1958 PRELIMINARY RESULTS:

Thank you to all of you who have participated in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project. If you are unaware of what that is, simply, we acted as if the PFHOF had its first class in January 1946.

We have completed the first 13 years thus far.

For “1958,” a Preliminary Vote with close to 130 players whose playing career ended by 1952. We are also following the structure in that players have 20 years of eligibility, and if they do not make it into the Hall, they are relegated to the Senior Pool.

Each voter was asked to select 25 names from the preliminary list, and the top 25 vote-getters were named Semi-Finalists.

A week later, the voters will be asked to pick 15 names from the 25 Semi-Finalists, and next after, they will pick five from the remaining 15. We will continue this process weekly until we catch up to the current year.

Please note that a significant change took place, allowing voters to submit less than the allotted spots. 

30 Votes took place

This is for the “Modern Era”

Bold indicates they advanced to the Semi-Finals:

This is for the “Senior Era”

Bold indicates they advanced to the Semi-Finals:

*Indicates that they will be removed from the ballot permanently.

Next Saturday, we will be posting the results of the 1958 Semi-Finalists of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project.

Thank you to all who contributed. If you want to be part of this project, please let us know!

Wayne Simmonds contributed significantly to the legacy of black hockey players, and for a while, he was one of the top scoring threats for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Simmonds started his NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings after being drafted in the Second Round in 2007. Only a year later, he made it to the main roster. Despite showing promise, the Kings considered him expendable and traded him to the Flyers for veteran Mike Richards as part of their push for the Stanley Cup.

Simmonds received more ice time in Philadelphia, where he was adored for his scoring, hitting, and fighting abilities. Between 2013-14 and 2016-17, he had a four-year run in which he scored at least 50 points (60 in two of those years) and racked up over 100 penalty minutes four times. Simmonds also emerged as a locker room leader with the Flyers, and he was finally selected to the All-Star Game in 2017, where he represented Philadelphia well and was named the game’s MVP.

With Philadelphia on the decline, Nashville traded for the winger (who was in his contract year) in 2019, hoping to add his grit and veteran presence. Simmonds became the first player to win the Mark Messier Leadership Award while playing for two different teams. After that, he signed with New Jersey and concluded his career with brief stops in Buffalo and three years in Toronto.

He scored 526 goals in 1,037 games over his career.

Tomas Plekanec played most of his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens, where he played 15 seasons and 984 of his 1,001 Games.  While he was not a superstar, he did have 608 career Points, with six seasons scoring at least 50.  Plekanec was a good two-way player and finished as high as seventh in Frank J. Selke in one year and received votes five other times. He played for the Habs until he was traded to Toronto in 2018, though he did come to Montreal for three Games in 2018-19.

After that brief return to Montreal, Plekanec returned to the Czech league until he retired in the 2022-23 Season. 

The Hockey Hall of Fame is not likely to call his name, but he has an outside shot for the IIHF Hall of Fame, as he represented the Czech Republic in two Olympics, one World Cup and eleven World Championships.

The saga of Chris Webber’s induction into the Hall of Fame reads like a script out of a sports drama - complete with incredible highs, challenging lows, and a career that, while celebrated, often sparked debate over its recognition at the highest level. In the world of nba selections, where talent abounds and competition is fierce, getting a nod to the Hall of Fame is a testament to a player's outstanding contributions to the game. Chris Webber's journey there is a tale worth telling, illustrating not just his on-court prowess but the intangible ways in which he left an indelible mark on the sport.

Understanding the puzzle of recognition

The Hall of Fame serves as the pinnacle of acknowledgement for basketball players, a symbol of their impact and legacy. For Chris Webber, whose career spanned 15 rollercoaster years, the road to recognition was fraught with anticipation. Despite being a five-time NBA All-Star and a pivotal member of the Sacramento Kings, where he propelled the team to new heights, his journey to the Hall of Fame recognition was a lengthy process, filled with debates among fans and analysts alike. His impact, undeniably significant, was measured against the backdrop of basketball’s ever-evolving landscape and the myriad of stars vying for this honor.

Webber’s undeniable mark on the game

Chris Webber's career was distinguished by more than just numbers, though his statistics are impressive. Beyond the points, rebounds, and assists, it was Webber's ability to redefine the power forward position that stood out. His versatility allowed him to be effective everywhere on the court, making him one of the first in a new breed of players who could do it all. This adaptability not only made him a formidable opponent but also shifted the paradigm for how players in his position would be viewed in the future. Webber's signature games, especially during the early 2000s with the Sacramento Kings, left fans in awe and solidified his place as one of the most talented players of his generation.

The ongoing debate over Hall of Fame worthiness

For years, the discussion around Chris Webber's Hall of Fame candidacy was a hot topic. Critics pointed to the absence of an NBA Championship ring as a significant gap in his resume. However, supporters argued that focusing purely on championships undermines the individual impact a player can have on the game. They highlighted Webber's leadership, both on and off the court, as well as his role in changing how the power forward position was played. Moreover, Webber’s contributions extended beyond the hardwood floors; his work as a broadcaster and analyst has enriched the game's narrative, providing insights that only a player of his caliber could offer.

A legacy beyond the statistics

When Chris Webber was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021, it was a moment of validation not just for him but for those who advocate for a more nuanced approach to evaluating legacy. Webber's journey emphasizes that contribution to the sport isn’t solely about accolades or championships. It's about influence, innovation, and the ability to inspire the next generation. These are the markers of true greatness, the components that, when woven together, create a Hall of Fame-worthy career. Chris Webber's story, from his early days in Michigan to his profound impact in the NBA, serves as a reminder that the path to recognition is varied and filled with lessons that transcend the game.

Chris Webber's induction is not just a personal triumph but a celebration of basketball's  rich and diverse history. It’s a testament to how players can shape the game in myriad ways, touching lives and inspiring countless individuals both on and off the court. As future generations look back on Webber’s career, they’ll find a player who embodied the spirit of the sport, who played with heart, and whose legacy extends far beyond the boundaries of a basketball court.