Listening to the Dan Patrick Show today, former Home Run Slugger Mark McGwire declared that he would not vote for himself for the Baseball Hall of Fame. His rationale was simple; and though he did not exactly say it point blank, it was his belief that as a former PED user he did not meet the guidelines that are in place. He would go on to say that it was a perception that he would not fight and that he had the utmost respect or the Hall of Fame.

It is not like this declaration is likely to change the voters’ minds. Sure, we have this irrational love of tearing down heroes when they have done something we feel is erroneous and praising them once they admit the “error of their ways”. It is difficult to think that McGwire would make such a declaration based on a belief that his “salvation” will appeal to the Baseball Writers. He did not even hit 20 percent on the last vote (75 is needed to get in), and a complete reversal of popular opinion will have to allow the likes of McGwire, Sosa, Bonds, Clemens and Palmeiro to enter Cooperstown. It may take decades where we have a less sanctimonious view of the Steroids Era, if that happens at all.

Here is what we do know; we far prefer this Mark McGwire than the one who stood before congress declaring oafishly that he wasn’t there to talk about the past. Granted he came off better than Sammy Sosa, whose sudden ignorance of the English language was some of the greatest unintentional comedy this side of Barry Bonds’ inflated head (actually, that was literal). We also know that pegging the amount of PED users of that era was next to impossible and that depending on what figure you believe it could have easily been the half the League.   We also know Baseball (and fans) put its collective heads in the sands when McGwire and many others were shattering records. Check out past articles of ESPN and Sports Illustrated, many of which came up with theories of a “juiced ball”, dilution of pitchers due to expansion or just simply that athletes were “better”.

So should Mark McGwire despite his recent declaration get into the Hall of Fame? Our answer is yes, but we don’t feel angry to those who disagree; though we ask if you thought that in the mid 90’s.

It may not have gotten a lot of attention around sports circles, even in the Basektball-centric ones, but Mehmet Okur retired today. At only the age of 33, Okur cited injuries and an inability to play at a high level for the reason for his retirement. He lasted played for the Nets, where he had career lows in all major categories.

The name Mehmet Okur may not seem synonymous with legend, nor will he be someone that we will champion on our Notinhalloffame.com Basketball List. However, he did establish some interesting NBA footnotes with an International scope. Okur became the first Turkish born player to hoist an NBA Championship (with Detroit in 2004) and was the first to become an All Star in 2007. He posted solid seasons with the Jazz in the mid 00’s, and was a very good part of that organization. Okur may not be the best player ever out of Turkey (Hedo Turkoglu may have a solid claim to that spot), but he is a big part of the growth of the sport in his homeland. It may not be Hall of Fame worthy in North America, but in Turkey…..It should be.

Recently, we unveiled the 2015 Future List for the Baseball Hall of Fame. How about we take it one step further? We here at Notinhalloffame.com have now taken it to the year 2016. Here are the people who you can vote and give your opinions on for that class. 

Bengie Molina
Billy Wagner
Bob Howry
Brad Ausmus
Chan Ho Park
Christian Guzman
Damaso Marte
David Eckstein
Fernando Tatis
Garrett Anderson
Gary Matthews Jr.
Jason Kendall
Jay Payton
Jeff Weaver
Jim Edmonds
Jose Guillen
Ken Griffey Jr.
Luis Castillo
Mark Grudzielanek
Mike Hampton
Mike Lowell
Mike Sweeney
Randy Winn
Russ Ortiz
Russ Springer
Trevor Hoffman
Troy Glaus
 

You know what to do! Take a look and cast your vote!

Ten names have been named by the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Pre Integration Committee. It is a list that features names that have a prominent ranking on our Notinhalloffame.com Baseball List. Let’s take a look at who is on the ballot!

Bill Dahlen: This one makes us very happy. Ranked #6 on our list, the mean tempered “Bad” Bill Dahlen has been a champion of sabremetricians for years. With a career WAR in the top fifty, Dahlen did have solid traditional numbers as well. This is the second time he has been nominated by the Pre Induction committee, although he only received a fraction of a percent on his lone year on the ballot in 1938. An induction for Dahlen will be a victory for the stat geeks.

Tony Mullane: A pre 1900 pitcher, the ambidextrous Mullane was a top star who had 284 career wins. He probably would have easily reached the magical 300 mark had he not been suspended for one season and sat out for part of another. We have him ranked #17 on our list and this is the first time he has appeared on the Pre Integration ballot. He never obtained a single vote for the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers of America.

Deacon White: A barehanded catcher in Baseball’s early days, Deacon White won two Batting Titles in the 1870’s. Yes….the 1870’s! White is another in the list of old time baseball players whom sabremetricians feel have not gotten their proper due from Cooperstown. White holds the #30 rank on our list and this is the second time he has made the Pre Integration ballot.

Wes Ferrell: The ultra-competitive Ferrell would be steamed to know that he is still not in Cooperstown. Before he blew out his arm, Ferrell was on his way to immortality, but he did manage a 193 and 128 record, largely without playing for any great teams. Considered by some as the best hitting pitcher ever (and also a very good fielder), many experts have made a case for Ferrell for induction. We have him ranked #50 and his highest vote tally was 3.6 in 1956.

Bucky Walters: An exceptionally good hitting pitcher, Bucky Walters posted one of the best seasons in Baseball in 1939 where he won the NL MVP and the coveted Pitcher’s Triple Crown. Walters was not a one season wonder, as he was a top five MVP candidate on two other occasions. Walters did not hit the 200 win mark due to a late start, but this is the second time that he has been considered by the Pre Integration Committee. He is ranked #74 on our list and peaked at 23.7 on the Hall of Fame ballot in 1968.

Marty Marion: Ranked #86 on our list, the defensive wizard won the 1944 National League MVP. Nicknamed the “Octopus”, Marion was actually named to eight consecutive All Star Games, and was easily one of the best defensive Baseball players in his era. At the plate, it was a different story as he had limited power, and never once batted over .280. Marion peaked at an even 40 percent on the Hall of Fame ballot in 1970.

The ballot also included four non players. Former St. Louis Cardinals majority owner Sam Breadon was nominated. Under his tenure, the Cardinals emerged as one of the top teams in the National League. Another former owner, Jacob Ruppert was also nominated. He owned the Yankees and was the man who bought Babe Ruth’s contract from the Red Sox. Subsequently, it was under his watch that the original Yankee stadium was built. They are joined by former player, Alfred Reach, who is more known for his contributions in baseball equipment and former Umpire, Hank O’Day.

To be selected, the Veterans Committee must have their name on at least 75 percent of the ballot. They will be meeting on December 3 of this year to make their decision.