Recently the new inductees to Cooperstown were announced, Bert Blyleven and Robby Alomar. The interesting thing is that it took Blyleven 14 years to make the hall. His numbers were equal or better than other pitchers that were already in the hall. Why did it take him so long? Why does it take other deserving players so long? Is it because the baseball writers vote? Why do they get to vote and is there criteria that they must follow when they vote?
There is where the conundrum comes in. There is no consistency in who the writers vote for, they have turned it into a popularity contest. Now that Blyleven is a member of the media it has become easier for the writers to vote for him. He should have been in the hall on one of his early ballots.
What can we do to ensure the right players enter the hall at the right time? Not sure there is an easy answer. Writers see them everyday and write about them but there is always the personal side to that equation. Do you base it strictly on stats and have benchmarks that must be met? If this is the case those whose careers were cut short because of injury may not make it even though they are deserving. Maybe a combination of writers, stats and current living hall members and each of these have the same weight as the other.
What are some of your thoughts? I'd like to hear from you.
