Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
January 08, 2003
Sandberg's Lack of Votes:

Brad Harris was also shocked by Sandberg receiving less than 50% of the vote:


I, too, was shocked to see Sandberg receive less than 50% of the votes. Unlike those suggestions made in your blog, however, I believe it has more to do with the "first ballot" phenomenon than anything else. Sandberg's numbers, short career or not, shout Hall of Fame. And if there's a voter or two out there who is blind enough to compare a middle infielder's 277 home runs to the 350+ by guys like Rice or Dawson, then we've got a whole 'nother issue on hand. Giving the BBWAA voters the benefit of the doubt, that leaves us with a very substantial portion of the electorate who must subscribe to the ridiculous notion that "Sandberg deserves election, but not on the first ballot."

I've witnessed my share of discussions about the Hall of Fame and future candidates (Eckersley, Molitor and Boggs in the next two years alone) where at least one person inevitably forwards the theory that there is a distinction made (or at least should be) between first-ballot inductees and other inductees. As ridiculous as it seems, and as flawed as the logic that support that argument is, there is a very vocal minority that supports the idea.

Apparently, many of the voters are of similar sympathies. We'll know for sure this time next year, when we see just how much higher Sandberg's percentage of support rises. If it increases dramatically, I think we'll have our answer.

In the meantime, shame on the 252 voters who didn't write his name on their ballot.

Sandberg had 10 very productive years (1984-1993). And looking at the stats again, he had a decent enough OBA for a power hitting 2nd baseman during that time. But you also have five poor offensive seasons surrounding the peak ten. Sandberg had his last good season at age 33. That's very young to fall apart and still be a Hall of Famer. It's similar to Dale Murphy. Murph had his last good season at age 30. Neither of these players did anything to extend their Hall Credentials in their 30's, and that's why they are marginal candidates now. Ryno does have the great defense at 2nd as a plus, but if you start comparing Sandberg to Joe Morgan, who was an effective ballplayer into his late 30's, you wonder if Sandberg really belongs.


Posted by David Pinto at 11:54 AM | Baseball