With all due respect to Ivan Rodriguez and Vladimir Guerrero, statistically speaking,
Manny Ramirez is the top dog of the new possibilities for the 2017 Class. We will also say, he was the most entertaining. We are all aware of the eccentric “Manny being Manny moments, but ahead of all that was a man who was an incredible hitter who had a career slash line of .312/.411/.585/.996 that included one Batting Title, three On Base Percentage Titles, three Slugging Titles, and three OPS Titles. Most importantly of all, Ramirez maintained his offensive production in the Post Season and was the Most Valuable Player for the Boston Red Sox in their World Series win in 2004. Arguably, Manny Ramirez is one of the most prolific offensive superstars to never win an MVP award, or even make a runner-up, though he was in the top ten in voting eight ties, and he has more than enough stats to be a Hall of Fame entry.
Still, we all know what the elephant in the room is here don’t we? “Manny being Manny” meant Manny injecting himself with Performance Enhancing Drugs, and unlike many suspected PED users, Ramirez WAS caught and served a suspension for it. If alleged PED use keeps superstars out, confirmed PED use will probably keep him out, regardless of what the stats say.
Should Manny Ramirez be in the Hall of Fame?
Definitely put him in! - 55%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 2%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 6%
Comments
Um Jeff Bagwell??
I'm from Cleveland, and MAnny and thome were batting 6-8 in the lineup back in the 90s. Loaded!
However, players are still using, still getting caught--and still getting big contracts from teams looking to put a "quality product on the field" even after the penalty phase. This is no longer an individual issue--it's institutiona l. This is part of the business of baseball.
It is then hypocritical for the Hall of Fame to appoint itself as the arbiter of moral behavior when its sport has no problem with cheating for business efficiency. That is a crooked and dishonest illusion.
Manny Ramirez was one of the best hitters of his time and of all-time. That is what we honor in the Hall of Fame.
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