Funny this comes up right after our thread about the non-HOFers that some of still collect. Several of these players are there for me. Murphy, Morris, & Mattingly. I collected Parker at one point, but put them back in the commons (my commons boxes have some nice cards). ince others took the time to discuss each player, I think it's ok if I do too.
Steve Garvey - Played on a really good team, probably the best of the starting 8. Never dominated, even as a 1B. The one MVP is nice, and the .294 lifetime BA is very good. The 16 intentional walks (IBB) in 1979 (most he had in any year) is a telling sign he wasn't the feared hitter others were. Verdict: No.
Tommy John - His 288 wins only came from the longevity of his career, helped by the revolutionary surgery that now bears his name. He was having a solid career before the surgery (124-106 record, 2.97 ERA), but the ERA went up a little over time (3.34) while the winning percentage actually increased. The 11 wins per season average is that - average. Verdict: No.
Don Mattingly - Played 5 less years than Garvey, won 5 more Gold Gloves, had 23 more IBB, and both had one MVP. Led the league is several good offensive categories for a couple seasons and finished with a lifetime .307. His 238 hits in 1986 still is tied for 18th all-time. If Koufax can be in based on his shortened career, no reason to deny Mattingly. Verdict: Yes.
Marvin Miller - Because of revolutionizing the game, he belongs. I don't like the idea that a non-player is on the same ballot as players. I think there should be a separate voting/induction for non-players, but do feel they belong. Verdict: Yes.
Jack Morris - Hittable? At times. When it mattered? Not really. Three time WS champ with 3 teams. Never got the CY love, but was in the running 7 years. Led the league in wins twice, once at age 37. Led in good categories as well as bad categories. Had a 3.73 ERA before the last 2 brutal seasons. He is the most borderline player I know. One of the toughest pitchers through the 80s. Only because I watched him pitch, do I knopw how tough he was. Verdict: Yes.
Dale Murphy - 1982-1987 - no one else was more feared (except maybe Mike Schmidt). Two MVPs, 2 HR, 2 RBIs (different years!), and 5 Gold Gloves. Rough start to career as catcher, move to OF and was an all-star almost immediately. A little shaky end. But 1980-1987 - averaged 33 HRs per season - and that included the 1981 strike-shortened season (he only hit 13 that year). Verdict: Yes.
Dave Parker - MVP, many GGs, feared arm!, led league in several "good" categories, feared hitter. .297 BA in the NL (bulk of the career). Verdict: Yes.
Ted Simmons - Long career, very good BA (.285), but nothing outstanding. Verdict: No.
Luis Tiant - Decent W/L record, but led the league in losses once while never leading in wins. Led in ERA and Shutouts twice. Very up and down career. Verdict: No.
Alan Trammell - Led the league is sacrifices twice, 4 Gold Gloves, 3 Silver Sluggers, and WS MVP. Cracked .300 7 times (1 time would not qualify for batting crown, not enough PAs). Verdict: No.
-- Dan --
Note: Please see my profile for more info regarding trading (section updated 3/4/2024). I have added a large portion of my inventory to the site, and currently have trading turned on (details are in my profile).