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Some Greats of the Game with Hall of Fame Credentials
As I see it there is an on deck circle to the Hall of Fame. But, being in the on deck circle does not mean you will get in. Just like a baseball game, there is always someone who is the next batter that does not get to play. Same thing with the Hall of Fame.
Some of these players will remain in the on deck circle to the Hall. Jim Rice, Dave Parker, Andre Dawson are three players that I think have had the careers deserving Hall of Fame recognition. They compare very favorably with inductees. Their RBI totals
Almost Hall of Famers By Position
First Baseman Dick Allen recorded six years that he hit over 30 home runs and six years knocking in at least 90 RBIs. I loved watching him play for the Phillies. I remember people making an issue of his bat, because he used a 40 ounce stick. Considered an extremely heavy hitting tool in his day Dick or Richard as he liked to be called had a way of playing ball that was truly unique.
Second baseman Joe Gordon also had six years knocking in over 90 runs. He was a nine time all – star and in 1942 he won the American League MVP. He hit 253 home runs in his career. I often thought what motivated the Yankees to trading such a great ballplayer. His career lasted all of 11 years.
Short Stop Dave Concepcion won five gold gloves playing on some great Cincinnati Reds teams. As a nine time all star he played his entire career with the Reds. I do not ever remember watching him make a mental error. He always seemed to know what to do on the field.
Third Baseman Craig Nettles was one of my favorites. A tremendous fielder. He gobbled up everything hit his way. He was a six time all star. He finished his career with 1314 RBIs and 390 home runs.
Catcher Joe Torre won the National League Batting Title and had five years when he had over 100 RBIs. In 1971 he knocked in 137 runs and won the NL MVP. One of a few catchers that has ever won a batting title. Nine time all star.
Outfielder Andre Dawson had 1591 RBIs in his career. Seven of those seasons he accumulated at least 90 RBI. His high mark is 137 RBIs in 1987. Andre amassed 438 home runs in his career with a single season best of 49 in 1987. He also won the Nation League MVP – 1987.
Outfielder Joe Jackson played until he was 30 years old. He batted 370 or more five times. He has the third highest lifetime batting average at.356. He struck out only 158 times in 4981 at bats. An amazing player.
Outfielder Jim Rice had 1451 RBIs in his career. With eight years of at least 100 RBIs. He had over 200 hits three years in a row. He won the American League MVP in 1978 in a tight race over Ron Guidry. His 382 lifetime home runs did not tell the story of how good he was. I thought he was a tremendous hitter. An eight time all star.
I took the liberty of making Dave Parker an outfielder a DH. Why not it’s my list. Dave drove in 1493 runs. With 10 years at least 90 RBIs. He accumulated 526 Doubles and was a seven time all star. In 1978 he was NL MVP.
Pitcher Tommy John had a 26 year career. His 288 wins rank high all time. He missed the entire 1975 season to have what is now called Tommy John Surgery.
Pitcher Vida Blue had a lifetime 3.27 era. He won the MVP and Cy Young award in 1971 when had a 1.82 era. A six time all star he won 209 games in his career.
Relief pitcher Goose Gossage had a 3.01 lifetime era. With 310 lifetime saves I can still remember him blazing the ball by the opposition when he pitched for the Yankees. Nine time all star and a tremendous competitor.
So there you have it. Some impressive players that was so close to making the Hall of Fame.
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About the Author: For over 45 years Aron Wallad has followed baseball by coaching, watching games, reading stories and checking player’s stats. Loving the game of baseball for Aron Wallad has been a job of joy for a long time. You will find his stories inspiring. You will be amazed when you see the unusual statistics he creates. The quotes will move you or make you laugh.
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