Puckett from nearly everyone in the MLB. I don't know how many MLB players I have heard talk about Puckett's smile, his intensity, and love of the game, and never was it with any negative conotations. Meanwhile, there is Albert Belle who tried to run some kids over, flipped off the crowd, and was caught with a corked bat. It's about the way a player handles himself on the field as well.

 

I've never felt longevity is an aspect a HoFer must have. If so, Orel would be moving on to the next ballot and Blyleven would have been in 10 years ago. What must be present is dominance - being one of the best for quite a stretch of years - along with the final numbers "requirement" met (having met well-known milestones, such as 400 or 500 homers, 2000 or 3000 hits, or a World Series ring or two. Puckett had 2 of the 3, along with a near .320 career average, while Belle had only come close).

 

It's also why Thomas is a lock for the Hall of Fame at this point.

[NorthSideSox72]

Rip and Gwynn - great to see two great ballplayers, and two great men, get into the Hall.

 

Blyleven - deserves it. I hope he gets in.

 

Dawson, Gossage - The two guys on the fence, in my mind. Can't decide.

 

Baines - deserves more votes that Murphy, and I think deserves at least as many as Jim Rice. But I don't think he'll ever reach the 75% threshold.

 

Belle, McGwire, Canseco - This is one of the many reasons why I love baseball: its HOF has a character clause. Good for them. None of the three deserve to get in. You have to do something FOR baseball, not just for yourself. McGwire could argue he did that at least (though he blew it), but Belle and Canseco did nothing for the game.

 

Buhner - Someone voted for Jay Buhner???

[Chisoxfn]

McGwire is completely deserving, imo, and its a sham he isn't in there. The guy was single handedly the greatest power hitter of the last 50 years (although Bonds had an amazing couple year stretch as well).

 

That said, when you look at Big Mac's overall stats, they aren't near as impressive (although the total Hr's are still there and he was possibly the most powerful HR hitter ever cause god could he hit bombs).

 

Plus even if he did juice, they were not banned from the game of baseball (yes they were an illegal substance in the US, but they were not banned from baseball) so I can not possibly hold him out because of that.

[WilliamTell]

McGwire is completely deserving, imo, and its a sham he isn't in there. The guy was single handedly the greatest power hitter of the last 50 years (although Bonds had an amazing couple year stretch as well).

 

That said, when you look at Big Mac's overall stats, they aren't near as impressive (although the total Hr's are still there and he was possibly the most powerful HR hitter ever cause god could he hit bombs).

 

Plus even if he did juice, they were not banned from the game of baseball (yes they were an illegal substance in the US, but they were not banned from baseball) so I can not possibly hold him out because of that.

 

I'd also like to see him in there but I can see why they won't allow him to be in it because I'm sure they won't allow Palmeiro to get in with his 3000 hits and 500 homers although he was caught for steriods, and they probably won't want Sosa in there either with his 500 homers.

[greasywheels121]

What would McGwire talk about at his speech?

[Baines3]

When Frank Thomas is eligible for the HOF, he should get in on the first ballot IMO.

[WhiteSoxfan1986]

Blyleven got less votes this year, which isn't suprising. At least he got more votes than Morris, I don't see why people vote for him. Who are the first timers on the ballot next year?

[WHarris1]

Blyleven got less votes this year, which isn't suprising. At least he got more votes than Morris, I don't see why people vote for him. Who are the first timers on the ballot next year?

Shawon Dunston, Travis Fryman, David Justice, Mike Morgan, Tim Raines, Randy Velarde

 

I'm trying to find a more complete list

 

EDIT:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/...of_Fame_in_2008

Edited January 9, 2007 by WHarris1

[ShoeLessRob]

What would McGwire talk about at his speech?

 

Pretty sure not the past ...

[Chisoxfn]

Next year will be as good a year as any for Goosage to finally get in. In addition, anyone else that hasn't gotten on even though they may deserve it would have there best shot next year, since next years class lacks total star power.

[The Critic]

Of course I am very strict when it comes to HOFer's. Mike Piazza isn't in my hall simply because I consider him a first baseman and as a first baseman I think he should have been great for a long period (and 99% of the world will disagree with me on that one).

I know I will.

Mike Piazza played 70 of his 1829 career games at first base over 14 seasons.

(68 of those games came in one season)

That's not a first baseman, that is a catcher who played a little first base.