| Nowbatting19's Hall Of Fame |
1966 Topps #540 Denny McLain SP
1962 Topps #170 Ron Santo
Cooperstown. A name synonymous with Baseball's Hall Of Fame. While most players enshrined are "no doubt Hall of Famers," how many in the Hall are
questionable to say the least? Many. Unfortunately politics plays a certain role amongst sports writers (who are the ones who elect the members) and there are some
players who in fact SHOULD be in the Hall of Fame but aren't for whatever reason. As a baseball fan, I am appalled that some of these players below are not enshrined
in Cooperstown. And so, with that in mind, here is our selection of players who are not in Cooperstown but ARE enshrined here on Nowbatting19's Hall Of Fame Page!
And to you writers and former players (who make up the Veteran's Committee) who have or continue to shun these players, shame on you!
questionable to say the least? Many. Unfortunately politics plays a certain role amongst sports writers (who are the ones who elect the members) and there are some
players who in fact SHOULD be in the Hall of Fame but aren't for whatever reason. As a baseball fan, I am appalled that some of these players below are not enshrined
in Cooperstown. And so, with that in mind, here is our selection of players who are not in Cooperstown but ARE enshrined here on Nowbatting19's Hall Of Fame Page!
And to you writers and former players (who make up the Veteran's Committee) who have or continue to shun these players, shame on you!
| 1962 Post Cereal #7 Roger Maris (Box version) |
Roger Eugene Maris. Born September 10, 1934, died December 14, 1985. Outfielder with the Cleveland Indians 1957-58, Kansas City Athletics 1958-59, New York
Yankees 1960-66, St. Louis Cardinals 1967-68. Of course everyone knows about the 61 Home Runs in 1961 to break Babe Ruth's single season HR record (60). But
can you imagine how difficult it was for Maris to do this? He was not loved like Mark McGwire was during his tainted record breaking season (70) nor was Maris beloved
as a Yankee. The Yankees, the press, and the fans all had a huge part in why Maris retired after only 12 seasons. However in those 12 seasons Maris still managed to
belt 275 home runs with 851 RBIs. Over a 162 game schedule, Maris would have averaged 30 HRs and 94 RBIs per season. While his lifetime batting mark of .260 is a
bit low, also keep in mind that Maris played most of his career in the pitcher dominant 1960's (for instance in 1968 only 1 American League player, Carl Yastrzemski,
hit .300 or better and Yaz hit .301 that year!). Also consider other Hall Of Fame sluggers like Harmon Killebrew, who batted only .256 during his 22 year career, or
Reggie Jackson (.263). Granted they hit over 500 lifetime HRs but they also played 10 years or more than did Maris. Another knock on Maris is that he only had a
"couple" good years; namely 1960 & 1962 when he won back to back AL MVP Awards. However Maris hit 28 HRs in 1958 with both Cleveland and Kansas City and
33-23-26 HRs in 1962-64. Maris broke his hand in 1964 (the Yankees denied this) and he never was able to hit for much power again; however in his 12 major league
seasons, Maris appeared in 7 World Series. Some would scoff and say that he was on the Yankees, but Maris also appeared in 2 different World Series for the
Cardinals. In fact, on the 1967 World Championship Cardinals team, Maris hit .385, with 10 hits, 1 HR, and led the team with 7 RBIs. Of Maris' historic 1961 season,
Mickey Mantle himself said it was "the greatest baseball feat I have ever seen." Yet the baseball "experts" vilified Maris both in the press and later when Maris came up
for Hall of Fame consideration. Roger Maris was a team player, leading his team to 7 different World Series in 12 seasons. That in itself counts for something. Add his
two MVP awards, the incredible 1961 season, Gold Glove award and the fact that Maris was a devoted family man and true hero, you would think he would have been
an automatic selection. However Maris IS a Hall of Famer in my book and we are proud to start off our Hall Of Fame Page with the great Roger Maris!
Yankees 1960-66, St. Louis Cardinals 1967-68. Of course everyone knows about the 61 Home Runs in 1961 to break Babe Ruth's single season HR record (60). But
can you imagine how difficult it was for Maris to do this? He was not loved like Mark McGwire was during his tainted record breaking season (70) nor was Maris beloved
as a Yankee. The Yankees, the press, and the fans all had a huge part in why Maris retired after only 12 seasons. However in those 12 seasons Maris still managed to
belt 275 home runs with 851 RBIs. Over a 162 game schedule, Maris would have averaged 30 HRs and 94 RBIs per season. While his lifetime batting mark of .260 is a
bit low, also keep in mind that Maris played most of his career in the pitcher dominant 1960's (for instance in 1968 only 1 American League player, Carl Yastrzemski,
hit .300 or better and Yaz hit .301 that year!). Also consider other Hall Of Fame sluggers like Harmon Killebrew, who batted only .256 during his 22 year career, or
Reggie Jackson (.263). Granted they hit over 500 lifetime HRs but they also played 10 years or more than did Maris. Another knock on Maris is that he only had a
"couple" good years; namely 1960 & 1962 when he won back to back AL MVP Awards. However Maris hit 28 HRs in 1958 with both Cleveland and Kansas City and
33-23-26 HRs in 1962-64. Maris broke his hand in 1964 (the Yankees denied this) and he never was able to hit for much power again; however in his 12 major league
seasons, Maris appeared in 7 World Series. Some would scoff and say that he was on the Yankees, but Maris also appeared in 2 different World Series for the
Cardinals. In fact, on the 1967 World Championship Cardinals team, Maris hit .385, with 10 hits, 1 HR, and led the team with 7 RBIs. Of Maris' historic 1961 season,
Mickey Mantle himself said it was "the greatest baseball feat I have ever seen." Yet the baseball "experts" vilified Maris both in the press and later when Maris came up
for Hall of Fame consideration. Roger Maris was a team player, leading his team to 7 different World Series in 12 seasons. That in itself counts for something. Add his
two MVP awards, the incredible 1961 season, Gold Glove award and the fact that Maris was a devoted family man and true hero, you would think he would have been
an automatic selection. However Maris IS a Hall of Famer in my book and we are proud to start off our Hall Of Fame Page with the great Roger Maris!
| 1960 Topps #360 Gil Hodges |
Gilbert Raymond Hodges. Born April 4, 1924, died April 2, 1972. Gold Glove first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers 1943; 1947-57, Los Angeles Dodgers
1958-1961, New York Mets 1962-63. Manager Washington Senators 1963-67, New York Mets 1968-1971. I am not even going to talk about how Gil Hodges was a
great man, the nicest guy you would ever want to meet, fabulous baseball player. He was all of that and more. I am not going to talk about how Gil Hodges was a
member the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Series Championship team, the 1959 Los Angeles Dodgers World Champs, or even his Championship as a manager of
the "Miracle Mets" in 1969. Just those little items might have gotten someone else a plaque in Cooperstown. So I won't talk about that. I will mention his statistics:
Lifetime batting average: .279. Slugging Average: .487. Hits: 1,921. Doubles: 295. Triples: 48. Home Runs: 370. Runs: 1105. RBIs: 1274. Fielding Average: .992. 5
World Series Home Runs along with 21 RBI's in 7 different World Series. And did you notice the little "gap" between 1943 and 1947 where Hodges did not play? He
was in the Marines! So while these stats may not seem so hot compared to today's inflated statistics, keep in mind that at the time of his retirement, Hodges was the
2nd all-time right handed HR in baseball history! So let me get this straight: he was a Hall of Fame player, fielder, manager, served his country, was the world's nicest
guy (according to Hall Of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully and numerous others) and Gil Hodges is NOT in baseball's Hall of Fame? Are you kidding me? What a joke. So
with great pleasure we present the great Gil Hodges! Rest In Peace!
1958-1961, New York Mets 1962-63. Manager Washington Senators 1963-67, New York Mets 1968-1971. I am not even going to talk about how Gil Hodges was a
great man, the nicest guy you would ever want to meet, fabulous baseball player. He was all of that and more. I am not going to talk about how Gil Hodges was a
member the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Series Championship team, the 1959 Los Angeles Dodgers World Champs, or even his Championship as a manager of
the "Miracle Mets" in 1969. Just those little items might have gotten someone else a plaque in Cooperstown. So I won't talk about that. I will mention his statistics:
Lifetime batting average: .279. Slugging Average: .487. Hits: 1,921. Doubles: 295. Triples: 48. Home Runs: 370. Runs: 1105. RBIs: 1274. Fielding Average: .992. 5
World Series Home Runs along with 21 RBI's in 7 different World Series. And did you notice the little "gap" between 1943 and 1947 where Hodges did not play? He
was in the Marines! So while these stats may not seem so hot compared to today's inflated statistics, keep in mind that at the time of his retirement, Hodges was the
2nd all-time right handed HR in baseball history! So let me get this straight: he was a Hall of Fame player, fielder, manager, served his country, was the world's nicest
guy (according to Hall Of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully and numerous others) and Gil Hodges is NOT in baseball's Hall of Fame? Are you kidding me? What a joke. So
with great pleasure we present the great Gil Hodges! Rest In Peace!
| 1970 Topps #670 Ron Santo |
1967 Topps #580 Rocky Colavito
Ron Santo. Born February 15, 1940. Played 3B for the Chicago Cubs (1960-1973) and Chicago White Sox (1974). Maybe it's because he never got to a World Series,
but for some insane reason, Ron Santo is not in the Hall of Fame despite averaging 25 HRs, 96 RBIs, and a .277 batting mark (162 game average). In 15 seasons,
mostly with the Cubs, Santo had 2,254 hits, 342 HRs, 1,108 walks, and 1,331 RBIs. Gold Gloves? How about 5 straight from 1964-68. While never winning an MVP
Award, Ron Santo DID finish in the top 10 on five different occasions, including a fourth place finish in 1967. 7 different times he was in the top ten in runs batted in,
including 3 times when he finished second (1964, 1968, 1969). I hate to compare Santo to the great Brooks Robinson, but while Brooks won an infinity of Gold Gloves
at third base and was called "The Human Vacuum Cleaner," Santo did win five Gold Glove awards and had much higher batting numbers than Brooks. Brooks averaged
15 HRs, 76 RBIs, and .267 over a 162 game schedule. Brooks did win 16 Gold Gloves, won 2 Championship rings with Baltimore (1966, 1970) and was a great clutch
performer so I am not knocking him by any means. I am just bringing up that Ron Santo had better offensive numbers than Brooks despite playing for an inferior team
(the Cubs). I also forgot to mention that Ron Santo was a 9-time All-Star selection and batted .333 against the AL's best pitchers. So Mr. Ron Santo, welcome to
Nowbatting19's Hall of Fame! You certainly deserve it!
but for some insane reason, Ron Santo is not in the Hall of Fame despite averaging 25 HRs, 96 RBIs, and a .277 batting mark (162 game average). In 15 seasons,
mostly with the Cubs, Santo had 2,254 hits, 342 HRs, 1,108 walks, and 1,331 RBIs. Gold Gloves? How about 5 straight from 1964-68. While never winning an MVP
Award, Ron Santo DID finish in the top 10 on five different occasions, including a fourth place finish in 1967. 7 different times he was in the top ten in runs batted in,
including 3 times when he finished second (1964, 1968, 1969). I hate to compare Santo to the great Brooks Robinson, but while Brooks won an infinity of Gold Gloves
at third base and was called "The Human Vacuum Cleaner," Santo did win five Gold Glove awards and had much higher batting numbers than Brooks. Brooks averaged
15 HRs, 76 RBIs, and .267 over a 162 game schedule. Brooks did win 16 Gold Gloves, won 2 Championship rings with Baltimore (1966, 1970) and was a great clutch
performer so I am not knocking him by any means. I am just bringing up that Ron Santo had better offensive numbers than Brooks despite playing for an inferior team
(the Cubs). I also forgot to mention that Ron Santo was a 9-time All-Star selection and batted .333 against the AL's best pitchers. So Mr. Ron Santo, welcome to
Nowbatting19's Hall of Fame! You certainly deserve it!
Rocco Domenico Colavito, or simply "Rocky" Colavito. Slugging outfielder for the Cleveland Indians (1955-59; 1965-67), Detroit Tigers (1960-63), Kansas City
Athletics (1964), Chicago White Sox (1967), Los Angeles Dodgers (1968), New York Yankees (1968). Just the name "Rocky Colavito" is a Hall of Fame moniker if there
ever was one. Rocky Colavito was one of the American League's top sluggers of the 1950's and 1960's, mostly with the Indians and Tigers. In only 14 seasons, Colavito
walloped 374 Home Runs, while driving in 1,159 runs. Over a 162 game schedule, Rocky would have average 33 HRs and 102 RBIs, impressive even by today's
standards. 11 straight seasons he hit 20 or more home runs (back then if you hit 20 or more home runs you were considered a "slugger") including a career high of 45
round trippers in 1961. 6 times he had seasons of 100 or more RBIs (including a career high 140 in 1961). In comparison, the great Mickey Mantle had only 4 seasons of
100 or more RBIs in his injury plagued career. Four times the Rock finished in the top 5 in MVP balloting. Colavito was usually among the leaders in home runs, leading in
1959 (42 HRS) and finishing in the top six on 9 different occasions. No small feat considering you had guys like Roger Maris, Mickey Mantle, and Harmon Killebrew in the
same league. Colavito was a 9 time All-Star and belted 3 HRs and drove in 8 runs in those contests against the NL's best. Again, maybe it's because he never got to play
in a World Series that Colavito is not in the Hall Of Fame. I sure don't know why the writers chose to ignore the great Rocky Colavito. Even more surprising to me is the fact
that the Veteran's Committee has chosen to ignore Colavito as well. It's a real shame. I say "Don't Knock The Rock."
Athletics (1964), Chicago White Sox (1967), Los Angeles Dodgers (1968), New York Yankees (1968). Just the name "Rocky Colavito" is a Hall of Fame moniker if there
ever was one. Rocky Colavito was one of the American League's top sluggers of the 1950's and 1960's, mostly with the Indians and Tigers. In only 14 seasons, Colavito
walloped 374 Home Runs, while driving in 1,159 runs. Over a 162 game schedule, Rocky would have average 33 HRs and 102 RBIs, impressive even by today's
standards. 11 straight seasons he hit 20 or more home runs (back then if you hit 20 or more home runs you were considered a "slugger") including a career high of 45
round trippers in 1961. 6 times he had seasons of 100 or more RBIs (including a career high 140 in 1961). In comparison, the great Mickey Mantle had only 4 seasons of
100 or more RBIs in his injury plagued career. Four times the Rock finished in the top 5 in MVP balloting. Colavito was usually among the leaders in home runs, leading in
1959 (42 HRS) and finishing in the top six on 9 different occasions. No small feat considering you had guys like Roger Maris, Mickey Mantle, and Harmon Killebrew in the
same league. Colavito was a 9 time All-Star and belted 3 HRs and drove in 8 runs in those contests against the NL's best. Again, maybe it's because he never got to play
in a World Series that Colavito is not in the Hall Of Fame. I sure don't know why the writers chose to ignore the great Rocky Colavito. Even more surprising to me is the fact
that the Veteran's Committee has chosen to ignore Colavito as well. It's a real shame. I say "Don't Knock The Rock."
1968 Topps #40 Denny McLain
Denny McLain. Born March 29, 1944. Pitcher for the Detroit Tigers (1963-1970), Washington Senators (1971), Oakland A's (1972), Atlanta Braves (1972). Denny
McLain pitched for only 10 big league seasons; however from 1965 to 1969 he was one of the game's best pitchers in either league. Check out these win totals during
those years: 16-20-17-31-24. See that "31"? That is no typo folks. McLain won 31 games in 1968 alone. He started 41 games that year and completed 28 of them! He
had 6 shutouts, struck out 280 batters and had a microscopic 1.96 ERA. He won both the American League Cy Young Award AND the American League Most Valuable
Player Award in 1968. And oh yeah, the Tigers won the World Series that year as well. If you wonder why his career was so short, all you need to do is look at the innings
pitched that these guys used to throw. Six times McLain threw no fewer than 216 or more innings including two seasons of 300 or more (325 in 1969 and 336 in 1968). By
the time the Senators got ahold of him, McLain was pretty well done but still managed to start 32 games, winning just 10 and losing 22 for a lowly Senators team. McLain
finished his career with 131 wins against only 91 loses and if you take away those 22 loses for Washington in 1971 he would have had a Whitey-Ford-like winning
percentage. Some claim McLain had only a few great years, but so did Sandy Koufax and Dizzy Dean yet they are in the HOF. McLain did spend some time in prison for
bookmaking or something like that, but that does not take away from what he did on the mound, plus there are plenty of Hall Of Famers who did some kind of prison or jail
time. At least he wasn't taking performance enhancing drugs like these clowns you hear about today. You don't have to like the guy, but he was one helluva pitcher and
he makes our Hall Of Fame and deservedly so.
McLain pitched for only 10 big league seasons; however from 1965 to 1969 he was one of the game's best pitchers in either league. Check out these win totals during
those years: 16-20-17-31-24. See that "31"? That is no typo folks. McLain won 31 games in 1968 alone. He started 41 games that year and completed 28 of them! He
had 6 shutouts, struck out 280 batters and had a microscopic 1.96 ERA. He won both the American League Cy Young Award AND the American League Most Valuable
Player Award in 1968. And oh yeah, the Tigers won the World Series that year as well. If you wonder why his career was so short, all you need to do is look at the innings
pitched that these guys used to throw. Six times McLain threw no fewer than 216 or more innings including two seasons of 300 or more (325 in 1969 and 336 in 1968). By
the time the Senators got ahold of him, McLain was pretty well done but still managed to start 32 games, winning just 10 and losing 22 for a lowly Senators team. McLain
finished his career with 131 wins against only 91 loses and if you take away those 22 loses for Washington in 1971 he would have had a Whitey-Ford-like winning
percentage. Some claim McLain had only a few great years, but so did Sandy Koufax and Dizzy Dean yet they are in the HOF. McLain did spend some time in prison for
bookmaking or something like that, but that does not take away from what he did on the mound, plus there are plenty of Hall Of Famers who did some kind of prison or jail
time. At least he wasn't taking performance enhancing drugs like these clowns you hear about today. You don't have to like the guy, but he was one helluva pitcher and
he makes our Hall Of Fame and deservedly so.
Questions? Comments? Feel free to email me. I won't change my mind on any of our Hall Of Fame
selections, but it's ok to disagree with my opinions. I will be adding more Hall Of Famers to this
page shortly. Thanks for stopping by! Tim
selections, but it's ok to disagree with my opinions. I will be adding more Hall Of Famers to this
page shortly. Thanks for stopping by! Tim
Trivia Question. Which Baseball Hall Of Famer has the lowest batting average among hitters? Scroll down to the bottom of this page for the answer.And no, it is not
Harmon Killebrew (.256 lifetime batting average).
Harmon Killebrew (.256 lifetime batting average).
Trivia Answer: Ray "Cracker" Schalk, .253. Schalk was a catcher for the Chicago White Sox (1912-1928) and New York Giants (1928). Granted, Schalk played during
the "Dead Ball" Era and played the most demanding of positions, but .253? He had only 1,345 hits and 11 lifetime home runs in 18 seasons! If someone can please tell me
why Ray Schalk is in the Hall Of Fame, I would love to hear it. Maybe he invented the jock strap. I really don't know. Send me an email.
the "Dead Ball" Era and played the most demanding of positions, but .253? He had only 1,345 hits and 11 lifetime home runs in 18 seasons! If someone can please tell me
why Ray Schalk is in the Hall Of Fame, I would love to hear it. Maybe he invented the jock strap. I really don't know. Send me an email.
1969 Topps #547 Billy Martin MG
Alfred Manuel Martin, or Billy Martin. Born May 16, 1928, died December 25, 1989. Fiery manager for the Minnesota Twins (1969), Detroit Tigers (1971-73). Texas
Rangers (1973-75), New York Yankees (1976-79; 1983, 1985, 1988), Oakland A's (1980-82). Billy Martin was an ideal team player. While he was an all-star infielder
(1956) for the New York Yankees, Billy's batting statistics are not going to gather any Hall of Fame interest, though I should mention that Billy "the Kid" did post a terrific
World Series batting mark of .333 in 5 World Series (including a killer .500 batting average (12 for 24), 2B, 2 3B, 2 HRs, and 8 RBIs in the '53 Series vs. Brooklyn). But it is
as a manager that Billy Martin excelled. In his first season as skipper of the Minnesota Twins (1969), Martin led the club to a 1st place finish (97-65 record). The problem
with Martin was that he wanted to win, whatever the cost, whether fighting with his own players, owners, or marshmallow salesman. Martin managed only the one season in
1969, was fired and re-appeared as manager of the Detroit Tigers. There, Martin proceeded to win again, finishing 2nd in 1971, 1st in 1972, 3rd in 1973. Then he went to
Texas and got the Rangers to go from a 6th place team in 1973 to a 2nd place finish in 1974. In 1975, Billy Martin took over as manager of his beloved New York Yankees
and they went from 3rd in the AL East (1975) to 1st place and a World Series in 1976. The Yankees lost to the Big Red Machine that year, but in both 1977 and 1978,
Martin's Yankees not only came in 1st place again, but also won both World Series against the Dodgers. Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and Billy Martin were
constantly at odds, so much so that they both appeared on early Miller Lite Beer television commercials ("Tastes great Billy." Less Filling George." "Billy, you're fired.").
Steinbrenner fired and rehired Martin on several occasions, too many to mention here. But Martin did bring the Yankees back to the World Series for the first time since
1964 and their first Championship since 1962. Martin made headlines again when he brought "Billy Ball" to the Oakland A's (Billy grew up in the Bay area). The A's
finished a respectable 2nd in their division in 1980 and the following year, 1981 they finished 1st in the first half of the season (strike year) and 2nd the second half of the
season. Billy Martin returned to the Yankees off and on from 1983 to 1988, bringing the Yankees to a 2nd place finish in 1985. In all, Martin's career managerial record
stands at 1,253 wins and 1,013 loses (.553 winning percentage). He led his clubs to 5 first place finishes and 4 2nd place finishes. His teams won 1 pennant and 2 World
Championships. Compare that to Hall of Famer managers like Miller Huggins. Huggins is in the Hall of Fame probably on the basis of winning 3 World Series Titles and
numerous pennants with the "Murderer's Row" New York Yankees. However those Yankees featured Hall Of Fame players Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Tony Lazzeri, Bill
Dickey (to name a few) and I would think it safe to say that even Grady Little would have won a World Series with those guys. Huggins had a lifetime winning percentage of
.555, just .002 points higher than Martin's and with much better teams to boot. Another Hall Of Fame manager, Al Lopez, NEVER won a World Series title, despite some
close calls with the Chicago White Sox. Sadly, Billy Martin was killed in a car accident in 1989. Billy Martin was a winner and deserves to be in the Hall Of Fame.
Rangers (1973-75), New York Yankees (1976-79; 1983, 1985, 1988), Oakland A's (1980-82). Billy Martin was an ideal team player. While he was an all-star infielder
(1956) for the New York Yankees, Billy's batting statistics are not going to gather any Hall of Fame interest, though I should mention that Billy "the Kid" did post a terrific
World Series batting mark of .333 in 5 World Series (including a killer .500 batting average (12 for 24), 2B, 2 3B, 2 HRs, and 8 RBIs in the '53 Series vs. Brooklyn). But it is
as a manager that Billy Martin excelled. In his first season as skipper of the Minnesota Twins (1969), Martin led the club to a 1st place finish (97-65 record). The problem
with Martin was that he wanted to win, whatever the cost, whether fighting with his own players, owners, or marshmallow salesman. Martin managed only the one season in
1969, was fired and re-appeared as manager of the Detroit Tigers. There, Martin proceeded to win again, finishing 2nd in 1971, 1st in 1972, 3rd in 1973. Then he went to
Texas and got the Rangers to go from a 6th place team in 1973 to a 2nd place finish in 1974. In 1975, Billy Martin took over as manager of his beloved New York Yankees
and they went from 3rd in the AL East (1975) to 1st place and a World Series in 1976. The Yankees lost to the Big Red Machine that year, but in both 1977 and 1978,
Martin's Yankees not only came in 1st place again, but also won both World Series against the Dodgers. Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and Billy Martin were
constantly at odds, so much so that they both appeared on early Miller Lite Beer television commercials ("Tastes great Billy." Less Filling George." "Billy, you're fired.").
Steinbrenner fired and rehired Martin on several occasions, too many to mention here. But Martin did bring the Yankees back to the World Series for the first time since
1964 and their first Championship since 1962. Martin made headlines again when he brought "Billy Ball" to the Oakland A's (Billy grew up in the Bay area). The A's
finished a respectable 2nd in their division in 1980 and the following year, 1981 they finished 1st in the first half of the season (strike year) and 2nd the second half of the
season. Billy Martin returned to the Yankees off and on from 1983 to 1988, bringing the Yankees to a 2nd place finish in 1985. In all, Martin's career managerial record
stands at 1,253 wins and 1,013 loses (.553 winning percentage). He led his clubs to 5 first place finishes and 4 2nd place finishes. His teams won 1 pennant and 2 World
Championships. Compare that to Hall of Famer managers like Miller Huggins. Huggins is in the Hall of Fame probably on the basis of winning 3 World Series Titles and
numerous pennants with the "Murderer's Row" New York Yankees. However those Yankees featured Hall Of Fame players Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Tony Lazzeri, Bill
Dickey (to name a few) and I would think it safe to say that even Grady Little would have won a World Series with those guys. Huggins had a lifetime winning percentage of
.555, just .002 points higher than Martin's and with much better teams to boot. Another Hall Of Fame manager, Al Lopez, NEVER won a World Series title, despite some
close calls with the Chicago White Sox. Sadly, Billy Martin was killed in a car accident in 1989. Billy Martin was a winner and deserves to be in the Hall Of Fame.
1972 Topps #441 Thurman Munson
Thurman Lee Munson. Born June 7, 1947, died August 2, 1979. Catcher for the New York Yankees from 1969-1979. With Munson behind the plate, the Yankees went
to 3 World Series (1976-78), winning two Championships. A lifetime .292 hitter, Munson played only 11 seasons when he was tragically killed in a plane crash during the
prime of his career. He was not a big long ball threat, like say Johnny Bench (though he did hit 20 home runs in 1973), however he was a clutch line drive hitter. In
League Championship play, Munson batted .339 including 21 hits, 2 HRS, and 10 RBIs. In the World Series, he batted even higher, .373, which was third all-time at the
time of his death. He had 25 hits including a HR and 12 RBIs in World Series competition. Fielding? How about a lifetime .982 percentage. He won 3 Gold Glove awards
(1973-75). Munson was also a leader, and was named Yankees "captain" for his leadership skills. His lifetime stats in only 11 seasons include 1,558 hits, 229 doubles,
113 HRs, 696 runs, 701 RBIs and only 571 strikeouts. Compare those 11 year stats to Hall of Fame catcher Ray Schalk and you will wonder what the writers are smoking
up there in the press box. Over a 162 game schedule, Munson would have averaged 177 hits, 26 doubles, 4 triples, 13 home runs, and 80 RBIs. Add to the fact that he
was a team leader and Gold Glove catcher and are you telling me that Thurman Munson is not a Hall of Famer? From what I gather, Munson is not in the HOF because
his career was too short. Yet the baseball writers had no problem voting Kirby Puckett in after his career was cut short due to glacoma. Personally, I was a Red Sox fan
when Munson was playing, so I was a Carlton Fisk fan; however I hated Munson because he was a great player and he was on the Yankees. Now if this Red Sox fan feels
Thurman Munson is a Hall of Famer, I don't know how in the hell the writers (& Veterans Committee) can keep him out. It's a real tragedy.
to 3 World Series (1976-78), winning two Championships. A lifetime .292 hitter, Munson played only 11 seasons when he was tragically killed in a plane crash during the
prime of his career. He was not a big long ball threat, like say Johnny Bench (though he did hit 20 home runs in 1973), however he was a clutch line drive hitter. In
League Championship play, Munson batted .339 including 21 hits, 2 HRS, and 10 RBIs. In the World Series, he batted even higher, .373, which was third all-time at the
time of his death. He had 25 hits including a HR and 12 RBIs in World Series competition. Fielding? How about a lifetime .982 percentage. He won 3 Gold Glove awards
(1973-75). Munson was also a leader, and was named Yankees "captain" for his leadership skills. His lifetime stats in only 11 seasons include 1,558 hits, 229 doubles,
113 HRs, 696 runs, 701 RBIs and only 571 strikeouts. Compare those 11 year stats to Hall of Fame catcher Ray Schalk and you will wonder what the writers are smoking
up there in the press box. Over a 162 game schedule, Munson would have averaged 177 hits, 26 doubles, 4 triples, 13 home runs, and 80 RBIs. Add to the fact that he
was a team leader and Gold Glove catcher and are you telling me that Thurman Munson is not a Hall of Famer? From what I gather, Munson is not in the HOF because
his career was too short. Yet the baseball writers had no problem voting Kirby Puckett in after his career was cut short due to glacoma. Personally, I was a Red Sox fan
when Munson was playing, so I was a Carlton Fisk fan; however I hated Munson because he was a great player and he was on the Yankees. Now if this Red Sox fan feels
Thurman Munson is a Hall of Famer, I don't know how in the hell the writers (& Veterans Committee) can keep him out. It's a real tragedy.