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Committee Chairman

Kirk Buchner, "The Committee Chairman", is the owner and operator of the site.  Kirk can be contacted at [email protected] .

James Harrison is a preliminary nominee for the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class, but when asked about his chances by TMZSports he said that he is not worthy of a bust in Canton.

“As far as Hall of Fame, you know, it's a lot of things that goes into that…And I believe numbers is one of those things, you know? And when you look at my numbers, they just don't, for me, they don't equate to what the numbers should be."

Harrison has a lot on his resume, namely two Super Bowl Ring, two First Team All-Pros, five Pro Bowls and a Defensive Player of the Year Award.  Statistically speaking, Harrison had 84.5 Sacks, 128 Tackles for Loss and 150 Quarterback Hits.

On our most recent Notinhalloffame.com list of those to consider for the PFHOF, Harrison was ranked #52.

Will Harrison enter the Hall?  Either way, you know we will be watching.

Ah, the delightful conundrum of selecting between two guitar legends! Gibson, the venerable craftsman of guitars, has introduced two titans to the music world: the Gibson J45 Standard and the Gibson Hummingbird. 

It's akin to the delightful quandary of choosing your favourite ice cream flavour; both are delectable, but they possess distinct flavours. Let's delve into this musical showdown and determine which one might become your cherished six-string companion.

Identifying the Models

Gibson J45 Standard

The J45 Standard is akin to the James Bond of guitars—sleek, versatile, and prepared to handle any musical mission. Its round-shoulder dreadnought shape and slim-taper neck make it as comfortable as your beloved pair of pyjamas. 

Constructed with a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this guitar emanates a warm, inviting tone that's akin to a melodic embrace.

Key features of the Gibson J45 Standard:

  • Round-shoulder dreadnought shape
  • Solid Sitka spruce top
  • Mahogany back and sides
  • Slim-taper neck

Gibson Hummingbird

In contrast, the Hummingbird stands as the rock star in Gibson's lineup. It's comparable to the Mick Jagger of guitars — dazzling and unforgettable. Adorned with its square-shoulder dreadnought shape and elaborate pickguard, it's a visual feast. 

This guitar's larger body and rounded neck contribute to a resounding and warmer tone, accentuated by a robust bass presence. Much like the J45 Standard, it is meticulously crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, ensuring top-tier craftsmanship.

Notable aspects of the Gibson Hummingbird:

  • Square-shoulder dreadnought shape
  • Solid Sitka spruce top
  • Mahogany back and sides
  • Rounded neck profile

In essence, the Gibson J45 Standard is akin to your reliable confidant, always there when needed, while the Hummingbird is the ostentatious life of the party, commanding the spotlight. However, the pressing question is, how do they sound?

Sound and Tone Comparison

Let's elevate our knowledge amplifier and contrast the sound and tone of these exceptional instruments.

Volume and Sustain Differences

The J45 and Hummingbird are analogous to two distinct flavours of your favoured snack. The J45, with its round-shoulder dreadnought design, offers a measured and precise sound—a serene jazz station in the realm of guitars. 

Conversely, the Hummingbird, with its square-shoulder dreadnought configuration, ushers in thunderous resonance, delivering a resounding bass and a volume level that could rouse the neighbours.

Regarding sustain, the J45 may relinquish its grip slightly earlier than the Hummingbird, but we are merely dealing with fractions of a second here. It becomes a consequential factor solely when striving to sustain a note indefinitely.

Tonal Variations

In the domain of tonal disparity, these guitars emulate two distinctive radio stations. The J45 emits warm, melodic, and woody tones—perfect for singer-songwriters and aficionados of a sonorous midrange. It's akin to the cozy armchair of tonal resonance, inviting and familiar.

Conversely, the Hummingbird offers a brighter, crisper tonal quality. It resembles the high-definition television of guitars, bestowing each note with unparalleled clarity and lending an extra sheen to your chords. Moreover, its pronounced bass imparts a profound dimension akin to descending into a melodic abyss.

Both instruments are user-friendly, yet they exhibit distinct neck profiles. The J45 boasts a sleeker neck, catering to those with more delicate fingers. In contrast, the Hummingbird features a sturdier grip with its thicker, rounded neck, ideal for unleashing your inner guitar virtuoso.

Final Verdict

In the ultimate face-off between the Gibson J45 Standard and the Hummingbird, it becomes apparent that both guitars reign as sovereigns of the guitar realm. Each possesses unique attributes, reminiscent of siblings with their individual idiosyncrasies. The J45 Standard embodies the role of the dependable, affable sibling, while the Hummingbird embraces the flamboyant, captivating persona.

So, who emerges victorious? The verdict lies entirely in your hands, esteemed guitarist. Your musical style, tonal preferences, and ergonomic inclinations will dictate the champion. Therefore, venture forth to your nearest music emporium, strum away, and may the most resonant Gibson capture your heart!

It is with great pleasure that we continue the third annual Notinhalloffame MLB Regular Season Cup, and let us explain how this works:

With every single regular season game, we anointed the best five players in the game with descending points, 5-4-3-2-1. 

We knew the following:

  • The top players for the MLB NIHOF Cup are not always the best in the league, as injuries keep players out of games, and a premium on staying healthy can help pile up points. It also does not hurt to be a top player on an average or mediocre team, as they can amass Cup points easier that elite players on loaded squads.
  • In Baseball, it is more common than in Basketball and Hockey for a player to accrue points with a single Home Run in a game, and overall favors position players. Starting Pitchers have a hard time with approximately 30-35 Starts and throwing less innings than in previous generations. This also is true for closers, which is not made for this process.
  • Please remember, that this is NOT necessarily who we think were the best players this year, and does not reflect overall consistency. Treat this the way did, as a fun process and more of a compilation of temporary statistical domination.

At present 1,089 (up from 1,076 last week) players have generated at least one Cup Point.

So, MLB players!  Get your agents to work winning this into your contracts!

This is the second-to-last update, with standings as of the afternoon of September 25.

1. Shohei Ohtani: Los Angeles Angels, Designated Hitter & Pitcher: (Ranked #1 Last Week)

202 Cup Points, 135 Games, 1.50 Cup Points per Game, 44 Home Runs, 95 Runs Batted In, 20 SB, .304/.412/.654, 10.1 bWAR & 10-5, 3.14 ERA, 167 SO, 1.061 WHIP.

Oh boy.  We have said from the start that this is an award built for Ohtani who can compile points in two different avenues, but September saw hm shut down in both of them.  Weeks ago, we thought that he built up enough a gap to gold Acuna and Betts at bay, but that no longer seems to be the case.  As of this writing, Ohtani is still the American League leader in bWAR (10.1), Triples (8), Home Runs (44), Walks (91), OBP (.412), OPS (1.066), OPS+ (182) and Total Bases (325).  Is this enough with a week left to still win the AL MVP?  We think so, but not for the NIHOF Cup where two National League stars are likely to overtake him.  Oh, the drama!

2. Ronald Acuna: Atlanta Braves, Outfield: (Ranked #2 Last Week)

200 Cup Points, 153 Games, 1.31 Cup Points per Game, 40 Home Runs, 101 Runs Batted In, 66 SB, .336/.415/.595, 8.0 bWAR.

Acuna leads all National League batters in Stolen Bases (68), Hits (210), Runs Scored (143), OBP (.415), OPS+ (167) and Total Bases (372), and he recently joined the 40-40 Club.  He is also second in bWAR (8.0), Batting (.336), and (.595).  Acuna is also the runaway leader in Power-Speed # (50.4), and it looks like he will overtake Ohtani for #1 in Cup Points before season’s end

3. Mookie Betts: Los Angeles Dodgers, Outfield: (Ranked #3, Last Week)

192 Cup Points, 146 Games, 1.32 Cup Points per Game, 39 Home Runs, 105 Runs Batted In, 13 SB, .309/.410/.590, 8.1 bWAR.

Betts has been on fire over the last month, propelling himself to second in Cup Standings before relinquishing it back to Acuna.  In the National League, he took over the top spot in bWAR (8.1) and is in the top four in Batting, OBP, Slugging, OPS, OPS+, Runs, Doubles, Hits and RBIs.  Betts is also fifth in Home Runs (39).

4. Matt Olson: Atlanta Braves, First Base: (Ranked #4 Last Week)

175 Cup Points, 156 Games, 1.12 Cup Points per Game, 53 Home Runs, 133 Runs Batted In, 1 SB, .281/.388/.606, 6.9 bWAR. 

Olson has the National League lead in both Home Runs (53), RBIs (1333), and Slugging (.606), and is third in bWAR (6.9) and OPS (.994).  He is enjoying the best year of his career.

5. Juan Soto: San Diego Padres, Outfield: (Ranked #7, Last Week)

172 Cup Points, 138 Games, 1.05 Cup Points per Game, 33 Home Runs, 105 Runs Batted In, 11 SB, .273/.408/.514, 5.1 bWAR.

Soto is the National League leader in Walks (137) and is third in OBP (.408), fifth in OPS (.922), and tenth in Slugging (.514).  He has also moved up to fourth in RBIs (105) and tenth in Home Runs (33). 

6. Freddie Freeman: Los Angeles Dodgers, First Base: (Ranked #6, Last Week)

163 Cup Points, 154 Games, 1.06 Cup Points per Game, 26 Home Runs, 96 Runs Batted In, 22 SB, .332/.408/.560, 6.2 bWAR.

Freeman has the NL lead in Doubles (57), while also currently placing third in Batting (.332) and fourth in OBP (.408), OPS (.968) and Slugging (.560).  He is also second in Hits (203) and Runs (125).

7. Corbin Carroll: Arizona Diamondbacks, Outfield: (#8, Last Week)

153 Cup Points, 149 Games, 1.03 Cup Points per Game, 25 Home Runs, 73 Runs Batted In, 50 SB, .285/.361/.508, 5.3 bWAR.

The Diamondbacks have the likely National League Rookie of the Year in Carroll who is in the top ten in bWAR, Runs, Stolen Bases, Batting, OBP and Slugging and is first in Triples (9).

8. Kyle Tucker: Houston Astros, Outfield: (#6, Last Week)

151 Cup Points, 151 Games, 1.00 Cup Points per Game, 28 Home Runs, 109 Runs Batted In, 29 SB, .281/.367/.509, 4.9 bWAR.

Tucker took over the American League in RBIs (109), and in regards to the Slash Line, Tucker is seventh in OBP (.367), eighth in Slugging (.509) and sixth in OPS (.876).  He is also in the top ten in Hits, Home Runs, Stolen Bases and Extra Base Hits.

9. Rafael Devers: Boston Red Sox, Third Base: (Ranked #7 Last Week)

150 Cup Points, 135 Games, 1.00 Cup Points per Game, 33 Home Runs, 98 Runs Batted In, 4 SB, .274/.354/.511, 3.6 bWAR. 

Devers remains a surprise being so high as he was not in the All-Star Game, nor was considered a significant snub.  He and is currently fourth in the AL in RBIs (98), fifth in Home Runs (33) and seventh in Slugging (.511) and OPS (.864). 

10. Kyle Schwarber: Philadelphia Phillies, Outfield: (Ranked #9, Last Week)

146 Cup Points, 155 Games, 0.94 Cup Points per Game, 45 Home Runs, 100 Runs Batted In, 0 SB, .197/.345/.472, 0.6 bWAR.

Despite the very low bWAR (0.6) and Batting Average (.197), Schwarber gets on base, has power, and when it matters, he is often clutch.  This is his first foray into the top ten, and Schwarber has always been a player that Managers love, providing there is only one of him on the team.  He is second in Walks (124) and Home Runs (45) and ninth in RBIs (100).  What a strange player to be ranked this high!

Nobody fell out of the top ten.

Our next update will be the final result

John David Crow won the 1957 Heisman Trophy, becoming the first player from Texas A&M to win the accolade.  The legendary Bear Bryant often referred to Crow as one of the best players he ever had, and that type of hype will propel a player to the number two pick of the Draft, which the Cardinals had and used on the Halfback.  Crow was hurt for part of his 1958 rookie season but was able to showcase all his skills in his second year, winning Pro Bowl honors and producing 994 Yards From Scrimmage, though the stat line could never fully encapsulate Crow.

Crow could rush, catch, pass, block, and return, and he could fit in any team's scheme.  His best season was his third (1961) and the Cardinal's first in St. Louis, where he rushed for a career-high 1,071 Yards and led the NFL in YFS with 1,533.  A second Pro Bowl came to Crow, who was also named a Second Team All-Pro.

Crow could not capitalize on that extraordinary year, as his physical play led to multiple injuries.  He only played eight Games in 1961 and was largely ineffective, though a healthier Crow landed his third Pro Bowl on a 17-touchdown Year in 1962.  Crow was held to three Games in 1963 and only had 554 Rushing Yards in 1964, and he would leave for San Francisco the following season.

Crow had an even 50 Touchdowns with 5,450 Yards From Scrimmage with the Cardinals.