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Re: Who's going into HOF?
Great discussion points by everyone! I believe cross era comparisons with ballplayers should NOT be emphasized until comparison to peers from the same era is first considered. Equipment, rules, ballparks, field dimensions (especially fences and mound height), strike zones, all change as the game has developed. In my opinion, we should be comparing ballplayers to their peers from the same era AND at the same position prior to making any attempt to compare to another era. It takes a different type of player, to play shortstop rather than outfield, catcher rather than 2nd base, and so on. During certain eras of the game, the play expected and performed was different for most positions as the game has evolved. For example, the shortstops of the 60-70's were clearly more defensive minded than what has been witnessed recently with the superb offensive numbers for this position (with the exception of Ernie Banks). Relief pitching has changed significantly as well, but finally has been noticed by Hall voters. Unfortunately, those pitching prior to some of the "save" rule changes and statistics will likely be ignored for years to come.
Rod
Great discussion points by everyone! I believe cross era comparisons with ballplayers should NOT be emphasized until comparison to peers from the same era is first considered. Equipment, rules, ballparks, field dimensions (especially fences and mound height), strike zones, all change as the game has developed. In my opinion, we should be comparing ballplayers to their peers from the same era AND at the same position prior to making any attempt to compare to another era. It takes a different type of player, to play shortstop rather than outfield, catcher rather than 2nd base, and so on. During certain eras of the game, the play expected and performed was different for most positions as the game has evolved. For example, the shortstops of the 60-70's were clearly more defensive minded than what has been witnessed recently with the superb offensive numbers for this position (with the exception of Ernie Banks). Relief pitching has changed significantly as well, but finally has been noticed by Hall voters. Unfortunately, those pitching prior to some of the "save" rule changes and statistics will likely be ignored for years to come.
Rod
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