Was Kirby Hall of Fame Worthy?

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

I know this a difficult time to talk about his HOF worthiness, but as I was looking at his stats on Baseball-Almanac, I saw he didn't have any stats that impressed me. I know his defensive ability was taken into consideration, but offensively he didn't put up numbers like other non-HOF put up. I know that players are more celebrated or scrutinized posthumously so I thought we should break this down.


(Let me know if this is inapproriate)

[abacab]

It's not inappropriate, don't worry about it. Puckett's career stats are short of HoF standards, but we all know why that is. He also never really had that "WOW" season, but was an excellent all-around player throughout his career. I think he is deserving. He's not up there with players like DiMaggio or Mantle or Griffey, but he's on a level with guys like Ashburn, Doby, and Andre Dawson (who will make it eventually).

[Captain Cold Nose]

Puckett didn't have all-time great career numbers because he only played twelve years. Losing your vision in one eye will do that to you.
I'm comfortable with his selection. A 12-year-peak is a far better sign of greatness than a five-year-peak, which has gotten players in the HOF before. He was a very popular player who was the star for a couple championship teams and was a perennial all star. Seems to fit what the voters go for perfectly.

[rockin500]

I know this a difficult time to talk about his HOF worthiness, but as I was looking at his stats on Baseball-Almanac, I saw he didn't have any stats that impressed me. I know his defensive ability was taken into consideration, but offensively he didn't put up numbers like other non-HOF put up. I know that players are more celebrated or scrutinized posthumously so I thought we should break this down.


(Let me know if this is inapproriate)

he falls into that category of career shortening injury. His 12 years were very very good and he wasnt slowing down all that much when he had to retire.

Like the good Captain, I am also comfortable with his selection.

[KCGHOST]

I had no problem with his elction. I understand he had a short career and may well have fallen off the face of the earth the next season. But theren't are too many ten-time all-stars who aren't in the HoF.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

I know this a difficult time to talk about his HOF worthiness, but as I was looking at his stats on Baseball-Almanac, I saw he didn't have any stats that impressed me. I know his defensive ability was taken into consideration, but offensively he didn't put up numbers like other non-HOF put up. I know that players are more celebrated or scrutinized posthumously so I thought we should break this down.


(Let me know if this is inapproriate)

Oh let's see.

5 200-hit seasons (plus a 199 and a 195 hit season)
2304 hits in just 12 seasons (192 hits per season)
.318 career BA
10 time All-Star
6 Gold Gloves
6 Silver Sluggers
1989 batting champion
4-time AL leader in hits


Most voters took into account the circumstances of his early retirement. He was well on his way to 300o hits if he didn't have to retire early. Plus he had some great baseball "moments", Game 6 1991 World Series for instance.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

I had no problem with his elction. I understand he had a short career and may well have fallen off the face of the earth the next season. But theren't are too many ten-time all-stars who aren't in the HoF.

I think Fred Lynn is the only one.

[Freakshow]

I think Fred Lynn is the only one.

According to BB-Ref, there are two eligible ten-time all-stars not in the Coop, Bill Freehan (11 years) and Steve Garvey (10).

Lynn is one of eight players with nine years, along with Dave Concepcion, Joe Gordon, Goose Gossage, Elston Howard, Frank McCormick, Ron Santo, and Joe Torre.

[Edgartohof]

If he didn't have to retire due to losing his eyesight due to glaucoma, then he would have stayed around to collect near 3000 hits, along with getting nearly 1500 Runs and RBI. Plus he would have kept a .310+ career BA, along with leding in hits 4 times (3 consecutive years), 6 GG's, 6 SS's, would have gotten a couple more All-Star appearances. A player with a .315+ BA, good double's power, and 20+ HR's, along with being decent on the bases, all adds up to being a HOF player. He also lead his team to 2 WS, where they won both times, and he had his moments in each, and overall was loved by the fans and other players, so he most definitely deserved to go into the HOF.

[DoubleX]

I think he's a very deserving Hall of Famer. He had more hits in his first 10 years than anyone (I think). 2300 hits and a .318 average in 12 years is very impressive, IMO. He was still in his prime when he was forced to retire, and I think 3000+ hits was extremely attainable for Puckett.

[dgarza]

To me, Puckett is at the level of Earl Averill. I have zero problems with either one of them. While he was playing, I always thought of Puckett as a no doubt future HOFer.

[dgarza]

5 200-hit seasons (plus a 199 and a 195 hit season)
2304 hits in just 12 seasons (192 hits per season)

162 game average over 12 seasons is 209!

[Zito75]

Oh let's see.

5 200-hit seasons (plus a 199 and a 195 hit season)
2304 hits in just 12 seasons (192 hits per season)
.318 career BA
10 time All-Star
6 Gold Gloves
6 Silver Sluggers
1989 batting champion
4-time AL leader in hits


Most voters took into account the circumstances of his early retirement. He was well on his way to 300o hits if he didn't have to retire early. Plus he had some great baseball "moments", Game 6 1991 World Series for instance.

Add the 2 World Series titles, his stolen bases and the fact that he was the Heart and Soul of the franchise for 12 years. Definite Hall of Famer.

[jpenrod]

I personally never liked Kirby (I have no clue why) but I would not nor do I question his status as a HOFer. Consider that the only active players that have more hits than Puckett are Palmeiro, Biggio, Bonds, Franco and Finley all have played 17+ years and have only 3 200-hit seasons between them. Yes Puckett Deserves his place in The Hall.

[micsmith]

Puckett is certainly a deserving Hall of Famer.

Anyone else think his stats and career are pretty similar to Don Mattingly's?