Happy Hall Year

Well fans, the New Year is already a week old.  The holidays are officially over and it’s time to see who will be set to have a blast in Cooperstown not only this summer but for eternity through enshrinement at the Hall of Fame.  On Monday afternoon (1/9), we’ll have the answers with the voting results.  The Veterans Committee has already announced its inductee.  Cubs’ legendary third-sacker and then announcer Ron Santo will be joining the likes of the Babe and Cy Young.  Unfortunately, Santo passed away one year too early to enjoy it due to severe complications from diabetes.  However, his family and spirit will be making a huge presence known and those Cubbies fans traditionally travel well for the summer ceremonies.

Barry Larkin looks to close in on the required 75 percent of the nearly 700 voters from the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA).  In 2011, he received 62 percent and change from 581 ballots.  The BBWAA has some lifetime members, who may be elderly or ill, thus contributing to some missing votes and they’re not required to vote.  And perhaps some others chose not to vote for their own reasons (not favoring the players, etc).

I think Larkin will make the grade this year.  The 12 time All-Star had nearly 2400 hits and 379 Stolen Bases in 19 seasons while batting .295 and also winning three consecutive Gold Gloves (’94-’96).  He won 9 Silver Sluggers, including five in a row ((’88-’92).  If you don’t like his hits total of 2340 being worthy of consideration, try these numbers.  He is 131st all-time in hits and most of the guys above him are either already in the Hall and/or played longer and got more at-bats.  And remember, he played shortstop his whole career, which is a high traffic position prone to causing injuries.  He’s in on his 3rd try.

Houston slugger Jeff Bagwell will eventually get in, but I don’t l think he can make the cut after receiving 41 percent last year.  The gap up to 75% is just too big in one year. He should have gotten more, but I think he paid the price of being a 90s guy.  He’s never been involved in any reports about juicing, never failed a test, and faded out like you are supposed after trashing your body for 15 seasons.  In his case, his shoulder broke down and limited him at the bat and in the field.  He played most of his career in the AstroDome, a notorious pitcher’s park.  Yet, he still managed to hit 449 HRs, over 1500 RBI, and a nice .297 average.  He also grabbed a Gold Glove and MVP in ’94 to boot.  Not this year for Jeff, but he should be approaching the 60 percent mark in votes much like Larkin did last year.

Later Fans.