Inspired by most (#73) in this thread
Are they any clubs you believe still merit instant HoF induction? I hope my poll covered all of the best options. My opinions are based on entering each club over time and HoF precedents.
For myself, the 300 win club is the only that stands the test of time. Even 19th century pitchers who pitched hundreds of innings a year had to endure the defensive mishaps of the day. They pitched with true grit to attain a miracle number. Today, 300 wins is nearly an afterthought because of the lack of decisions due to lesser innings pitched per start.
Next comes 3000 hits, a feat so close for instant gratification. The only reason I can't dignify it is because I don't believe Lou Brock belongs in the Hall of Fame (leave me alone). If Johnny Damon ever hit 3000, I wouldn't support him, either. 3000 hits can be done by a guy who hits the ball a good portion of the time in a lot of at-bats, as we saw with Brock, Damon, and Biggio (though Biggio is in for me).
Next is 500 home runs, a feat I still respect. Still, steroids and overall batter modernization have made the club much more possible since the 1990s. Only Sosa, McGwire, and Palmeiro do not belong in my HoF because I believe steroids helped their careers too much.
Then comes 500 saves. A save itself isn't very difficult, but to accrue it means you were a good enough reliever to stay in the closing role. Dominating batters like Mariano Rivera or Trevor Hoffman even for one inning at a time is impressive.
Next is 3000 strikeouts, only because it is more realistic today than a few decades ago. Though I would induct everyone in the club, the very feat seems more attainable to me than the previous four. This could just be me, though. I get the feeling that a good pitcher at a 7.0 k/9IP can make the list if he lasts long enough. Regardless of where I rank the club, it still doesn't make the fast pass cut.
--If one doesn't follow the 500 save mentality, I would place the 300 save club right here in consideration of pioneer closers. However, this club is losing its appeal due to closer specialization.
Finally there's 500 steals. Too many speedsters have made the club to consider it anywhere near a fast pass. It is more of a resume booster.
Are they any clubs you believe still merit instant HoF induction? I hope my poll covered all of the best options. My opinions are based on entering each club over time and HoF precedents.
For myself, the 300 win club is the only that stands the test of time. Even 19th century pitchers who pitched hundreds of innings a year had to endure the defensive mishaps of the day. They pitched with true grit to attain a miracle number. Today, 300 wins is nearly an afterthought because of the lack of decisions due to lesser innings pitched per start.
Next comes 3000 hits, a feat so close for instant gratification. The only reason I can't dignify it is because I don't believe Lou Brock belongs in the Hall of Fame (leave me alone). If Johnny Damon ever hit 3000, I wouldn't support him, either. 3000 hits can be done by a guy who hits the ball a good portion of the time in a lot of at-bats, as we saw with Brock, Damon, and Biggio (though Biggio is in for me).
Next is 500 home runs, a feat I still respect. Still, steroids and overall batter modernization have made the club much more possible since the 1990s. Only Sosa, McGwire, and Palmeiro do not belong in my HoF because I believe steroids helped their careers too much.
Then comes 500 saves. A save itself isn't very difficult, but to accrue it means you were a good enough reliever to stay in the closing role. Dominating batters like Mariano Rivera or Trevor Hoffman even for one inning at a time is impressive.
Next is 3000 strikeouts, only because it is more realistic today than a few decades ago. Though I would induct everyone in the club, the very feat seems more attainable to me than the previous four. This could just be me, though. I get the feeling that a good pitcher at a 7.0 k/9IP can make the list if he lasts long enough. Regardless of where I rank the club, it still doesn't make the fast pass cut.
--If one doesn't follow the 500 save mentality, I would place the 300 save club right here in consideration of pioneer closers. However, this club is losing its appeal due to closer specialization.
Finally there's 500 steals. Too many speedsters have made the club to consider it anywhere near a fast pass. It is more of a resume booster.
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