Butch Wynegar

[Cowtipper]

I'm not certain, but I think Butch Wynegar might be a case of "Hall of Fame potential."

The former catcher played in the big leagues from 1976 to 1988, hitting .255 with 1,102 hits and a 1.5:1 BB/K ratio. He was an All-Star twice (in his first two years) and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting in 1976. He also received MVP votes that year.

His comparisons list from Baseball Reference isn't too impressive--it contains Mike Scioscia, Rick Cerone, Alan Ashby, Johnny Edwards, Gus Mancuso, Joe Girardi, Dan Wilson, Jerry Grote, Frank Snyder and Mike Matheny--but he is also listed as being most similar to Ivan Rodriguez through age 21, Hall of Famer Ray Schalk through age 29 and Hall of Famer Al Lopez through age 30.

He led the league in number of runners caught stealing twice and caught stealing percentage once. His defensive WAR is 13.7, which coincidentally ties Ray Schalk.

What do you think about Butch Wynegar? Should he be in the Hall of Fame? Did he have Hall of Fame potential?

[dgarza]

He started off good. Fine defensive player. On most teams, he would have been be a good starter. Although he did seem to struggle in the 2nd half of the season, historically. Wynegar just could not transition into his 30s well at all.

[chicagowhitesox1173]

I would say a big no on this one. I wouldn't even think he had potential.

[jjpm74]

Can I get a hell no category on this one?

[White Knight]

He reminded me of Matt Nokes.

[Cowtipper]

The thing that struck me as fairly impressive was his relatively high WAR for a relatively short career (23.9 WAR; 13 years, 1301 games) and the number of Hall of Famers and future Hall of Famers on his comps list.

Here's a list of the retired catchers with >= 23.9 WAR and <= 1,301 games played (similar catchers better than Wynegar):

Charlie Bennett...37.2 WAR
Roy Campanella...31.6 WAR
Jack Clements...30.0 WAR
Tom Haller...27.5 WAR
Ed Bailey...25.1 WAR

So I guess to be a Hall of Fame worthy catcher with that few games played, at least 30 WAR is requisite.

[NJYankeeFan]

I'm not certain, but I think Butch Wynegar might be a case of "Hall of Fame potential."

The former catcher played in the big leagues from 1976 to 1988, hitting .255 with 1,102 hits and a 1.5:1 BB/K ratio. He was an All-Star twice (in his first two years) and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting in 1976. He also received MVP votes that year.

His comparisons list from Baseball Reference isn't too impressive--it contains Mike Scioscia, Rick Cerone, Alan Ashby, Johnny Edwards, Gus Mancuso, Joe Girardi, Dan Wilson, Jerry Grote, Frank Snyder and Mike Matheny--but he is also listed as being most similar to Ivan Rodriguez through age 21, Hall of Famer Ray Schalk through age 29 and Hall of Famer Al Lopez through age 30.

He led the league in number of runners caught stealing twice and caught stealing percentage once. His defensive WAR is 13.7, which coincidentally ties Ray Schalk.

What do you think about Butch Wynegar? Should he be in the Hall of Fame? Did he have Hall of Fame potential?

One of my favorites as a kid but not remotely close.

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[The Commissioner]

... he is also listed as being most similar to Ivan Rodriguez through age 21, Hall of Famer Ray Schalk through age 29 and Hall of Famer Al Lopez through age 30.

Yeah, that's one reason why I don't put too much stock in similarity scores. Comparing anyone through age 21 really doesn't mean much. Steve Kemp is most similar to Dave Winfield through age 23, but I don't think he's going to be joining him in Cooperstown anytime soon.

[adarowski]

I've got his Hall Rating at 51, meaning he was half-way to a Hall of Fame career. http://www.hallofstats.com/player/wynegbu01

I also have his #1 comp as Mike Scioscia. So, that means it was a nice career. But it would take an incredibly lucky managerial career to make him a Hall of Famer.

[Francoeurstein]

Heavens no.

[Fuzzy Bear]

The only thing that would cause a person to think Wynegar had HOF potential was that he played in the big leagues at age 20. He never grew past that. Darrell Porter has a FAR better case.