Committee Chairman

Alfonso Soriano Retires

Nov 06, 2014

It was announced today that seven time All Star Alfonso Soriano has officially retired from Major League Baseball. The 38 year old Dominican born player spent sixteen seasons in the Majors, predominantly with the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs.

Soriano had a rough start to his professional career, electing to begin in Japan with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, only playing nine games and seeking an out to his distaste of the Japanese style of discipline and play. After legal red tape was cut through, he would sign as a Free Agent with the New York Yankees, where in 2001 he would win the starting Second Baseman’s job and finish third in American League Rookie of the Year voting.

The season after, Soriano would have what would be regarded as his best season, leading the American League in Runs Scored, Hits and Stolen Bases with a career high .300 Batting Average. This was the season that he finished third in AL MVP voting. Soriano, would execute significant power and speed numbers in his career, contributing a tally of 412 Home Runs with 289 Stolen Bases.

Soriano would be part of the trade for Alex Rodriguez and find a new home with the Texas Rangers where he would stay for two seasons remaining productive on the offense. He would be traded to Washington, and though he had another good season with his bat, Manager Frank Robinson inserted him into Left Field, a position he initially refused to go to.

As a Free Agent, Soriano signed with the Chicago Cubs where he continued to execute power and speed. In his second year with Chicago, he made his seventh consecutive All Star Game and he would play there another five years before returning to play for the Yankees in 2013.

Soriano would be released in July of this year and would not latch onto another team. Citing that his desire for the game was not the same, he announced his retirement.

Although the four time Silver Slugger put up good numbers, his lack of defensive skill gave him a career bWAR of 27.2, and overall it is unlikely that he will gain admission to the hallowed halls of Cooperstown. Still, this was a very good career and one that Yankees and Cubs fans likely have fond memories of.

Black College HOF announces 2015 Class

Nov 06, 2014

Published in Not in Hall of Fame News

In 2010, the Black College Hall of Fame first came into fruition, honoring College Football players who plied their craft at historically Black Colleges in the United States. Today, they have announced the class of 2015, which we thought it would be fun to take a look at.

Richard Dent, Tennessee State: 1979-82. The Defensive Tackle helped the Tigers get to the Division 1AA Semi Finals. He would be a member of the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bow Championship Team and enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Roger Brown, East Maryland Shore: 1956-59. The Defensive Tackle would later star for the Detroit Lions in the 1960’s. East Maryland Shore no longer has a Football program.

L.C. Greenwood, Arkansas AMNM College: 1965-68. The Defensive End starred at what is now called Arkansas Pine Bluff. Greenwood would help the Pittsburgh Steelers win four Super Bowls in the 1970’s.

Ernie Ladd, Grambling State: 1957-60. The “Big Cat” terrorized opponents in the SWAC in College, the AFL with the Chargers and in the ring as a Professional Wrestler.

Ken Riley, Florida A&M: 1965-68. Played Quarterback at Florida A&M before shifting to Cornerback in the NFL in a career that saw him have a fifteen year career with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Donnie Shell, South Carolina State: 1970-73. Shell played Cornerback at SC State and went on to a pro career with the Pittsburgh Steelers winning four Super Bowls and recording 51 Interceptions.

W.C. Gorden, Jackson State: 1977-91. Gorden took Jackson State to 8 SWAC Championships and had a record of 118-47-5.

This group brings the total number of inductees to 58. This year’s induction ceremony will be on February 28, 2015.

The 2017 Football Futures are now up

Nov 05, 2014

Published in Not in Hall of Fame News

A few days ago, we uploaded those who are eligible for the Football Hall of Fame in 2016. They are ready for you to cast a vote and give your opinions, and we will remain up until we pluck the top eligible for our Notinhalloffame.com Football list.

As such we are ready to present the former players who are eligible for Canton in 2017. The players chosen have at least had one Pro Bowl appearance or an All Pro Selection.

They are as follows:

Albert Haynesworth: 2 First Team All Pro Selections, 2 Pro Bowls, 1 Time NFL Alumni Defensive Back of the Year, 30.5 Quarterback Sacks. Titans 2002-08, Redskins 2009-10, Patriots 2011 & Buccaneers 2011.

Brian Dawkins: 4 First Team All Pro Selections, 9 Pro Bowls, 37 Interceptions, 26 Quarterback Sacks. Eagles 1996-2008 & Broncos 2009-11.

Chad Johnson: 2 First Team All Pro Selections, 6 Pro Bowls, 11,059 Receiving Yards, 67 Touchdowns. Bengals 2001-10 & Patriots 2011.

Derrick Mason: 1 First Team All Pro Selection, 2 Pro Bowls, 12,061 Receiving Yards, 5,086 Return Yards, 69 Touchdowns. Oilers/Titans 1997-2005, Ravens 2006-10, Jets 2011 & Texans 2011.

Hines Ward: 2 Super Bowls Championships with Pittsburgh XL & XLIII, Super Bowl XL MVP, 4 Pro Bowls, 12,083 Receiving Yards, 86 Touchdowns. Steelers 1998-2011.

Jason Taylor: 1 Time AP Defensive Player of the Year, Walter Payton Man of the Year, 2 Time NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year, 3 First Team All Pro Selections, 6 Pro Bowls, 1 Time Sack Title, 139.5 Quarterback Sacks. Dolphins 1997-2007, Redskins 2008, Dolphins 2009, Jets 2010 & Dolphins 2011.

Jeremy Shockey: 2 Time Super Bowl Champion with New York XL!! & New Orleans XVIV, 1 Time NFL Alumni Tight End of the Year, 1 First Team All Pro Selection, 4 Pro Bowls, 6,143 Receiving Yards, 37 Touchdowns. Giants 2002-07, Saints 2008-10 & Panthers 2011.

Joey Porter: 1 Time Super Bowl Champion with Pittsburgh XL, 1 First Team All Pro Selection, 4 Pro Bowls, 98 Quarterback Sacks, 12 Interceptions. Steelers 1999-2006, Dolphins 2008-09 & Cardinals 2010-11.

Kris Dielman: 4 Pro Bowls. Chargers 2003-11.

LaDanian Tomlinson: 1 Time AP MVP, 3 First Team All Pro Selections, 5 Pro Bowls, 2 Rushing Titles, Walter Payton Man of the Year, 13,684 Rushing Yards, 4,772 Receiving Yards, 163 Touchdowns. Chargers 2001-09 & Jets 2010-11.

Olin Kreutz: 1 First Team All Pro Selection, 6 Pro Bowls. Bears 1998-2010 & Saints 2011.

Ricky Williams: 1 First Team All Pro Selection, 1 Pro Bowl, 1 Rushing Title, 10,009 Rushing Yards, 2,606 Receiving Yards, 74 Touchdowns. Saints 1999-2001, Dolphins 2002-03, 2005 & 2007-10 & Ravens 2011.

With all of the above, you can click on each individual player and go right to his page to vote. You can click here to go to the entire 2017 page.

As always, thank you for your support and we look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Baseball Golden Era Nominees Announced

Nov 04, 2014

Published in Not in Hall of Fame News

Recently, the National Baseball Hall of Fame announced this year’s Golden Era Ballot. The Golden Era Committee replaced the Veteran’s Committee in 2010 and specifically looks at the players/contributors from 1947 to 1972. This vote takes place every three years, and 75 percent is required of the 16 members to earn induction. In 2011, the first year instituted, the late Ron Santo was chosen.

We are going to take a quick look at the ten men chosen for the ballot, and list them in order of rank on our website:

Gil Hodges, Ranked #15. Received as high as 60.1 % votes for the Hall of Fame in both 1976 and 1981. 8 All Star Games, 3 Gold Gloves, 2 World Series Rings. 44.9 bWAR, 370 Home Runs, .273/.359/.487 Slash Line.   Dodgers 1943, 1946-61 & Mets 1962-63. Hodges received 9 votes on the 2011 Ballot.

Minnie Minoso, Ranked #26. Received as high as 21.1% votes for the Hall of Fame in 1988. 7 All Stars, 1 Hits Title, 1 Doubles Title, 3 Triples Titles, 3 Stolen Bases Titles. Career bWAR on 50.1, 186 Home Runs, .298/.389/.459 Slash Line. Indians 1949 & 1951, White Sox 1951-57, Indians 1958-59, White Sox 1960-61, Cardinals 1962, White Sox 1964 & 1976 & 1980. Minoso received 9 votes on the 2011 Ballot.

Dick Allen, Ranked #27. Received as high as 18.7% votes for the Hall of Fame in 1996. 1972 American League MVP, 1964 National League Rookie of the Year, 7 All Star Games, 2 OBP Titles, 3 Slugging Titles, 4 OPS Titles, 2 Home Run Titles, 1 RBI Title. Career bWAR of 58.7, 351 HR, .292/.378/.534 Slash Line.   Phillies 1963-69, Cardinals 1970, Dodgers 1971, White Sox 1972-74, Phillies 1975-76 & Athletics 1977. This is Allen’s first time on this Ballot.

Jim Kaat, Ranked #30. Received as high as 29.6% votes for the Hall of Fame in 1993. 3 All Stars, 1 Wins Title, 16 Gold Gloves, 1 World Series Ring. 45.3 bWAR, 283 and 237 Record, 2,461 Strikeouts. Senators/Twins 1959-73, White Sox 1973-75, Phillies 1976-79, Yankees 1979-80 & Cardinals 1980-83. Kaat had 10 votes on the 2011 Ballot.

Tony Oliva, Ranked #38. Received as high as 47.3% vote for the Hall of Fame in 1988. 1964 American League Rookie of the Year, 8 All Star Games, 1 Gold Glove, 3 Batting Titles, 1 Slugging Title, 5 Hits Titles, 3 Doubles Title. 43.0 bWAR, 220 Home Runs, .304/.353/.476 Slash Line. Twins 1962-76. Oliva received 8 votes on the 2011 Ballot.

Luis Tiant, Ranked #40. Received as high as 30.9% vote for the Hall of Fame in 1988. 3 All Star Games, 2 Earned Run Average Titles, 1 WHIP Title. 66.1 bWAR, 229 and 171 Record, 2,416 Strikeouts. Indians 1964-69, Twins 1969, Red Sox 1970-78, Yankees 1979-80, Pirates 1981 & Angels 1982. Tiant received 3 Votes on the 2011 Ballot.

Ken Boyer, Ranked #53. Received as high as 25.5% votes for the Hall of Fame in 1988. 1964 National League MVP, 7 All Star Games, 5 Gold Gloves, 1 RBI Title, 1 World Series Ring. 62.8 bWAR, 255 HR, .293/.356/.475 Slash Line. Cardinals 1955-65, Mets 1966-67, White Sox 1967-68 & Dodgers 1968-69. Allen received 3 votes on the 2011 Ballot.

Billy Pierce, Ranked #71. Received as high as 1.9% votes for the Hall of Fame in 1971. 7 All Star Games, 1 Wins Title, 1 Earned Run Average Title, 1 Strikeouts Title, 1 WHIP Title. 211 and 169 Record, 1,999 Strikeouts. Tigers 1945 & 1948, White Sox 1949-61 & Giants 1962-64. This is Pierce’s first time on this Ballot.

Maury Wills, Ranked #72. Received as high as 40.6% votes for the Hall of Fame in 1981. 2 Time World Series Champion with the Dodgers. 1962 National League MVP, 7 All Star Games, 6 Stolen Bases Titles, 1 Triples Title. 39.5 bWAR, 586 Stolen Bases, .281/.330/.331 Slash Line. Dodgers 1959-65, Pirates 1967-68, Expos 1969 & Dodgers 1969-72. This is Wills first time on the Ballot.

Bob Howsam. Unranked. Founder of the Continental League which heped to cause MLB expansion from 16 to 20 Teams. General Manager of the Reds from 1967 to 77 and architect of the “Big Red Machine” winning two World Series Rings. Howsam is unranked as our site currently only ranks players.

Charlie Finley, Allie Reynolds and Buzzie Bavasi all received 3 votes in 2011, but did not return to this ballot.

Dennis O, who will be blogging for us here soon at Notinhalloffame.com, had a few things that he wanted to add, regarding a few players who may have been worthy of consideration for these spots:

Bert Campaneris: The best Base Stealer of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Between 1965 and 1972 Bert Campeneris won 6 of 8 Stolen Base titles and also had one late career 50+ Stolen Base season and finished with 649 Steals. He had 62 SB in a season and did that twice.   A decent hitter with 2,000 Hits and a little pop in his bat. Smooth Fielder.

Mickey Vernon: Best fielding First Baseman of any era. He holds the record for the most double plays participated in by a First Baseman; a record that has stood since 1959. Vernon could turn well-placed bunts into outs and he could stop the hard one-hop smash that would have eaten up most First Basemen and turn it into a 3-6-3 Double Play. A lifetime .286 Hitter. Hit. 300 only four times, but he could occasionally “dial it up” leading the AL in hitting twice in 1946 (.353) and in 1953 (.337). Played from 1939 to 1960 and is a four decade player.

Vada Pinson: Had Doubles to Home Run power and was great batting #3 in the Red’s lineup ahead of Frank Robinson. Had over 2,500 Hits.

Roger Maris: 61 in ’61. Enough Said!

Lou Burdette: 203-144; a .590 Winning Percentage. Two 20 Win Seasons and win totals in the high teens several times. Famous for his 3 Wins in the 1957 World Series, including a Game 7 shutout over the Yankees, he had two Shutouts and three Complete Games with a 0.67 ERA.

Elroy Face: Somehow, Hoyt Wilhelm has gotten the credit of being the best Reliever in the Majors of the late 50’s and early 60’s, when Face actually was.

Danny Murtaugh: Led the Pittsburgh Pirates to the 1960 and 1971 World Championships and numerous division titles. He would have accomplished much more and probably have been elected to the Hall of Fame already if not for his sudden at age 59.

Thanks again to Dennis O., for adding some input. We certainly encourage you all to do the same!

Of note the sixteen men who will be voting on this committee are:

Hall of Fame players, Jim Bunning, Rod Carew, Ferguson Jenkins, Al Kaline, Ozzie Smith and Don Sutton. Executives, Pat Gillick, Jim Frey, David Glass, Roland Hemond and Bob Watson. Media & Historians, Steve Hirdt, Dick Kaegel, Phil Pepe and Tracy Ringolsby.

What do all of you think will transpire with this vote?