I'm a big Harold Baines guy with him being a top 10 all-time favorite for me. That being said his election to the Hall of Fame has me conflicted. Baines, who was dropped off the writer's ballot after only five years maxed out at 6.1% of the vote in 2010. That tells you there never was much of an argument for him. He was an excellent hitter but really didn't bring much else to the table. He did lead the league in slugging one year but power really wasn't his deal (he did finish his career with 384 homers). He played 22 years, much of it at DH which is an obvious knock on him in the eyes of most voters (though I think that view is changing).
When I watched him play back in the day I just never thought "this guy is a Hall of Fame guy". Again he was an excellent hitter. You don't get 2,866 hits and a career .289/.356/.489 slash line over a career without being very good. Unfortunately he is now the center of the argument about how these guys get in and the "good ole boy network". And that bugs me that he'll always be thought of in that way - he's that guy. You won't talk about how great a player he is but how he got in. I'm still happy for him but I too will forever look at this and wince a little.
The story behind the Harold Baines autographed card above can be found here.
Lee Smith of course loses out in all this as well. He at least received up to 50% of the vote in his days being voted on by the writers but the Baines narrative has overshadowed that some. I think there is a strong argument for him and think he is deserving. How the closer has been looked upon of course affected the voting for him. I'm happy to see Lee Smith get in the Hall of Fame.
I feel bad for Baines. No one is letting him enjoy this honor because they're so adamant that he doesn't deserve it. From everything I've heard he's a quiet, humble guy who did everything right. And he was a heck of a hitter.
ReplyDeleteHopefully in retrospect his being voted in will be looked at differently. There are plenty who are happy for Baines and she should be allowed to enjoy the moment.
DeleteOn the idea that Baines maxing at 6% tells you he has no case: Lou Whitaker only got 2.9% his only year on the ballot! and he has a very strong case.
ReplyDeleteVery good point and a friend also brought up Lou in discussing this topic. It is all very subjective. Just tough that this has turned in to such a negative but if nothing else it brings his hall of fame debate to the forefront. And those discussions are much different now than they were in the past.
DeleteNow, I can't say that I'll ever lose sleep over who gets into the hall of fame - there's so much more for me to worry about. But, bottom line, Harold Baines was a damn good ballplayer, no matter what. It's not like some scrub who was really good at carrying LaRussa's bags snuck in... the guy was was very good for a long time. TO those complaining, I say, let the man enjoy his moment and go focus your anger on something worthy of such attention.
ReplyDeleteGreat rebuttal to those who want to be too negative about this. Bottom line is he was voted in and should be able to enjoy the moment.
DeleteYou nailed my thoughts perfectly. I'm happy for him and his fans. That being said... I never considered him a hall of famer (hall of very good... indeed). But that doesn't matter, because I don't have a vote ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to talk about but I'm glad I don't have a vote. Too many players I always rooted for but couldn't vote for.
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