Considered by some to be a significant Hall of Fame snub, Bucky Walters was a dominating Pitcher for the Reds in the late 30’s and early 40’s. 

A converted third baseman, Bucky Walters took the mound later in his career, but once he did, he made up for the lost time.  Walters would even win the MVP for his pitching prowess and was one of the rare hurlers who could often be used as a pinch-hitter.

Walters did not just win the MVP in 1939; he won the coveted pitcher’s Triple Crown in the process.  He would win twenty games on two more occasions and, with a dazzling sinking fastball, was more than adept at fanning hitters.  The prime of his career saw Walters as the Reds’ staff ace, winning games, eating innings, and leading Cincinnati to a World Series title in 1940.

Walter did not reach the 200-win mark, but he did start late and did not receive much run support during his seasons in Philadelphia.  He had a very good career and is often brought up as a candidate for the Veterans Committee.

Batter up! For 2016, the Pre-Integration Era Committee is at the plate for Baseball Hall of Fame evaluations and inductions not being done by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA). The Pre-Integration Era covers the period from 1876, when the National League was formed, to 1946, the last year before Major League Baseball became integrated with the introduction of African-American players Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby into, respectively, the National League and American League.