Today, the Modern Era Committee's electees for the 2018 MLB Hall of Fame class were announced and, boy, was I thrilled with the results. Here's why!
Quick background: players on the ballot for the 16-person committee to vote on had to have their major career accomplishments come between the years 1970-1987. The nine players (and one executive) on the ballot were Steve Garvey, Don Mattingly, Jack Morris, Alan Trammell, Luis Tiant, Dale Murphy, Ted Simmons, Dave Parker, Tommy John, and Marvin Miller.
The No-Doubter: Alan Trammell
I FINALLY HAVE A HALL OF FAME BIRTHDAY BUDDY AND I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER! Trammell played shortstop from 1977-1996 exclusively with the Tigers and built the reputation of being one of the best-fielding shortstops in baseball history. The 1984 World Series MVP was called "the model of consistency" by famous sportswriter Peter Gammons, having collected at least 25 home runs, 100 RBIs, 150 or more hits, or a batting average of .300 or higher in separate seasons all across his career. Here's a link to my live interview with Trammell from the 2015 Hall of Fame Classic (pic below, too).
Finally gets the credit he deserves: Jack Morris
The winningest pitcher of the 80s who started 14 Opening Days during his career is the second and final member of the 2018 Hall of Fame class so far. Morris pitched from 1977-1994 with the Tigers, Twins, and Blue Jays, winning 254 career games and posting 15 or more wins in twelve seasons. The five-time All Star is most known for his Game Seven performance during the 1991 World Series while playing for the Twins against the Braves, when he pitched a 10-inning shutout en route to a championship for the Gopher State.
The one I though should've gotten in: Steve Garvey
The National League version of Lou Gehrig (in terms of consecutive games played) was a ten-time All Star playing with the Dodgers and Padres from 1969-1987. Garvey collected 200+ base hits in six out of seven seasons from 1974-1980, twice leading the NL in the category. The .294 lifetime batter brought some great baseball memories to Southern California, which is why I was surprised to not hear his name called out with Trammell's and Morris's.
Overrated: Don Mattingly and Dale Murphy
Let me just say that as a Yankees fan, I love Don Mattingly. However, just like Murphy, he had a solid start to his careers that fizzled out by the end. If both of them were more productive over longer periods of time, then they're Hall of Famers.
Last but not least...
Put Gil Hodges in the Hall, already!
Thanks for reading this post and I hope you enjoyed it. Congratulations to Jack Morris and Alan Trammell on their election into the Hall of Fame and check back soon for more of "all the buzz on what wuzz."
Nice post I really agree with your opinions here and I am a fan of Trammel.
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