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Fellow Yankee fans vehemently disagree with me on this one.  If I had a vote, I would not cast one for Goose Goosage.  Goose was a terrific Yankee to be sure, and should be recongnized and remembered fondly by Yankee fans.  Unfortunately, he falls short of Hall of Fame worthiness in my opinion. 
I only characterize [...]

I really thought Gossage would get in this year.  He fell 21 votes shy of the 409 needed.  His percentage went up to 71.2% from 64%, which means he might get the 75% next year.  I don’t know why these writers are torturing him.  He belongs in the HOF!

With just Ripken and Gwynn winning admission, the old BBWA election system has rejustified itself. Steroids mean something even to the writers, not just the fans. There are always loose cannons who don’t put a baseball god on their ballots, but the republic survives. This year there was a virtue of omission re: McGwire, no sin [...]

I see that.  Ripken changed over the course of his career.  In the beginning, he was a good leader, and then he was sort of made out to be “bigger than the team” and unfortunately, he acted that way.  Ripken was a great fielder though and the sum of all of those parts made him [...]

Good post Russ. I never questioned his candidacy. I don’t even argue that he shouldn’t be entered into the HOF.
My point is that Ripken’s durability allowed his full body of work to make him look like a better baseball player than he was in actuality.
When you break it down, as I did in my post, [...]

I love these Hall of Fame debates. 
Putting Cal Ripken, Jr.’s career in proper perspective.  Cal Ripken, Jr. played a position (most of his career) which has throughout the course of history been viewed as a “defensive” position – shortshop.  He won 2 gold gloves and was a sure-handed, intelligent defensive player.  Although not blessed with [...]

*I changed my comment on this post*
Mattingly was better than Ripken but was not durable. Mattingly will not see the HOF.
So Ripken, while not as good as Mattingly, can thank his durability as he enters the hall.

Great posts on both.  Bubba was a fan Favorite and gave us some memorable moments.  As for Ripken, John you couldn’t be more right.  True, Cal is a great ambassador for the game, but an above average player, not a great player.  And as much as his straek is to be admired, there is no [...]

Yes, he was durable. Durability makes the compilation of good numbers look great. Gherig was durable AND great.
Q: Was he a great fielder?
A: In 21 seasons, he won 2 Gold Gloves.
Q: Was he a great base stealer?
A: In 21 seasons, he stole a total of 36 bases at a 48% success rate.
Q: Did he hit for a [...]

Great post Mike!  He did have some moments.  He can always tell his grandchildren he played with Jeter and A-Rod.  So long, Bubba – we hardly knew ya!