The Baseball Hall Of Fame has released its 2010 candidate ballot for voting by the eligible members of the Baseball Writers' Association Of America (BBWAA).
I'll be doing complete candidate reviews in the coming days, probably in three parts, as there are 26 names on the ballot.
The candidates:
Returning from the 2009 ballot (11): Harold Baines, Bert Blyleven, Andre Dawson, Don Mattingly, Mark McGwire, Jack Morris, Dale Murphy, Dave Parker, Tim Raines, Lee Smith, Alan Trammell.
Rookie candidates (15): Roberto Alomar, Kevin Appier, Ellis Burks, Andres Galarraga, Pat Hentgen, Mike Jackson, Eric Karros, Ray Lankford, Barry Larkin, Edgar Martinez, Fred McGriff, Shane Reynolds, David Segui, Robin Ventura, Todd Zeile.
Congratulations for making the ballot, men. That's a distinction all on its own. Let's see which of you truly measure up to the level of the Hall.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Captured by Google
Earlier this year -- and I think I mentioned it on Facebook, but cannot find the item any longer -- I was driving home with the kids and noticed, passing us, a car with a curious feature. It looked to be a multidirectional camera mounted atop the roof. If there were any markings on the car, I did not notice. I wondered, perhaps, if this was a Google car, capturing new street-level images?
It turns out that, yes, my guess was correct. Here's my 1998 Civic, distinguishable by the half-extended antenna with the minor bend:
My car on Google street view.
Livin' the digital life.
It turns out that, yes, my guess was correct. Here's my 1998 Civic, distinguishable by the half-extended antenna with the minor bend:
My car on Google street view.
Livin' the digital life.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Hall's 2010 VC Executives (& Pioneers) Ballot
The Baseball Hall Of Fame has released the ballots for consideration by various parts of the Veterans Committee for 2010 induction.
Of the ten candidates on the 2008 Executives ballot (voted in December 2007), three were elected. Six of the other seven return for re-consideration on this cycle, and one candidate returns from an earlier non-player voting cycle. With only three new faces, reviewing the candidates should go quickly.
Candidates who have been considered previously by any version of the Veterans Committee since 2003 -- when VC voting results were first released (prior editions of the VC simply announced the names of electees) -- have their prior voting returns noted.
The "Connections" category indicates where the candidate has a direct, past working relationship with one or more voters (this does not apply to all candidates). The Executives (& Umpires) committee has 12 electors; the Hall considers them demographically to be two Hall players, three writers, and seven past or present executives. While players and field managers might develop close relationships, executives tend to be at a further remove from the men in uniform, but the people in the front offices run into each other all the time. So, while several voters might know any candidate professionally, I tried to find instances where there may have been closer quarters between any voter and candidate. I think this adds perspective to how the voters might approach the candidates, if they really liked (or despised) someone they know personally from being on the same team. The 2010 committee voters are: HOFers Robin Roberts and Tom Seaver, executives John Harrington, Jerry Bell, Bill DeWitt, Bill Giles, David Glass, Andy MacPhail, and John Schuerholz, and writers Rick Hummell, Hal McCoy, and Phil Pepe.
Voting results will be announced on December 7.
Here are the ten candidates on the Executives (& Pioneers) ballot, in the traditional alphabetical order. (I cannot find or recall any reference to this ballot being called the Executives & Pioneers ballot during the 2008 voting cycle, though it is so named now, which seems silly and pointless as there are no Pioneer candidates included. Perhaps, however, this will finally open a doorway for some as-yet-unrecognized worthy people, including Dr. Frank Jobe, developer and continuing master of the ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction technique, better known for its first test subject -- Tommy John surgery. Jobe's impact with this procedure has been monumental, and recognition by the Hall would be a good idea.)
1. Gene Autry (Wiki bio)
Personal status: deceased.
Veterans Committee rookie candidate.
Claims to fame: founding owner of the Los Angeles/California Angels, from 1960 (the team first took the field in 1961) until his death in 1998. The Angels have retired jersey #26 in honor of Autry, as the "26th man" on the team.
Autry was a generous man with his baseball team, but the Angels just plugged along, never seeming to have a coherent strategy for winning a championship. Expansion teams are tough to mold into winning form, particularly in the pre-free agency days, and it took the Angels 19 seasons to finally make it to October. And, worse, in three postseason appearances (1979, '82, '86), the Angels never once advanced to the World Series, though they did bring home a trophy (2002) after he passed on.
Autry was also well-known as The Singing Cowboy, a star of radio and screen, who gave us hit songs like "Back In The Saddle Again" and, his biggest seller, "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer", still popular to this day. Autry certainly had fame in his lifetime, but had the Angels owner been, oh, real estate magnate Joe Jones or captain of industry Sam Smith, and sent the Angels along the same, largely aimless path, neither Jones nor Smith would be on this ballot. I'm sure Autry was a nice man and is still missed, but his baseball career was not really what the Hall looks for.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
2. Sam Breadon (Wiki bio)
Personal status: deceased.
Veterans Committee rookie candidate.
Claims to fame: owner of the St. Louis Cardinals, 1920-47.
Under Breadon's flag, the Cardinals rose to power, developing the farm system, bringing home six World Series championships (1926, 1931, 1934, 1942, 1944, 1946) and three other National League pennants (1928, 1930, 1943). But the best thing Breadon did during his tenure was keep Branch Rickey on staff and let him do as he would -- Rickey gets the credit for the farm system, player acquisitions, just about everything. Breadon was one of the best types of owners -- he usually got out of the way of the smart baseball people he employed -- but that doesn't raise him up to Hall class.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
3. John Fetzer (Wiki bio)
Personal status: deceased.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2008 VC ballot: 33.3% (4 of 12 votes).
Claims to fame: owner of the Detroit Tigers (minority 1956-60, controlling 1961-83), including the 1968 World Series champion team. Used his expertise in radio and television broadcasting to negotiate national contracts for MLB.
Fetzer was a good-guy owner, but with the emergence of the players union under Marvin Miller during this time, it wasn't a good era to be an owner. Fetzer put some good teams on the diamond but his baseball career lacks anything proclaiming him as having been Hall measure.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
4. Bob Howsam (Wiki bio)
Personal status: deceased.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2008 VC ballot: 25.0% (3 of 12 votes).
Connections: traded for Seaver (1977).
Claims to fame: general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals (1964-66) and the Cincinnati Reds (1967-78 -- the Big Red Machine era -- and 1983-84). Got his start running the minor league Denver Bears from 1947-62. Co-founded the Continental League in 1959, which inspired MLB to undergo expansion in the 1960s.
Howsam added the final parts to the Big Red Machine (World Series championships in 1975-76, NL pennants in 1970 & '72, NL West champions in 1973; NL MVP Awards by Bench '70 & '72, Rose '73, Morgan '75-76, Foster '77), one of the great dynasty teams of modern times. Got out of the general managing business just as free agency was beginning to influence how front offices do their jobs. A long and good career, but no greatness or clever innovation such as the Hall seeks to honor.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
5. Ewing Kauffman (Wiki bio)
Personal status: deceased.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2008 VC ballot: 41.7% (5 of 12 votes).
Connections: employed John Schuerholz as the Royals GM for ten years, 1981-90.
Claims to fame: founding owner of the Kansas City Royals until his death, 1969-93, including the 1985 World Series champion team. Hired and encouraged unconventional thinkers, trying to find innovative ways to approach baseball and build winning teams consistently; one initiative was the Royals' baseball academies in other countries. Got a new ballpark built for his team, and on his deathbed, acquiesced to have it renamed after him (he didn't want that, but his wife reminded him that it wasn't just a building, but one with a baseball diamond inside). The Royals continue to play in Kauffman Stadium today.
A pharmaceuticals billionaire and a generous philanthropist, Kauffman was a genuinely good man. He returned baseball to Kansas City after the Athletics left in 1967, not because he loved the game, but because he loved his city. He was more than a good team owner; he was a good man. Kauffman's dedication to his city and committment to great baseball sets him above others. (Comparing the Royals' results since Kauffman's death puts the contrast between Good Owner and Bad Owner into sharp relief.) Ewing Kauffman is almost too good for the Hall -- but it's the highest honor baseball can give him.
Chipmaker's vote: Yes.
6. John McHale (Wiki bio / playing record)
Personal status: deceased.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2008 VC ballot: ≤16.7% (<3 of 12 votes).
Claims to fame: McHale was general manager of the Detroit Tigers (1957-58), Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves (1959-66), and Montréal Expos (1978-84), as well as the first president of the Expos (1969-86)
Baseball bonus points: McHale was a player for five seasons (1943-45, '47-48) for the Detroit Tigers. At first baseman when he played the field, he was primarily a spare part on the bench. A member of the 1945 World Series champion team.
McHale was a baseball lifer, always in a front office. His Braves tenure came just after the team had peaked and Milwaukee was starting to lose interest; they moved on to Atlanta, rendering McHale's efforts discouraging. Canada was more fertile, and McHale built the only Expos postseason team (1981). The Hall looks for more than good work, however, and McHale's career didn't reach greatness.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
7. Marvin Miller (Wiki bio)
Personal status: living, will turn 93 in April 2010, and apparently in good health. Certainly still opinionated.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2003 VC ballot: 44.3% (35 of 79 votes).
2007 VC ballot: 63.0% (51 of 81 votes).
2008 VC ballot: 25.0% (3 of 12 votes).
Connections: Roberts was one of the players who hired Miller. Nearly all of Seaver's career overlapped Miller's time at the Major League Baseball Players Association. As owner of the Phillies starting in 1981, Bill Giles certainly got to know of Miller and what he did and could do.
Claims to fame: Miller was the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, typically called the players union, from 1966-84. I have written, and written, and written, and written, and written more in support of Marvin Miller for the Hall, so I'll just sum up.
Marvin Miller brought baseball labor relations into the 20th century, made conditions much better for all players, and most importantly, broke the reserve clause and opened the door for free agency. Miller's work has had profound and enduring impact on the game, and mostly in good ways.
Marvin Miller made baseball better, which only a handful of others across the reach of the game's history could stand beside with equivalent degree. That is exactly the sort of contribution to the game of baseball that the Hall should seek to honor.
Marvin Miller is The Most Worthy Person Not In The Hall.
But again this will not matter. Miller's candidacy will stand before another electorate, a committee of twelve, which has a majority of owners or their representatives. They know the impact and historic import Miller owns, but he earned undying enmity for his works. To these people, Miller is the adversary -- and the Hall powers-that-be must know this, and simply do not care. Miller deserves the plaque, but his candidacy before this electorate is farce, folly, and futility.
Miller even requested that the Hall not consider him further. The Hall ineffably ignored this, and stood him again.
I give up. Hey, why not? Miller already has. He knows a snow job when he sees one.
Chipmaker's vote: Yes! Vote him in, you petty, meretricious bastards.
8. Gabe Paul (Wiki bio)
Personal status: deceased.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2003 VC ballot: 16.5% (13 of 79 votes).
2007 VC ballot: 12.3% (10 of 81 votes).
2008 VC ballot: ≤16.7% (<3 of 12 votes).
Claims to fame: Paul was general manager of the Cincinnati Reds (1951-60), Houston Colt .45s (1961, before the team took the field), and Cleveland Indians (1961-72). He moved to the New York Yankees as president and general manager (1973-77), rebuilding the game's most storied franchise back to championship level, winning the 1977 World Series. Paul was again GM for the Indians (1978-84) before retiring.
Paul was a baseball lifer who contributed to interesting developments in the game over the decades, the 1969 divisional realignment included, but a long and good career off the field doesn't really measure up to Hall standards. Previous ballot returns agree with this view.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
9. "Colonel" Jacob Ruppert (Wiki bio)
Personal status: deceased.
Veterans Committee rookie candidate.
Claims to fame: Ruppert was owner of the New York Yankees until his death (1915-39), a tenure that included seven World Series championships (1923, 1927-28, 1932, 1936-38, and they won in 1939 after he died) and three other American League pennants (1921-22, 1926). Built and debuted Yankee Stadium (1923).
Typically I have little interest in owners, as their biggest influence tends to be paying the salaries and the bills. They should hire good baseball people and get out of their way -- but few really do, as they are hands-on folks. There's probably more owners in the Hall than there should be, and while I would like to see Kauffman added to the rolls, I cannot think of another owner in recent times that I would likewise support (possibly Steinbrenner or Henry; Selig is probably inevitable, due to his tenure as commissioner). Ruppert, though, didn't just put forth a winning team, he put forth a dynasty -- THE Dynasty, the Murderer's Row Yankees of Ruth and Gehrig and Lazzeri and, later, DiMaggio. And he paid for his own ballpark, which today would be almost quaint if not actively albeit discreetly discouraged by MLB's powers-that-be. If ever a team owner deserves election to the Hall, Ruppert is a darn good choice.
Chipmaker's vote: Yes.
10. Bill White (Wiki bio / playing record)
Personal status: living, will turn 76 in January 2010.
Reviewed on 2007 ballot.
2003 VC ballot: 27.8% (22 of 79 votes).
2007 VC ballot: 29.6% (24 of 81 votes).
Connections: as NL president, White certainly would have interacted with Phillies owner Bill Giles.
Claims to fame: President of the National League, 1989-94. Longtime broadcaster for the New York Yankees alongside Phil Rizzuto, 1971-89.
Baseball bonus points: White was a player for 13 seasons (1956, '58-69) for the New York/San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, and Philadelphia Phillies. A first baseman, White won seven Gold Gloves and was an All-Star selection eight times (three starts). A member of the 1964 World Series champion Cardinals.
Bill White is a nice guy, one of those "ambassadors for the game" we hear about now and then. He was president of the NL at a time when then-Acting Commissioner Selig was working on phasing out the position (as well as the AL presidency) and consolidating operations between both leagues (White was the second-to-last NL prez; the position was eliminated in 1999). And he was a good player, though well short of Hall-class. A bunch of roles in which he did well but never achieved greatness cannot sum up to overall greatness, and therefore falls short of Hall standard.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
----------
Summary of Chipmaker's Yes votes: Kauffman, Miller, and Ruppert.
If I could vote for only one: Miller.
Of the ten candidates on the 2008 Executives ballot (voted in December 2007), three were elected. Six of the other seven return for re-consideration on this cycle, and one candidate returns from an earlier non-player voting cycle. With only three new faces, reviewing the candidates should go quickly.
Candidates who have been considered previously by any version of the Veterans Committee since 2003 -- when VC voting results were first released (prior editions of the VC simply announced the names of electees) -- have their prior voting returns noted.
The "Connections" category indicates where the candidate has a direct, past working relationship with one or more voters (this does not apply to all candidates). The Executives (& Umpires) committee has 12 electors; the Hall considers them demographically to be two Hall players, three writers, and seven past or present executives. While players and field managers might develop close relationships, executives tend to be at a further remove from the men in uniform, but the people in the front offices run into each other all the time. So, while several voters might know any candidate professionally, I tried to find instances where there may have been closer quarters between any voter and candidate. I think this adds perspective to how the voters might approach the candidates, if they really liked (or despised) someone they know personally from being on the same team. The 2010 committee voters are: HOFers Robin Roberts and Tom Seaver, executives John Harrington, Jerry Bell, Bill DeWitt, Bill Giles, David Glass, Andy MacPhail, and John Schuerholz, and writers Rick Hummell, Hal McCoy, and Phil Pepe.
Voting results will be announced on December 7.
Here are the ten candidates on the Executives (& Pioneers) ballot, in the traditional alphabetical order. (I cannot find or recall any reference to this ballot being called the Executives & Pioneers ballot during the 2008 voting cycle, though it is so named now, which seems silly and pointless as there are no Pioneer candidates included. Perhaps, however, this will finally open a doorway for some as-yet-unrecognized worthy people, including Dr. Frank Jobe, developer and continuing master of the ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction technique, better known for its first test subject -- Tommy John surgery. Jobe's impact with this procedure has been monumental, and recognition by the Hall would be a good idea.)
1. Gene Autry (Wiki bio)
Personal status: deceased.
Veterans Committee rookie candidate.
Claims to fame: founding owner of the Los Angeles/California Angels, from 1960 (the team first took the field in 1961) until his death in 1998. The Angels have retired jersey #26 in honor of Autry, as the "26th man" on the team.
Autry was a generous man with his baseball team, but the Angels just plugged along, never seeming to have a coherent strategy for winning a championship. Expansion teams are tough to mold into winning form, particularly in the pre-free agency days, and it took the Angels 19 seasons to finally make it to October. And, worse, in three postseason appearances (1979, '82, '86), the Angels never once advanced to the World Series, though they did bring home a trophy (2002) after he passed on.
Autry was also well-known as The Singing Cowboy, a star of radio and screen, who gave us hit songs like "Back In The Saddle Again" and, his biggest seller, "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer", still popular to this day. Autry certainly had fame in his lifetime, but had the Angels owner been, oh, real estate magnate Joe Jones or captain of industry Sam Smith, and sent the Angels along the same, largely aimless path, neither Jones nor Smith would be on this ballot. I'm sure Autry was a nice man and is still missed, but his baseball career was not really what the Hall looks for.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
2. Sam Breadon (Wiki bio)
Personal status: deceased.
Veterans Committee rookie candidate.
Claims to fame: owner of the St. Louis Cardinals, 1920-47.
Under Breadon's flag, the Cardinals rose to power, developing the farm system, bringing home six World Series championships (1926, 1931, 1934, 1942, 1944, 1946) and three other National League pennants (1928, 1930, 1943). But the best thing Breadon did during his tenure was keep Branch Rickey on staff and let him do as he would -- Rickey gets the credit for the farm system, player acquisitions, just about everything. Breadon was one of the best types of owners -- he usually got out of the way of the smart baseball people he employed -- but that doesn't raise him up to Hall class.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
3. John Fetzer (Wiki bio)
Personal status: deceased.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2008 VC ballot: 33.3% (4 of 12 votes).
Claims to fame: owner of the Detroit Tigers (minority 1956-60, controlling 1961-83), including the 1968 World Series champion team. Used his expertise in radio and television broadcasting to negotiate national contracts for MLB.
Fetzer was a good-guy owner, but with the emergence of the players union under Marvin Miller during this time, it wasn't a good era to be an owner. Fetzer put some good teams on the diamond but his baseball career lacks anything proclaiming him as having been Hall measure.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
4. Bob Howsam (Wiki bio)
Personal status: deceased.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2008 VC ballot: 25.0% (3 of 12 votes).
Connections: traded for Seaver (1977).
Claims to fame: general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals (1964-66) and the Cincinnati Reds (1967-78 -- the Big Red Machine era -- and 1983-84). Got his start running the minor league Denver Bears from 1947-62. Co-founded the Continental League in 1959, which inspired MLB to undergo expansion in the 1960s.
Howsam added the final parts to the Big Red Machine (World Series championships in 1975-76, NL pennants in 1970 & '72, NL West champions in 1973; NL MVP Awards by Bench '70 & '72, Rose '73, Morgan '75-76, Foster '77), one of the great dynasty teams of modern times. Got out of the general managing business just as free agency was beginning to influence how front offices do their jobs. A long and good career, but no greatness or clever innovation such as the Hall seeks to honor.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
5. Ewing Kauffman (Wiki bio)
Personal status: deceased.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2008 VC ballot: 41.7% (5 of 12 votes).
Connections: employed John Schuerholz as the Royals GM for ten years, 1981-90.
Claims to fame: founding owner of the Kansas City Royals until his death, 1969-93, including the 1985 World Series champion team. Hired and encouraged unconventional thinkers, trying to find innovative ways to approach baseball and build winning teams consistently; one initiative was the Royals' baseball academies in other countries. Got a new ballpark built for his team, and on his deathbed, acquiesced to have it renamed after him (he didn't want that, but his wife reminded him that it wasn't just a building, but one with a baseball diamond inside). The Royals continue to play in Kauffman Stadium today.
A pharmaceuticals billionaire and a generous philanthropist, Kauffman was a genuinely good man. He returned baseball to Kansas City after the Athletics left in 1967, not because he loved the game, but because he loved his city. He was more than a good team owner; he was a good man. Kauffman's dedication to his city and committment to great baseball sets him above others. (Comparing the Royals' results since Kauffman's death puts the contrast between Good Owner and Bad Owner into sharp relief.) Ewing Kauffman is almost too good for the Hall -- but it's the highest honor baseball can give him.
Chipmaker's vote: Yes.
6. John McHale (Wiki bio / playing record)
Personal status: deceased.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2008 VC ballot: ≤16.7% (<3 of 12 votes).
Claims to fame: McHale was general manager of the Detroit Tigers (1957-58), Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves (1959-66), and Montréal Expos (1978-84), as well as the first president of the Expos (1969-86)
Baseball bonus points: McHale was a player for five seasons (1943-45, '47-48) for the Detroit Tigers. At first baseman when he played the field, he was primarily a spare part on the bench. A member of the 1945 World Series champion team.
McHale was a baseball lifer, always in a front office. His Braves tenure came just after the team had peaked and Milwaukee was starting to lose interest; they moved on to Atlanta, rendering McHale's efforts discouraging. Canada was more fertile, and McHale built the only Expos postseason team (1981). The Hall looks for more than good work, however, and McHale's career didn't reach greatness.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
7. Marvin Miller (Wiki bio)
Personal status: living, will turn 93 in April 2010, and apparently in good health. Certainly still opinionated.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2003 VC ballot: 44.3% (35 of 79 votes).
2007 VC ballot: 63.0% (51 of 81 votes).
2008 VC ballot: 25.0% (3 of 12 votes).
Connections: Roberts was one of the players who hired Miller. Nearly all of Seaver's career overlapped Miller's time at the Major League Baseball Players Association. As owner of the Phillies starting in 1981, Bill Giles certainly got to know of Miller and what he did and could do.
Claims to fame: Miller was the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, typically called the players union, from 1966-84. I have written, and written, and written, and written, and written more in support of Marvin Miller for the Hall, so I'll just sum up.
Marvin Miller brought baseball labor relations into the 20th century, made conditions much better for all players, and most importantly, broke the reserve clause and opened the door for free agency. Miller's work has had profound and enduring impact on the game, and mostly in good ways.
Marvin Miller made baseball better, which only a handful of others across the reach of the game's history could stand beside with equivalent degree. That is exactly the sort of contribution to the game of baseball that the Hall should seek to honor.
Marvin Miller is The Most Worthy Person Not In The Hall.
But again this will not matter. Miller's candidacy will stand before another electorate, a committee of twelve, which has a majority of owners or their representatives. They know the impact and historic import Miller owns, but he earned undying enmity for his works. To these people, Miller is the adversary -- and the Hall powers-that-be must know this, and simply do not care. Miller deserves the plaque, but his candidacy before this electorate is farce, folly, and futility.
Miller even requested that the Hall not consider him further. The Hall ineffably ignored this, and stood him again.
I give up. Hey, why not? Miller already has. He knows a snow job when he sees one.
Chipmaker's vote: Yes! Vote him in, you petty, meretricious bastards.
8. Gabe Paul (Wiki bio)
Personal status: deceased.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2003 VC ballot: 16.5% (13 of 79 votes).
2007 VC ballot: 12.3% (10 of 81 votes).
2008 VC ballot: ≤16.7% (<3 of 12 votes).
Claims to fame: Paul was general manager of the Cincinnati Reds (1951-60), Houston Colt .45s (1961, before the team took the field), and Cleveland Indians (1961-72). He moved to the New York Yankees as president and general manager (1973-77), rebuilding the game's most storied franchise back to championship level, winning the 1977 World Series. Paul was again GM for the Indians (1978-84) before retiring.
Paul was a baseball lifer who contributed to interesting developments in the game over the decades, the 1969 divisional realignment included, but a long and good career off the field doesn't really measure up to Hall standards. Previous ballot returns agree with this view.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
9. "Colonel" Jacob Ruppert (Wiki bio)
Personal status: deceased.
Veterans Committee rookie candidate.
Claims to fame: Ruppert was owner of the New York Yankees until his death (1915-39), a tenure that included seven World Series championships (1923, 1927-28, 1932, 1936-38, and they won in 1939 after he died) and three other American League pennants (1921-22, 1926). Built and debuted Yankee Stadium (1923).
Typically I have little interest in owners, as their biggest influence tends to be paying the salaries and the bills. They should hire good baseball people and get out of their way -- but few really do, as they are hands-on folks. There's probably more owners in the Hall than there should be, and while I would like to see Kauffman added to the rolls, I cannot think of another owner in recent times that I would likewise support (possibly Steinbrenner or Henry; Selig is probably inevitable, due to his tenure as commissioner). Ruppert, though, didn't just put forth a winning team, he put forth a dynasty -- THE Dynasty, the Murderer's Row Yankees of Ruth and Gehrig and Lazzeri and, later, DiMaggio. And he paid for his own ballpark, which today would be almost quaint if not actively albeit discreetly discouraged by MLB's powers-that-be. If ever a team owner deserves election to the Hall, Ruppert is a darn good choice.
Chipmaker's vote: Yes.
10. Bill White (Wiki bio / playing record)
Personal status: living, will turn 76 in January 2010.
Reviewed on 2007 ballot.
2003 VC ballot: 27.8% (22 of 79 votes).
2007 VC ballot: 29.6% (24 of 81 votes).
Connections: as NL president, White certainly would have interacted with Phillies owner Bill Giles.
Claims to fame: President of the National League, 1989-94. Longtime broadcaster for the New York Yankees alongside Phil Rizzuto, 1971-89.
Baseball bonus points: White was a player for 13 seasons (1956, '58-69) for the New York/San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, and Philadelphia Phillies. A first baseman, White won seven Gold Gloves and was an All-Star selection eight times (three starts). A member of the 1964 World Series champion Cardinals.
Bill White is a nice guy, one of those "ambassadors for the game" we hear about now and then. He was president of the NL at a time when then-Acting Commissioner Selig was working on phasing out the position (as well as the AL presidency) and consolidating operations between both leagues (White was the second-to-last NL prez; the position was eliminated in 1999). And he was a good player, though well short of Hall-class. A bunch of roles in which he did well but never achieved greatness cannot sum up to overall greatness, and therefore falls short of Hall standard.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
----------
Summary of Chipmaker's Yes votes: Kauffman, Miller, and Ruppert.
If I could vote for only one: Miller.
The Hall's 2010 VC Managers & Umpires Ballot
The Baseball Hall Of Fame finally released the ballots for consideration by various parts of the Veterans Committee for 2010 induction.
Of the ten candidates on the 2008 Managers & Umpires ballot (voted in December 2007), two were elected, and seven of the other eight return for re-consideration on this cycle. If nothing else, that should speed up my review of the candidates, as there are only three new faces.
Candidates who have been considered previously by any version of the Veterans Committee since 2003 -- when VC voting results were first released (prior editions of the VC simply announced the names of electees) -- have their prior voting returns noted.
When evaluating managerial seasons, I'm only closely considering those years where the candidate was the manager for over half the season, though noteworthy fractional seasons will be mentioned. And while the "best season" tends to be chosen by regular season winning percentage, that's not always the case -- a World Series championship might be viewed as better than a stronger W-L record.
The "Connections" category indicates where the candidate has a direct, past working relationship with one or more voters (this does not apply to all candidates). The Managers & Umpires committee has 16 electors; the Hall considers them demographically to be ten Hall honorees, three former or current executives, and three baseball writers. Looking more closely, though, we find that twelve of the committee members were major league players and/or managers, and seven of them have been on the same team simultaneously with some of the candidates (well, six; one is a curious connection). I find this adds some potential perspective to how the voters might approach the candidates, if they really liked (or despised) someone they know personally from being on the same team. The 2010 committee voters are: HOFers Jim Bunning, Bob Gibson, Ferguson Jenkins, Al Kaline, Tommy Lasorda, Phil Niekro, Tony Perez, Ryne Sandberg, Billy Williams, and Dick Williams; executives Jim Frey (managed), Roland Hemond, and Bob Watson (played), and writers Tim Kurkjian, Jack O'Connell, and Tom Verducci.
Finally, an asterisk * marks which team the candidate managed that I think would best represent his career on a Hall plaque, should he be elected.
Voting results will be announced on December 7.
Here are the ten candidates on the Managers & Umpires ballot, in the traditional alphabetical order.
Manager candidates (eight).
1. Charlie Grimm (managerial record / player record)
Personal status: deceased.
Veterans Committee rookie candidate.
Managerial C.V.
Seasons managed: 19 (14 full time/majority, 5 partial) -- *Chicago Cubs 1932-38, '44-49, '60, Boston/Milwaukee Braves 1952-56.
Career W-L record: 1287-1067 (.547).
Best season: 1935 Cubs, 100-54 (.649), first place by +4 games, NL pennant.
Worst season: 1948 Cubs, 64-90 (.416), 8th place (dead last) by -27.5 games (-0.5 games behind seventh place).
Finishes: first place four times (1932, 1935, 1938 (Grimm did not finish the season), 1945), second place three times, third place five times, 4th - once, 6th - once, 7th - once, 8th - once.
Postseason appearances: three (1932, 1935, 1945), and managed the 1938 Cubs a little more than halfway into the season.
Postseason W-L record: 5-12 (.294).
Postseason series record: 0-3.
Championships: zero. Well, he was running the Cubs, what could anyone expect?
Great players managed.
Hall Of Famers: Hank Aaron, Richie Ashburn, Ernie Banks, Kiki Cuyler, Dizzy Dean, Jimmie Foxx, Burleigh Grimes, Gabby Hartnett, Billy Herman, Chuck Klein, Tony Lazzeri, Freddie Lindstrom, Eddie Mathews, Warren Spahn, coached Billy Williams.
Award winners: 1935 NL MVP Hartnett, 1945 NL MVP Phil Cavarretta.
Key rookies debuted: Aaron.
Connections: coached Billy Williams for three seasons (1961-63).
Baseball bonus points: Grimm was a player for 20 seasons (1916, '18-36) with the Philadelphia Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago Cubs; and was a player-manager, an extinct breed today, for his last five seasons (1932-36). A first baseman, he was around a league average hitter, some good seasons, some not so good.
Claims to fame: manager of the Chicago Cubs for three National League pennant seasons and part of a fourth one. The last man to get the Cubs to the World Series! Maybe the Ricketts family should have him exhumed, his DNA analyzed, and a new version cloned to run the Cubs. Just a thought.
Grimm took the Cubs to the World Series -- more than once! -- and that's the sort of thing which, while perhaps not that amazing at the time, is the stuff of myth and legend in certain northern Chicago neighborhoods today. He was good at getting winning results, only posting three full losing seasons over his managing career. I don't have a strong sense of great accomplishment, but the mere thought of a Cubs World Series team is so remote, so abstract, that any manager who could make it manifest not once, but three times (and strongly contributed toward a fourth), has to be Hall worthy. I might change my mind with further review, but heck, let's go with it. Cubs fans need something to rejoice.
Chipmaker's vote: Yes.
2. Whitey Herzog (managerial career / player career)
Personal status: living, turned 78 this month (November 2009).
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2003 VC ballot: 31.6% (25 of 79 votes).
2007 VC ballot: 35.8% (29 of 81 votes).
2008 VC ballot: 68.8% (11 of 16 votes; tied for highest non-elected return, one vote short).
Managerial C.V.
Seasons managed: 18 (14 full time/majority, 4 partial) -- Texas Rangers 1973, California Angels 1974, Kansas City Royals 1975-79, *St. Louis Cardinals 1980-90.
Career W-L record: 1281-1125 (.532).
Best season: 1977 Royals, 102-60 (.630), first place by +8 games, AL West champion.
Worst season: 1973 Rangers, 47-91 (.341), 6th place (dead last) by -37 games (-20 games behind fifth place). Herzog did not last the season.
Finishes: first place six times (1976-78, 1982, 1985, 1987), second place once, third place three times, 4th - once, 5th - once, 6th - once. Took the 1981 Cardinals to second place in both halves of the strike-split season, which overall was the best record in the NL East, but the Cards stayed home in that unusual October.
Postseason appearances: six (1976-78, 1982, 1985, 1987).
Postseason W-L record: 26-25 (.510).
Postseason series record: 4-5.
Championships: one, 1982 St. Louis Cardinals. Probably should have won in 1985 as well, but let's not revisit that situation. There was more involved than just one bad call.
Great players managed.
Hall Of Famers: George Brett, Frank Robinson, Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, Bruce Sutter.
Award winners: 1985 NL MVP Willie McGee, 1985 NL ROY Vince Coleman, 1986 NL ROY Todd Worrell.
Honors: 1985 National League Manager Of The Year Award.
Connections: teammate of Dick Williams for four seasons (1959-62, with two different teams), teammate of Bunning and Kaline for one season (1963); very briefly served as Angels manager preceding Dick Williams (1974).
Baseball bonus points: Herzog was a player for eight seasons (1956-63) with the Washington Senators, Kansas City Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, and Detroit Tigers. Primarily he was a fourth outfielder (mostly right field), but he did play in over 80 games four times. A little above league average as a hitter. This part of his career was never going to get him into the Hall, though.
Claims to fame: manager of the 1982 World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals, and had two other World Series appearances. Known as the "White Rat". Acted as his own general manager during his St. Louis tenure, building the teams he then took to the Series. A leader in shaping the conceptual bullpen into the artwork of relief pitching the best ones are today -- middle relievers who work to get the game to The Closer, who nails it down. His best teams played "small ball" style, getting on base and running, which worked well on Busch Stadium's artificial turf.
Good career, maybe even very good, but not really great. If he'd climbed into another dugout after leaving the Cardinals, put together another contender (or champion!), piled on another four or six winning seasons -- but he did not do that. Herzog gave us about 2/3 of a Hall-class career. I wanted more.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
3. Davey Johnson (managerial career / player career)
Personal status: living, will turn 67 in January 2010.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2008 VC ballot: ≤12.5% (<3 of 16 votes).
Managerial C.V.
Seasons managed: 14 (13 full time/majority, 1 partial) -- *New York Mets 1984-90, Cincinnati Reds 1993-95, Baltimore Orioles 1996-97, Los Angeles Dodgers 1999-2000.
Career W-L record: 1148-888 (.564).
Best season: 1986 Mets, 108-54 (.667), first place by +21.5 games, NL East champion, NL pennant, World Series championship.
Worst season: 1993 Reds, 53-65 (.449), 5th place (of 7) by -31 games -- and Johnson didn't start this season for Cincinnati.
Finishes: first place five times (1986, 1988, 1994 for what that season was worth, 1995, 1997), second place six times, third place once, 5th place once.
Postseason appearances: five (1986, 1988, 1995, 1996, 1997).
Postseason W-L record: 23-23 (.500).
Postseason series record: 5-4.
Championships: one, 1986 New York Mets.
Great players managed.
Hall Of Famers: Gary Carter, Eddie Murray, Cal Ripken, Jr. Probably a few more in time, like Mike Piazza.
Award winners: 1984 NL ROY & 1985 NL CYA Dwight Gooden, 1995 NL MVP Barry Larkin.
Key rookies debuted: Eric Gagne.
Honors: 1997 American League Manager Of The Year Award, despite being fired after the season and before the award was announced.
Connections: teammate of Niekro for two seasons (1973-74); succeeded Perez as Reds manager (1993).
Baseball bonus points: Johnson was a player for 13 seasons (1965-75, '77-78) with the Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago Cubs, and also played two seasons for the Tokyo Giants. A good hitter with two sterling seasons. Played second base. Four All-Star selections (one start), three Gold Gloves at second base, and a member of the 1970 World Series champion Orioles. Johnson was on the Hall's player ballot once, getting 3 votes, below 1%.
Claims to fame: manager of the 1986 World Series champion New York Mets, a team he helped build. Johnson was a notoriously winning manager, and had only one full, losing season.
Johnson was a consistent winner, one that many players liked playing for, and clearly was quite smart at his job. And yet he couldn't keep a job, and never got another chance after 2000. Why this was, I don't know. (Johnson managed Team USA in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, and recently was hired as an adviser by the Washington Nationals). Johnson got winning results -- only once finished below second place in a full season at the helm -- and I'm good with that.
Chipmaker's vote: Yes.
4. Tom Kelly (managerial career / player career)
Personal status: living, turned 59 in August 2009.
Veterans Committee rookie candidate.
Managerial C.V.
Seasons managed: 16 (15 full time, 1 partial) -- *Minnesota Twins 1986-2001.
Career W-L record: 1140-1244 (.478).
Best season: 1991 Twins, 95-67 (.586), first place by +8 games, AL West champion, AL pennant, World Series championship.
Worst season: 1995 Twins, 56-88 (.389), 5th place (dead last) by -44 games (-9 games behind fourth place).
Finishes: first place two times (1987, 1991), second place three times, fourth place four times, 5th - four times, 6th - once, 7th - once.
Postseason appearances: two (1987, 1991).
Postseason W-L record: 16-8 (.667).
Postseason series record: 4-0.
Championships: two, 1987 and 1991 Minnesota Twins.
Great players managed.
Hall Of Famers: Steve Carlton, Paul Molitor, Kirby Puckett, Dave Winfield.
Award winners: 1988 AL CYA Frank Viola, 1991 AL ROY Chuck Knoblauch, 1995 AL ROY Marty Cordova.
Key rookies debuted: Johan Santana.
Honors: 1991 American League Manager Of The Year Award.
Connections: none.
Baseball bonus points: Kelly had a very brief major league playing career, as a part-time first baseman for the 1975 Twins. A cursory review of his stats shows why it was brief -- he couldn't hit. Turns out that he was pretty good at managing, though, so that's good.
Claims to fame: manager of two World Series champions, the 1987 and 1991 Minnesota Twins. An old school, one team for life man -- all of his major league playing and managing has been for the Twins.
Kelly was a reliable touchstone in Minneapolis, slogging away in the Metrodome for 16 seasons, writing Puckett's and Molitor's and Hrbek's names in the lineup, putting Blyleven or Viola on the mound, making the call for Reardon. Two championships in five years is great, the sort of accomplishment that tends only to happen on the banks of the Harlem River in these wild card modern times. But other than the title seasons and three second-place finishes, Kelly couldn't really get any mileage out of the Twins, not finishing above fourth place or with a winning record. Sure, nothing is better to have than sheer talent on the field, but craft and guile and tactics and strategies should buy a little more than fourth place, at least sometimes. Kelly left on a high note, the 2001 team which finished second, and set up the handful of postseason appearances that have followed, but overall I think there just isn't enough magic there to unlock the doors to the Hall.
Chipmaker's vote: No. I'd rather vote Yes, but it wouldn't seem honest.
5. Billy Martin (managerial career / player career)
Personal status: deceased.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2003 VC ballot: 27.8% (22 of 79 votes).
2007 VC ballot: 14.8% (12 of 81 votes).
2008 VC ballot: ≤12.5% (<3 of 16 votes).
Managerial C.V.
Seasons managed: 16 (15 full time/majority, 1 partial) -- Minnesota Twins 1969, Detroit Tigers 1971-73, Texas Rangers 1973-75, *New York Yankees 1975-78, '79, '83, '85, '88, Oakland Athletics 1980-82.
Career W-L record: 1253-1013 (.553).
Best season: 1977 Yankees, 100-62 (.617), first place by +2.5 games, AL East champion, AL pennant, World Series championship.
Worst season: 1982 Athletics, 68-94 (.420), 5th place (of 7) by -25 games.
Finishes: first place five (and one half) times (1969, 1972, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1981), second place four (and one half) times, third place three times, 4th - once, 5th - once.
Postseason appearances: five (1969, 1972, 1976, 1977, 1981), and managed the 1978 Yankees about 60% into the season.
Postseason W-L record: 15-19 (.441).
Postseason series record: 4-4.
Championships: one, 1977 New York Yankees. Managed the 1978 Yankees for more than the first half of the season but was not with the team when they hoisted the trophy.
Great players managed.
Hall Of Famers: Rod Carew, Goose Gossage, Rickey Henderson, Catfish Hunter, Reggie Jackson, Ferguson Jenkins, Al Kaline, Harmon Killebrew, Phil Niekro, Gaylord Perry, Dave Winfield.
Award winners: 1969 AL MVP Killebrew, 1974 AL MVP Jeff Burroughs, 1974 AL ROY Mike Hargrove, 1976 AL MVP Thurman Munson, 1977 AL CYA Sparky Lyle, 1978 AL CYA Ron Guidry, 1985 AL MVP Don Mattingly.
Honors: The Yankees have retired Martin's #1 jersey.
Connections: teammate of Bunning and Kaline for one season (1958); managed Kaline for three seasons (1971-73), Jenkins for two seasons (1974-75), Niekro for one season (1985).
Baseball bonus points: Martin was a player for 11 seasons (1950-53, '55-61), mostly a second baseman, for the New York Yankees, Kansas City Athletics, Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Braves, and Minnesota Twins. A member of four Yankees championship teams (1951, '52, '53, & '56) and MVP of the 1953 World Series. An All-Star selection in 1956.
Claims to fame: manager of the 1977 World Series champion New York Yankees, and was leading a title defense (ultimately successful) in 1978 when he got fired from the job. Became something of a punchline, being hired (and fired) by the Yankees five different times. Not known for self-control, diplomacy, measured sobriety, or well-managed anger issues.
Martin whipped teams into shape quickly and got some winning results, but his style was too mercurial and he never stayed long. Players and front offices burned out when dealing with Martin. He brought headlines, success, winning, and a championship to Yankee Stadium and entertainingly bantered with Reggie regularly; those sorts of actions brought the spotlight and made him memorable. But I cannot see that Martin's career, as a manager or in total, has enough historical weight for the Hall.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
6. Gene Mauch (managerial career / player career)
Personal status: deceased.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2008 VC ballot: ≤12.5% (<3 of 16 votes).
Managerial C.V.
Seasons managed: 26 (25 full time/majority, 1 partial) -- *Philadelphia Phillies 1960-68, Montreal Expos 1969-75, Minnesota Twins 1976-80, California Angels 1981-82 & '85-87.
Career W-L record: 1902-2037 (.483).
Best season: 1982 Angels, 93-69 (.574), first place by +3 games, AL West champion.
Worst season: 1961 Phillies, 47-107 (.305), 8th place (dead last) by -46 games (-17 games behind seventh place), a genuine disaster of a team that included a modern record 23 game losing streak.
Finishes: first place two times (1982, 1986), second place two times, third place two times, 4th - seven, 5th - four, 6th - three, 7th - twice, 8th - twice.
Postseason appearances: two (1982, 1986).
Postseason W-L record: 5-7 (.417).
Postseason series record: 0-2.
Championships: zero.
Great players managed.
Hall Of Famers: Jim Bunning, Rod Carew, Gary Carter, Reggie Jackson, Ferguson Jenkins, Robin Roberts, Don Sutton.
Award winners: 1964 NL ROY Dick Allen, 1970 NL ROY Carl Morton, 1977 AL MVP Carew, 1979 AL ROY John Castino.
Key rookies debuted: Wally Joyner.
Connections: managed Bunning for five seasons (1964-68) and Jenkins for two (1965-66).
Baseball bonus points: Mauch was a player nine seasons (1944, '47-52, '56-57) with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, Boston Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, and Boston Red Sox, primarily at second base, but he was strictly a backup player (he only once had more than 200 at-bats).
Claims to fame: Unfortunately for Mauch, his most familiar mention in the history books is with the 1964 Phillies, a team that collapsed in the final weeks of the season. The other prominent note about him is that he never managed in a World Series. These are not really the top line-items that should begin a Hall-class career record.
Mauch managed forever and made plenty of friends in baseball. He does carry much responsibility for that terrible 1964 pennant race burnout, he overworked his pitchers, but Mauch wasn't on the field and there's plenty of blame for all. A good manager but not a great one; the great ones can mold a team into winning shape in some few seasons.Mauch had lots of second-division (bottom half) finishes. Not enough in his managerial career proclaims Hall-worthiness. A strong candidate doesn't have to have championships or even postseason appearances, but there has to be some winning. Mauch doesn't have enough of it.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
7. Danny Murtaugh (managerial career / player career)
Personal status: deceased.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2008 VC ballot: 37.5% (6 of 16 votes).
Managerial C.V.
Seasons managed: 15 (13 full time/majority, 2 partial) -- *Pittsburgh Pirates 1957-64, '67, '70-71, '73-76.
Career W-L record: 1115-950 (.540).
Best season: 1960 Pirates, 95-59 (.617), first place by +7 games, NL pennant, World Series championship.
Worst season: 1963 Pirates, 74-88 (.457), 8th place (of 10) by -25 games.
Finishes: first place five times (1960, 1970, 1971, 1974, 1975), second place two times, fourth place twice, 6th - three times, 8th - once.
Postseason appearances: five (1960, 1970, 1971, 1974, 1975).
Postseason W-L record: 12-16 (.429).
Postseason series record: 3-3.
Championships: two, 1960 and 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates.
Great players managed.
Hall Of Famers: Roberto Clemente, Bill Mazeroski, Willie Stargell.
Award winners: 1960 NL MVP Don Groat, 1960 MLB CYA Vern Law.
Key rookies debuted: Stargell.
Honors: The Pirates have retired Murtaugh's #40 jersey.
Connections: none.
Baseball bonus points: Murtaugh was a player for nine seasons (1941-43, '46-51) with the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Braves, and the Pirates, mostly as a second baseman. Led the NL with 18 stolen bases in his rookie season, which says more about the NL and its style of play in those days than it does about Murtaugh.
Claims to fame: manager of the 1960 and 1971 World Series champion Pirates teams. Won The Sporting News' Manager Of The Year Award in 1960 and 1970.
While Murtaugh didn't always run a winner, he did get strong efforts and winning results out of his teams (having Clemente and Mazeroski and Stargell surely helped). He never had a disaster team -- only three losing seasons, and only one of those by more than -4 games. I supported his candidacy on the 2008 ballot and, while I wasn't certain that was the right call, I still like the cut of his jib, so I'm good with holding out another thumbs-up.
Chipmaker's vote: Yes.
8. Steve O'Neill (managerial career / player career)
Personal status: deceased.
Veterans Committee rookie candidate.
Managerial C.V.
Seasons managed: 14 (13 full time/majority, 1 partial) -- Cleveland Indians 1935-37, *Detroit Tigers 1943-48, Boston Red Sox 1950-51, Philadelphia Phillies 1952-54.
Career W-L record: 1040-821 (.559).
Best season: 1945 Tigers, 88-65 (.575), first place by +1.5 games, AL pennant, World Series championship.
Worst season: 1943 Tigers, 78-76 (.506), 5th place (of eight) by -20 games, and 1948 Tigers, also 78-76 (.506), also 5th place (of eight) by -18.5 games.
Finishes: first place one time (1945), second place three times, third place two times, 4th - four times, 5th - three times.
Postseason appearances: one (1945).
Postseason W-L record: 4-3 (.571).
Postseason series record: 1-0.
Championships: one, 1945 Detroit Tigers (besting fellow candidate Charlie Grimm's Chicago Cubs).
Great players managed.
Hall Of Famers: Richie Ashburn, Earl Averill, Lou Boudreau, Bobby Doerr, Bob Feller, Hank Greenberg, George Kell, Hal Newhouser, Robin Roberts, Ted Williams.
Award winners: 1944 & 1945 AL MVP Newhouser.
Key rookies debuted: Feller.
Connections: none.
Baseball bonus points: O'Neill was a player for 17 seasons (1911-25, '27-28) with the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and St. Louis Browns. A catcher, he wasn't much of a hitter outside of his age 27-30 peak. O'Neill came from a baseball family; three other brothers played in the majors -- Jack (another C), Jim (2B), and Mike (a starting pitcher). O'Neill was a member of the 1920 World Series champion Indians.
Claims to fame: manager of the 1945 World Series champion Detroit Tigers. Never posting a losing W-L record in any managing season, even when finishing as low as fifth place.
O'Neill's distinction of never having a losing record on the season is impressive, and yet he only has the one first place finish. That's like today's Houston Astros -- hang around, be good, hope for lucky, except back in O'Neill's day there were no relief options like divisions or the wild card berth by which to limp into the postseason. His teams, particularly the Tigers (which benefited from the opposition's depleted wartime rosters), were good but not often enough great. A championship is a great feat that stands forever, and certainly O'Neill knew how to win, but I'm thinking there should have been at least one more World Series appearance to seal the deal for this Hall candidate.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
Umpire candidates (two).
9. Doug Harvey (umpiring record)
Personal status: living, will turn 80 in March 2010.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2003 VC ballot: 60.8% (48 of 79 votes, highest return on the ballot).
2007 VC ballot: 64.2% (52 of 81 votes, highest return on the ballot).
2008 VC ballot: 68.8% (11 of 16 votes, tied for highest non-elected return).
Claims to fame: Harvey was a National League umpire for 31 years, back in the days when the leagues ran as separate offices and hired their own, independent umpiring crews. Worked 14 postseason series and six All-Star Games.
I consider umpires part of the framework of the game of baseball, best seen only lightly. As such, I don't think there is great need for them to be honored as inductees to the Hall. But the players, both in public statements and by the voting returns on the 2003 and 2007 VC ballots (when the electorate was player-dominated), clearly consider Harvey to be a serious candidate for induction. I have neither standing nor interest to contradict that consensus, though if Harvey was going to reach the necessary 75%, he probably should have made it by now. I've supported him before and I won't recant that, but my evaluation is strictly based upon a parroting of the players' views. They like him, okay, fine by me. He got 11 votes in 2008, so let's see him get 12 this time.
Chipmaker's vote: Yes. Hey, the players like him. Good enough.
10. Hank O'Day (complete major league service record, umpiring at the bottom)
Personal status: deceased.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2008 VC ballot: 25.0% (4 of 16 votes).
Baseball bonus points: O'Day was a player for seven seasons (1884-90) with the Toledo Blue Stockings (American Association), Pittsburgh Alleghenys (AA), Washington Nationals (National League), New York Giants (NL), and New York Giants (Players League). He was a starting pitcher, but not a particularly good one. O'Day also spent two seasons managing, for the 1912 Cincinnati Reds and the 1914 Chicago Cubs, finishing with a 153-154 (.498) record.
Claims to fame: National League umpire for 30 years (1895, 1897-1911, 1913, 1915-27), with a handful of games in five other, earlier seasons as well. Officiated in ten World Series, including being the only NL ump in the three of the first four (1903, '05, '07). One of the umpires in the 1908 "Merkle's Boner" game that ended in a tie, forcing a replay game a few weeks later to decide the National League pennant.
Evaluating an umpire objectively is difficult even today -- and O'Day's career was a century ago. O'Day is a good candidate, but I'm not a strong supporter of umpires for the Hall, and I'm already backing Harvey, and that without enthusiasm. Impressive and diverse career, but not what I'm looking to have honored.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
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Summary of Chipmaker's Yes votes: Grimm, Johnson, Murtaugh, Harvey.
If I could vote for only one: Johnson.
Coming soon: the Executives (& Pioneers) ballot review.
Of the ten candidates on the 2008 Managers & Umpires ballot (voted in December 2007), two were elected, and seven of the other eight return for re-consideration on this cycle. If nothing else, that should speed up my review of the candidates, as there are only three new faces.
Candidates who have been considered previously by any version of the Veterans Committee since 2003 -- when VC voting results were first released (prior editions of the VC simply announced the names of electees) -- have their prior voting returns noted.
When evaluating managerial seasons, I'm only closely considering those years where the candidate was the manager for over half the season, though noteworthy fractional seasons will be mentioned. And while the "best season" tends to be chosen by regular season winning percentage, that's not always the case -- a World Series championship might be viewed as better than a stronger W-L record.
The "Connections" category indicates where the candidate has a direct, past working relationship with one or more voters (this does not apply to all candidates). The Managers & Umpires committee has 16 electors; the Hall considers them demographically to be ten Hall honorees, three former or current executives, and three baseball writers. Looking more closely, though, we find that twelve of the committee members were major league players and/or managers, and seven of them have been on the same team simultaneously with some of the candidates (well, six; one is a curious connection). I find this adds some potential perspective to how the voters might approach the candidates, if they really liked (or despised) someone they know personally from being on the same team. The 2010 committee voters are: HOFers Jim Bunning, Bob Gibson, Ferguson Jenkins, Al Kaline, Tommy Lasorda, Phil Niekro, Tony Perez, Ryne Sandberg, Billy Williams, and Dick Williams; executives Jim Frey (managed), Roland Hemond, and Bob Watson (played), and writers Tim Kurkjian, Jack O'Connell, and Tom Verducci.
Finally, an asterisk * marks which team the candidate managed that I think would best represent his career on a Hall plaque, should he be elected.
Voting results will be announced on December 7.
Here are the ten candidates on the Managers & Umpires ballot, in the traditional alphabetical order.
Manager candidates (eight).
1. Charlie Grimm (managerial record / player record)
Personal status: deceased.
Veterans Committee rookie candidate.
Managerial C.V.
Seasons managed: 19 (14 full time/majority, 5 partial) -- *Chicago Cubs 1932-38, '44-49, '60, Boston/Milwaukee Braves 1952-56.
Career W-L record: 1287-1067 (.547).
Best season: 1935 Cubs, 100-54 (.649), first place by +4 games, NL pennant.
Worst season: 1948 Cubs, 64-90 (.416), 8th place (dead last) by -27.5 games (-0.5 games behind seventh place).
Finishes: first place four times (1932, 1935, 1938 (Grimm did not finish the season), 1945), second place three times, third place five times, 4th - once, 6th - once, 7th - once, 8th - once.
Postseason appearances: three (1932, 1935, 1945), and managed the 1938 Cubs a little more than halfway into the season.
Postseason W-L record: 5-12 (.294).
Postseason series record: 0-3.
Championships: zero. Well, he was running the Cubs, what could anyone expect?
Great players managed.
Hall Of Famers: Hank Aaron, Richie Ashburn, Ernie Banks, Kiki Cuyler, Dizzy Dean, Jimmie Foxx, Burleigh Grimes, Gabby Hartnett, Billy Herman, Chuck Klein, Tony Lazzeri, Freddie Lindstrom, Eddie Mathews, Warren Spahn, coached Billy Williams.
Award winners: 1935 NL MVP Hartnett, 1945 NL MVP Phil Cavarretta.
Key rookies debuted: Aaron.
Connections: coached Billy Williams for three seasons (1961-63).
Baseball bonus points: Grimm was a player for 20 seasons (1916, '18-36) with the Philadelphia Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago Cubs; and was a player-manager, an extinct breed today, for his last five seasons (1932-36). A first baseman, he was around a league average hitter, some good seasons, some not so good.
Claims to fame: manager of the Chicago Cubs for three National League pennant seasons and part of a fourth one. The last man to get the Cubs to the World Series! Maybe the Ricketts family should have him exhumed, his DNA analyzed, and a new version cloned to run the Cubs. Just a thought.
Grimm took the Cubs to the World Series -- more than once! -- and that's the sort of thing which, while perhaps not that amazing at the time, is the stuff of myth and legend in certain northern Chicago neighborhoods today. He was good at getting winning results, only posting three full losing seasons over his managing career. I don't have a strong sense of great accomplishment, but the mere thought of a Cubs World Series team is so remote, so abstract, that any manager who could make it manifest not once, but three times (and strongly contributed toward a fourth), has to be Hall worthy. I might change my mind with further review, but heck, let's go with it. Cubs fans need something to rejoice.
Chipmaker's vote: Yes.
2. Whitey Herzog (managerial career / player career)
Personal status: living, turned 78 this month (November 2009).
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2003 VC ballot: 31.6% (25 of 79 votes).
2007 VC ballot: 35.8% (29 of 81 votes).
2008 VC ballot: 68.8% (11 of 16 votes; tied for highest non-elected return, one vote short).
Managerial C.V.
Seasons managed: 18 (14 full time/majority, 4 partial) -- Texas Rangers 1973, California Angels 1974, Kansas City Royals 1975-79, *St. Louis Cardinals 1980-90.
Career W-L record: 1281-1125 (.532).
Best season: 1977 Royals, 102-60 (.630), first place by +8 games, AL West champion.
Worst season: 1973 Rangers, 47-91 (.341), 6th place (dead last) by -37 games (-20 games behind fifth place). Herzog did not last the season.
Finishes: first place six times (1976-78, 1982, 1985, 1987), second place once, third place three times, 4th - once, 5th - once, 6th - once. Took the 1981 Cardinals to second place in both halves of the strike-split season, which overall was the best record in the NL East, but the Cards stayed home in that unusual October.
Postseason appearances: six (1976-78, 1982, 1985, 1987).
Postseason W-L record: 26-25 (.510).
Postseason series record: 4-5.
Championships: one, 1982 St. Louis Cardinals. Probably should have won in 1985 as well, but let's not revisit that situation. There was more involved than just one bad call.
Great players managed.
Hall Of Famers: George Brett, Frank Robinson, Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, Bruce Sutter.
Award winners: 1985 NL MVP Willie McGee, 1985 NL ROY Vince Coleman, 1986 NL ROY Todd Worrell.
Honors: 1985 National League Manager Of The Year Award.
Connections: teammate of Dick Williams for four seasons (1959-62, with two different teams), teammate of Bunning and Kaline for one season (1963); very briefly served as Angels manager preceding Dick Williams (1974).
Baseball bonus points: Herzog was a player for eight seasons (1956-63) with the Washington Senators, Kansas City Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, and Detroit Tigers. Primarily he was a fourth outfielder (mostly right field), but he did play in over 80 games four times. A little above league average as a hitter. This part of his career was never going to get him into the Hall, though.
Claims to fame: manager of the 1982 World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals, and had two other World Series appearances. Known as the "White Rat". Acted as his own general manager during his St. Louis tenure, building the teams he then took to the Series. A leader in shaping the conceptual bullpen into the artwork of relief pitching the best ones are today -- middle relievers who work to get the game to The Closer, who nails it down. His best teams played "small ball" style, getting on base and running, which worked well on Busch Stadium's artificial turf.
Good career, maybe even very good, but not really great. If he'd climbed into another dugout after leaving the Cardinals, put together another contender (or champion!), piled on another four or six winning seasons -- but he did not do that. Herzog gave us about 2/3 of a Hall-class career. I wanted more.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
3. Davey Johnson (managerial career / player career)
Personal status: living, will turn 67 in January 2010.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2008 VC ballot: ≤12.5% (<3 of 16 votes).
Managerial C.V.
Seasons managed: 14 (13 full time/majority, 1 partial) -- *New York Mets 1984-90, Cincinnati Reds 1993-95, Baltimore Orioles 1996-97, Los Angeles Dodgers 1999-2000.
Career W-L record: 1148-888 (.564).
Best season: 1986 Mets, 108-54 (.667), first place by +21.5 games, NL East champion, NL pennant, World Series championship.
Worst season: 1993 Reds, 53-65 (.449), 5th place (of 7) by -31 games -- and Johnson didn't start this season for Cincinnati.
Finishes: first place five times (1986, 1988, 1994 for what that season was worth, 1995, 1997), second place six times, third place once, 5th place once.
Postseason appearances: five (1986, 1988, 1995, 1996, 1997).
Postseason W-L record: 23-23 (.500).
Postseason series record: 5-4.
Championships: one, 1986 New York Mets.
Great players managed.
Hall Of Famers: Gary Carter, Eddie Murray, Cal Ripken, Jr. Probably a few more in time, like Mike Piazza.
Award winners: 1984 NL ROY & 1985 NL CYA Dwight Gooden, 1995 NL MVP Barry Larkin.
Key rookies debuted: Eric Gagne.
Honors: 1997 American League Manager Of The Year Award, despite being fired after the season and before the award was announced.
Connections: teammate of Niekro for two seasons (1973-74); succeeded Perez as Reds manager (1993).
Baseball bonus points: Johnson was a player for 13 seasons (1965-75, '77-78) with the Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago Cubs, and also played two seasons for the Tokyo Giants. A good hitter with two sterling seasons. Played second base. Four All-Star selections (one start), three Gold Gloves at second base, and a member of the 1970 World Series champion Orioles. Johnson was on the Hall's player ballot once, getting 3 votes, below 1%.
Claims to fame: manager of the 1986 World Series champion New York Mets, a team he helped build. Johnson was a notoriously winning manager, and had only one full, losing season.
Johnson was a consistent winner, one that many players liked playing for, and clearly was quite smart at his job. And yet he couldn't keep a job, and never got another chance after 2000. Why this was, I don't know. (Johnson managed Team USA in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, and recently was hired as an adviser by the Washington Nationals). Johnson got winning results -- only once finished below second place in a full season at the helm -- and I'm good with that.
Chipmaker's vote: Yes.
4. Tom Kelly (managerial career / player career)
Personal status: living, turned 59 in August 2009.
Veterans Committee rookie candidate.
Managerial C.V.
Seasons managed: 16 (15 full time, 1 partial) -- *Minnesota Twins 1986-2001.
Career W-L record: 1140-1244 (.478).
Best season: 1991 Twins, 95-67 (.586), first place by +8 games, AL West champion, AL pennant, World Series championship.
Worst season: 1995 Twins, 56-88 (.389), 5th place (dead last) by -44 games (-9 games behind fourth place).
Finishes: first place two times (1987, 1991), second place three times, fourth place four times, 5th - four times, 6th - once, 7th - once.
Postseason appearances: two (1987, 1991).
Postseason W-L record: 16-8 (.667).
Postseason series record: 4-0.
Championships: two, 1987 and 1991 Minnesota Twins.
Great players managed.
Hall Of Famers: Steve Carlton, Paul Molitor, Kirby Puckett, Dave Winfield.
Award winners: 1988 AL CYA Frank Viola, 1991 AL ROY Chuck Knoblauch, 1995 AL ROY Marty Cordova.
Key rookies debuted: Johan Santana.
Honors: 1991 American League Manager Of The Year Award.
Connections: none.
Baseball bonus points: Kelly had a very brief major league playing career, as a part-time first baseman for the 1975 Twins. A cursory review of his stats shows why it was brief -- he couldn't hit. Turns out that he was pretty good at managing, though, so that's good.
Claims to fame: manager of two World Series champions, the 1987 and 1991 Minnesota Twins. An old school, one team for life man -- all of his major league playing and managing has been for the Twins.
Kelly was a reliable touchstone in Minneapolis, slogging away in the Metrodome for 16 seasons, writing Puckett's and Molitor's and Hrbek's names in the lineup, putting Blyleven or Viola on the mound, making the call for Reardon. Two championships in five years is great, the sort of accomplishment that tends only to happen on the banks of the Harlem River in these wild card modern times. But other than the title seasons and three second-place finishes, Kelly couldn't really get any mileage out of the Twins, not finishing above fourth place or with a winning record. Sure, nothing is better to have than sheer talent on the field, but craft and guile and tactics and strategies should buy a little more than fourth place, at least sometimes. Kelly left on a high note, the 2001 team which finished second, and set up the handful of postseason appearances that have followed, but overall I think there just isn't enough magic there to unlock the doors to the Hall.
Chipmaker's vote: No. I'd rather vote Yes, but it wouldn't seem honest.
5. Billy Martin (managerial career / player career)
Personal status: deceased.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2003 VC ballot: 27.8% (22 of 79 votes).
2007 VC ballot: 14.8% (12 of 81 votes).
2008 VC ballot: ≤12.5% (<3 of 16 votes).
Managerial C.V.
Seasons managed: 16 (15 full time/majority, 1 partial) -- Minnesota Twins 1969, Detroit Tigers 1971-73, Texas Rangers 1973-75, *New York Yankees 1975-78, '79, '83, '85, '88, Oakland Athletics 1980-82.
Career W-L record: 1253-1013 (.553).
Best season: 1977 Yankees, 100-62 (.617), first place by +2.5 games, AL East champion, AL pennant, World Series championship.
Worst season: 1982 Athletics, 68-94 (.420), 5th place (of 7) by -25 games.
Finishes: first place five (and one half) times (1969, 1972, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1981), second place four (and one half) times, third place three times, 4th - once, 5th - once.
Postseason appearances: five (1969, 1972, 1976, 1977, 1981), and managed the 1978 Yankees about 60% into the season.
Postseason W-L record: 15-19 (.441).
Postseason series record: 4-4.
Championships: one, 1977 New York Yankees. Managed the 1978 Yankees for more than the first half of the season but was not with the team when they hoisted the trophy.
Great players managed.
Hall Of Famers: Rod Carew, Goose Gossage, Rickey Henderson, Catfish Hunter, Reggie Jackson, Ferguson Jenkins, Al Kaline, Harmon Killebrew, Phil Niekro, Gaylord Perry, Dave Winfield.
Award winners: 1969 AL MVP Killebrew, 1974 AL MVP Jeff Burroughs, 1974 AL ROY Mike Hargrove, 1976 AL MVP Thurman Munson, 1977 AL CYA Sparky Lyle, 1978 AL CYA Ron Guidry, 1985 AL MVP Don Mattingly.
Honors: The Yankees have retired Martin's #1 jersey.
Connections: teammate of Bunning and Kaline for one season (1958); managed Kaline for three seasons (1971-73), Jenkins for two seasons (1974-75), Niekro for one season (1985).
Baseball bonus points: Martin was a player for 11 seasons (1950-53, '55-61), mostly a second baseman, for the New York Yankees, Kansas City Athletics, Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Braves, and Minnesota Twins. A member of four Yankees championship teams (1951, '52, '53, & '56) and MVP of the 1953 World Series. An All-Star selection in 1956.
Claims to fame: manager of the 1977 World Series champion New York Yankees, and was leading a title defense (ultimately successful) in 1978 when he got fired from the job. Became something of a punchline, being hired (and fired) by the Yankees five different times. Not known for self-control, diplomacy, measured sobriety, or well-managed anger issues.
Martin whipped teams into shape quickly and got some winning results, but his style was too mercurial and he never stayed long. Players and front offices burned out when dealing with Martin. He brought headlines, success, winning, and a championship to Yankee Stadium and entertainingly bantered with Reggie regularly; those sorts of actions brought the spotlight and made him memorable. But I cannot see that Martin's career, as a manager or in total, has enough historical weight for the Hall.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
6. Gene Mauch (managerial career / player career)
Personal status: deceased.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2008 VC ballot: ≤12.5% (<3 of 16 votes).
Managerial C.V.
Seasons managed: 26 (25 full time/majority, 1 partial) -- *Philadelphia Phillies 1960-68, Montreal Expos 1969-75, Minnesota Twins 1976-80, California Angels 1981-82 & '85-87.
Career W-L record: 1902-2037 (.483).
Best season: 1982 Angels, 93-69 (.574), first place by +3 games, AL West champion.
Worst season: 1961 Phillies, 47-107 (.305), 8th place (dead last) by -46 games (-17 games behind seventh place), a genuine disaster of a team that included a modern record 23 game losing streak.
Finishes: first place two times (1982, 1986), second place two times, third place two times, 4th - seven, 5th - four, 6th - three, 7th - twice, 8th - twice.
Postseason appearances: two (1982, 1986).
Postseason W-L record: 5-7 (.417).
Postseason series record: 0-2.
Championships: zero.
Great players managed.
Hall Of Famers: Jim Bunning, Rod Carew, Gary Carter, Reggie Jackson, Ferguson Jenkins, Robin Roberts, Don Sutton.
Award winners: 1964 NL ROY Dick Allen, 1970 NL ROY Carl Morton, 1977 AL MVP Carew, 1979 AL ROY John Castino.
Key rookies debuted: Wally Joyner.
Connections: managed Bunning for five seasons (1964-68) and Jenkins for two (1965-66).
Baseball bonus points: Mauch was a player nine seasons (1944, '47-52, '56-57) with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, Boston Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, and Boston Red Sox, primarily at second base, but he was strictly a backup player (he only once had more than 200 at-bats).
Claims to fame: Unfortunately for Mauch, his most familiar mention in the history books is with the 1964 Phillies, a team that collapsed in the final weeks of the season. The other prominent note about him is that he never managed in a World Series. These are not really the top line-items that should begin a Hall-class career record.
Mauch managed forever and made plenty of friends in baseball. He does carry much responsibility for that terrible 1964 pennant race burnout, he overworked his pitchers, but Mauch wasn't on the field and there's plenty of blame for all. A good manager but not a great one; the great ones can mold a team into winning shape in some few seasons.Mauch had lots of second-division (bottom half) finishes. Not enough in his managerial career proclaims Hall-worthiness. A strong candidate doesn't have to have championships or even postseason appearances, but there has to be some winning. Mauch doesn't have enough of it.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
7. Danny Murtaugh (managerial career / player career)
Personal status: deceased.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2008 VC ballot: 37.5% (6 of 16 votes).
Managerial C.V.
Seasons managed: 15 (13 full time/majority, 2 partial) -- *Pittsburgh Pirates 1957-64, '67, '70-71, '73-76.
Career W-L record: 1115-950 (.540).
Best season: 1960 Pirates, 95-59 (.617), first place by +7 games, NL pennant, World Series championship.
Worst season: 1963 Pirates, 74-88 (.457), 8th place (of 10) by -25 games.
Finishes: first place five times (1960, 1970, 1971, 1974, 1975), second place two times, fourth place twice, 6th - three times, 8th - once.
Postseason appearances: five (1960, 1970, 1971, 1974, 1975).
Postseason W-L record: 12-16 (.429).
Postseason series record: 3-3.
Championships: two, 1960 and 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates.
Great players managed.
Hall Of Famers: Roberto Clemente, Bill Mazeroski, Willie Stargell.
Award winners: 1960 NL MVP Don Groat, 1960 MLB CYA Vern Law.
Key rookies debuted: Stargell.
Honors: The Pirates have retired Murtaugh's #40 jersey.
Connections: none.
Baseball bonus points: Murtaugh was a player for nine seasons (1941-43, '46-51) with the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Braves, and the Pirates, mostly as a second baseman. Led the NL with 18 stolen bases in his rookie season, which says more about the NL and its style of play in those days than it does about Murtaugh.
Claims to fame: manager of the 1960 and 1971 World Series champion Pirates teams. Won The Sporting News' Manager Of The Year Award in 1960 and 1970.
While Murtaugh didn't always run a winner, he did get strong efforts and winning results out of his teams (having Clemente and Mazeroski and Stargell surely helped). He never had a disaster team -- only three losing seasons, and only one of those by more than -4 games. I supported his candidacy on the 2008 ballot and, while I wasn't certain that was the right call, I still like the cut of his jib, so I'm good with holding out another thumbs-up.
Chipmaker's vote: Yes.
8. Steve O'Neill (managerial career / player career)
Personal status: deceased.
Veterans Committee rookie candidate.
Managerial C.V.
Seasons managed: 14 (13 full time/majority, 1 partial) -- Cleveland Indians 1935-37, *Detroit Tigers 1943-48, Boston Red Sox 1950-51, Philadelphia Phillies 1952-54.
Career W-L record: 1040-821 (.559).
Best season: 1945 Tigers, 88-65 (.575), first place by +1.5 games, AL pennant, World Series championship.
Worst season: 1943 Tigers, 78-76 (.506), 5th place (of eight) by -20 games, and 1948 Tigers, also 78-76 (.506), also 5th place (of eight) by -18.5 games.
Finishes: first place one time (1945), second place three times, third place two times, 4th - four times, 5th - three times.
Postseason appearances: one (1945).
Postseason W-L record: 4-3 (.571).
Postseason series record: 1-0.
Championships: one, 1945 Detroit Tigers (besting fellow candidate Charlie Grimm's Chicago Cubs).
Great players managed.
Hall Of Famers: Richie Ashburn, Earl Averill, Lou Boudreau, Bobby Doerr, Bob Feller, Hank Greenberg, George Kell, Hal Newhouser, Robin Roberts, Ted Williams.
Award winners: 1944 & 1945 AL MVP Newhouser.
Key rookies debuted: Feller.
Connections: none.
Baseball bonus points: O'Neill was a player for 17 seasons (1911-25, '27-28) with the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and St. Louis Browns. A catcher, he wasn't much of a hitter outside of his age 27-30 peak. O'Neill came from a baseball family; three other brothers played in the majors -- Jack (another C), Jim (2B), and Mike (a starting pitcher). O'Neill was a member of the 1920 World Series champion Indians.
Claims to fame: manager of the 1945 World Series champion Detroit Tigers. Never posting a losing W-L record in any managing season, even when finishing as low as fifth place.
O'Neill's distinction of never having a losing record on the season is impressive, and yet he only has the one first place finish. That's like today's Houston Astros -- hang around, be good, hope for lucky, except back in O'Neill's day there were no relief options like divisions or the wild card berth by which to limp into the postseason. His teams, particularly the Tigers (which benefited from the opposition's depleted wartime rosters), were good but not often enough great. A championship is a great feat that stands forever, and certainly O'Neill knew how to win, but I'm thinking there should have been at least one more World Series appearance to seal the deal for this Hall candidate.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
Umpire candidates (two).
9. Doug Harvey (umpiring record)
Personal status: living, will turn 80 in March 2010.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2003 VC ballot: 60.8% (48 of 79 votes, highest return on the ballot).
2007 VC ballot: 64.2% (52 of 81 votes, highest return on the ballot).
2008 VC ballot: 68.8% (11 of 16 votes, tied for highest non-elected return).
Claims to fame: Harvey was a National League umpire for 31 years, back in the days when the leagues ran as separate offices and hired their own, independent umpiring crews. Worked 14 postseason series and six All-Star Games.
I consider umpires part of the framework of the game of baseball, best seen only lightly. As such, I don't think there is great need for them to be honored as inductees to the Hall. But the players, both in public statements and by the voting returns on the 2003 and 2007 VC ballots (when the electorate was player-dominated), clearly consider Harvey to be a serious candidate for induction. I have neither standing nor interest to contradict that consensus, though if Harvey was going to reach the necessary 75%, he probably should have made it by now. I've supported him before and I won't recant that, but my evaluation is strictly based upon a parroting of the players' views. They like him, okay, fine by me. He got 11 votes in 2008, so let's see him get 12 this time.
Chipmaker's vote: Yes. Hey, the players like him. Good enough.
10. Hank O'Day (complete major league service record, umpiring at the bottom)
Personal status: deceased.
Reviewed on 2008 ballot.
2008 VC ballot: 25.0% (4 of 16 votes).
Baseball bonus points: O'Day was a player for seven seasons (1884-90) with the Toledo Blue Stockings (American Association), Pittsburgh Alleghenys (AA), Washington Nationals (National League), New York Giants (NL), and New York Giants (Players League). He was a starting pitcher, but not a particularly good one. O'Day also spent two seasons managing, for the 1912 Cincinnati Reds and the 1914 Chicago Cubs, finishing with a 153-154 (.498) record.
Claims to fame: National League umpire for 30 years (1895, 1897-1911, 1913, 1915-27), with a handful of games in five other, earlier seasons as well. Officiated in ten World Series, including being the only NL ump in the three of the first four (1903, '05, '07). One of the umpires in the 1908 "Merkle's Boner" game that ended in a tie, forcing a replay game a few weeks later to decide the National League pennant.
Evaluating an umpire objectively is difficult even today -- and O'Day's career was a century ago. O'Day is a good candidate, but I'm not a strong supporter of umpires for the Hall, and I'm already backing Harvey, and that without enthusiasm. Impressive and diverse career, but not what I'm looking to have honored.
Chipmaker's vote: No.
----------
Summary of Chipmaker's Yes votes: Grimm, Johnson, Murtaugh, Harvey.
If I could vote for only one: Johnson.
Coming soon: the Executives (& Pioneers) ballot review.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The Hall's 2010 Veterans Committee Ballots
The Baseball Hall Of Fame has, finally, released the two ballots for the Veterans Committee. Twenty candidates are under consideration for election in the Class of 2010.
I'll have more soon regarding the individual candidates, the subcommittee memberships, and any other changes since these two ballots were last considered in 2007. Many of the candidates are repeaters.
The Managers & Umpires ballot (* == considered on December 2007 M&U ballot):
Managers -- Charlie Grimm, *Whitey Herzog, *Davey Johnson, Tom Kelly, *Billy Martin, *Gene Mauch, *Danny Murtaugh, Steve O'Neill.
Umpires -- *Doug Harvey, *Hank O'Day.
First thoughts: two of the ten M&U candidates in 2007 were elected (Billy Southworth and Dick Williams), and of the eight who did not make the cut, seven are revisited this time. There really needs to be some relegation mechanism, such that failure to capture enough of the vote (25%, 50%, whatever) forces a candidate to skip one cycle, because re-reviewing obvious deadwood doesn't get us anywhere and simply doesn't help matters.
The Executives & Pioneers ballot (* == considered on December 2007 Executives ballot):
Executives -- Gene Autry, Sam Breadon, *John Fetzer, *Bob Howsam, *Ewing Kauffman, *John McHale, *Marvin Miller, *Gabe Paul, Jacob Ruppert, Bill White.
Pioneers -- none.
First thoughts:
1. Three of the ten candidates got elected last time, and of the seven who did not, six return this time -- again, some relegation would help rotate the potential pool.
2. The Hall has decided to ignore Miller's request that he not be stood for consideration. Miller had a point, and knew of what he wrote -- the 12-man electorate has a majority of executives (seven of 12 voters), some with personal experience with him, and no one who works in a front office (unless possibly an ex-player) will ever view him as anything less than an adversary of Dark Lord magnitude. Miller considers being nominated a waste of time and nothing but lip service.
3. The electorate has not changed much -- the composition is still two HOF players, seven executives, and three writers. Of those, both the players have changed (this year's player voters will be Robin Roberts and Tom Seaver), one executive (Bobby Brown, who was an ex-player from the pre-Miller era, has been bumped in favor of John Schuerholz), and one writer (Paul Hagen out, Phil Pepe in). Even if Miller has both players (likely) and all three writers (possible) behind him, he'd still need a majority, four of seven, of the executive voters to win induction. In 2007, he got three votes. So standing Miller as a candidate remains a case of either rank witlessness or historic disrespect on the part of the Hall, because he clearly has no chance with this subcommittee as it is presently constituted. And so, we'll watch this script play out yet again.
Candidate evaluations coming soon.
I'll have more soon regarding the individual candidates, the subcommittee memberships, and any other changes since these two ballots were last considered in 2007. Many of the candidates are repeaters.
The Managers & Umpires ballot (* == considered on December 2007 M&U ballot):
Managers -- Charlie Grimm, *Whitey Herzog, *Davey Johnson, Tom Kelly, *Billy Martin, *Gene Mauch, *Danny Murtaugh, Steve O'Neill.
Umpires -- *Doug Harvey, *Hank O'Day.
First thoughts: two of the ten M&U candidates in 2007 were elected (Billy Southworth and Dick Williams), and of the eight who did not make the cut, seven are revisited this time. There really needs to be some relegation mechanism, such that failure to capture enough of the vote (25%, 50%, whatever) forces a candidate to skip one cycle, because re-reviewing obvious deadwood doesn't get us anywhere and simply doesn't help matters.
The Executives & Pioneers ballot (* == considered on December 2007 Executives ballot):
Executives -- Gene Autry, Sam Breadon, *John Fetzer, *Bob Howsam, *Ewing Kauffman, *John McHale, *Marvin Miller, *Gabe Paul, Jacob Ruppert, Bill White.
Pioneers -- none.
First thoughts:
1. Three of the ten candidates got elected last time, and of the seven who did not, six return this time -- again, some relegation would help rotate the potential pool.
2. The Hall has decided to ignore Miller's request that he not be stood for consideration. Miller had a point, and knew of what he wrote -- the 12-man electorate has a majority of executives (seven of 12 voters), some with personal experience with him, and no one who works in a front office (unless possibly an ex-player) will ever view him as anything less than an adversary of Dark Lord magnitude. Miller considers being nominated a waste of time and nothing but lip service.
3. The electorate has not changed much -- the composition is still two HOF players, seven executives, and three writers. Of those, both the players have changed (this year's player voters will be Robin Roberts and Tom Seaver), one executive (Bobby Brown, who was an ex-player from the pre-Miller era, has been bumped in favor of John Schuerholz), and one writer (Paul Hagen out, Phil Pepe in). Even if Miller has both players (likely) and all three writers (possible) behind him, he'd still need a majority, four of seven, of the executive voters to win induction. In 2007, he got three votes. So standing Miller as a candidate remains a case of either rank witlessness or historic disrespect on the part of the Hall, because he clearly has no chance with this subcommittee as it is presently constituted. And so, we'll watch this script play out yet again.
Candidate evaluations coming soon.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
My Votes in the 2009 Internet Baseball Awards
Ever get upset with the major baseball awards, the ones that selected members of the Baseball Writers Of America Association vote upon? Certain they picked the wrong guy, or simply are all loony? Yeah, me too, some years.
But for well over a decade, the good people at Baseball Prospectus have been conducting the Internet Baseball Awards, open to anyone interested and registered with the BP site (which is free for the basic level). It's not only much more democratic -- the electorate can number in the thousands -- it's also much more statistically driven. Sure, there's disputes and differences of opinions, but the winners tend to be clear-cut.
I've cast my votes since before BP came into existence -- it was conducted on Usenet's rec.sport.baseball group way back when -- and did so again this year. Without further rambling, here's the ballots I cast.
American League Manager Of The Year
1. Mike Scioscia, Angels.
2. Ron Gardenhire, Twins.
National League Manager Of The Year
1. Jim Tracy, Rockies.
2. Bruce Bochy, Giants.
American League Rookie Of The Year
1. Elvis Andrus, Rangers.
2. Jeff Niemann, Rays.
3. Rick Porcello, Tigers.
4. Nolan Reimold, Orioles.
5. Gordon Beckham, White Sox.
National League Rookie Of The Year
1. Tommy Hanson, Braves.
2. Chris Coghlan, Marlins.
3. Andrew McCutchen, Pirates.
4. Randy Wells, Cubs.
5. Garrett Jones, Pirates.
American League Cy Young Award
1. Zack Greinke, Royals.
2. Felix Hernandez, Mariners.
3. Roy Halladay, Blue Jays.
4. Justin Verlander, Tigers.
5. Joe Nathan, Twins.
National League Cy Young Award
1. Chris Carpenter, Cardinals (say that fast three times).
2. Tim Lincecum, Giants.
3. Adam Wainwright, Cardinals
4. Matt Cain, Giants.
5. Jonathan Broxton, Dodgers.
American League Most Valuable Player Award
1. JOE MAUER, Twins.
2. Zack Greinke, Royals.
3. Mark Teixeira, Yankees.
4. Kendry Morales, Angels.
5. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees.
6. Ben Zobrist, Rays.
7. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox.
8. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners.
9. Derek Jeter, Yankees.
10. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers.
National League Most Valuable Player Award
1. Albert Pujols, Cardinals.
2. Prince Fielder, Brewers.
3. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins.
4. Pablo Sandoval, Giants.
5. Chris Carpenter, Cardinals.
6. Ryan Braun, Brewers.
7. Tim Lincecum, Giants.
8. Ryan Howard, Phillies.
9. Adrian Gonzalez, Padres.
10. Derrek Lee, Cubs.
Results coming soon.
But for well over a decade, the good people at Baseball Prospectus have been conducting the Internet Baseball Awards, open to anyone interested and registered with the BP site (which is free for the basic level). It's not only much more democratic -- the electorate can number in the thousands -- it's also much more statistically driven. Sure, there's disputes and differences of opinions, but the winners tend to be clear-cut.
I've cast my votes since before BP came into existence -- it was conducted on Usenet's rec.sport.baseball group way back when -- and did so again this year. Without further rambling, here's the ballots I cast.
American League Manager Of The Year
1. Mike Scioscia, Angels.
2. Ron Gardenhire, Twins.
National League Manager Of The Year
1. Jim Tracy, Rockies.
2. Bruce Bochy, Giants.
American League Rookie Of The Year
1. Elvis Andrus, Rangers.
2. Jeff Niemann, Rays.
3. Rick Porcello, Tigers.
4. Nolan Reimold, Orioles.
5. Gordon Beckham, White Sox.
National League Rookie Of The Year
1. Tommy Hanson, Braves.
2. Chris Coghlan, Marlins.
3. Andrew McCutchen, Pirates.
4. Randy Wells, Cubs.
5. Garrett Jones, Pirates.
American League Cy Young Award
1. Zack Greinke, Royals.
2. Felix Hernandez, Mariners.
3. Roy Halladay, Blue Jays.
4. Justin Verlander, Tigers.
5. Joe Nathan, Twins.
National League Cy Young Award
1. Chris Carpenter, Cardinals (say that fast three times).
2. Tim Lincecum, Giants.
3. Adam Wainwright, Cardinals
4. Matt Cain, Giants.
5. Jonathan Broxton, Dodgers.
American League Most Valuable Player Award
1. JOE MAUER, Twins.
2. Zack Greinke, Royals.
3. Mark Teixeira, Yankees.
4. Kendry Morales, Angels.
5. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees.
6. Ben Zobrist, Rays.
7. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox.
8. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners.
9. Derek Jeter, Yankees.
10. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers.
National League Most Valuable Player Award
1. Albert Pujols, Cardinals.
2. Prince Fielder, Brewers.
3. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins.
4. Pablo Sandoval, Giants.
5. Chris Carpenter, Cardinals.
6. Ryan Braun, Brewers.
7. Tim Lincecum, Giants.
8. Ryan Howard, Phillies.
9. Adrian Gonzalez, Padres.
10. Derrek Lee, Cubs.
Results coming soon.
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