If every MLB player was to retire tomorrow, Who would be the first 5 inducted into the Hall of Fame? Well, I have that list for you with reasons why they should be in the first 5 inducted right now.
1. Omar Vizquel. Omar is probably the second best fielding shortstop of all time, only behind Ozzie Smith. Oh, great. Another guy that can field but can't hit at all right?WRONG. He has 2631 career hits with a .272 average. Compared to Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith's 2,460 hits and .262 average. Defense? He's got a .988 fielding percentage, 11 Gold Gloves (second most all-time for a short stop), and has the record for turning most double plays at shortstop (1,657).
2. Frank Thomas. Thomas has peen an offensive power house in his 18 year career, with 2448 hits, 520 Home Runs, 1701 RBI's, a .302 career batting average, and a .420 on base percentage. He has also only made 22 errors in 18 years, with a .989 fielding percentage. Last year, even though he is getting older he hit26 home runs, 95 RBI and a .377 on base percentage. Steroids? Maybe. But the guy has still had a great career.
3. Jim Thome. Not as many hits, 2006 his career, but Thome definitely has power. 526 Home Runs, 391 doubles, 1457 RBI’s, and a .280 career batting average. Fielding, WOW. A .994 fielding percentage with 9414 put-outs. In 1996 Jim became only the third third baseman in American League history to hit .300+, slug 30+ home runs, and record 100+ RBI. Same as Thomas when it comes to steroids.
4. Greg Maddux. A total of 351 wins so far, 109 complete games, 39 shut outs, 3344 strike outs, 4948.2 Innings Pitched. 16 Gold Glove Awards. (most all time at pitcher) He’s still doing pretty well this year, even though he’s 42 years old. He’s also won the Cy Young award a total of Four Times.
5. Randy Johnson. 292 wins, 99 complete games, 37 shut outs, 4717 strikeouts, 5 Cy Young Awards, tied for league MVP. 8 Wins at the age of 44 is some accomplishment too. He throws hard and he just looks like a Hall of Famer.
This is my view. What is yours. Give me your first 5 to go into the HOF and I’ll tell you what I think about them.
