Is Jeff Bagwell a HOF?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

It appears as if Bagwell's career with the Astros is now over. Is he a HOFer?

 

He has a career line of 297/408/540 in 15 seasons. He has the ROY and MVP award to his credit. He had 449 HR and 1529 RBI. His career OPS+ is an amazing 150.

 

I'd probably say he belongs.

[wolf stansson]

Yes, mainly because I prefer rate stats.

[Guest]

I don't there should even be debate on bagwell and biggio

[UK1679666180]

What about Thome? While I'm very biased, I think he should be in as well.

[Guest]

Well, if Bags is in, then Big Frank is an auto-in. They had nearly identical numbers (and birthdays) coming into this year. Given what Frank did, I imagine he's that much ahead of Bags in career numbers now.

[Guest]

Well, if Bags is in, then Big Frank is an auto-in. They had nearly identical numbers (and birthdays) coming into this year. Given what Frank did, I imagine he's that much ahead of Bags in career numbers now.

 

Bags played the field. That being said, the Big Hurt was the best hitter in baseball for several years.

[rocket]

I'd say definitely yes...though I wonder if sportswriters are suspicious of him and steroid use.

[Guest]

Well, if Bags is in, then Big Frank is an auto-in. They had nearly identical numbers (and birthdays) coming into this year. Given what Frank did, I imagine he's that much ahead of Bags in career numbers now.

 

Bags played the field. That being said, the Big Hurt was the best hitter in baseball for several years.

That's mainly a function of one being on an NL and one on an AL team. Now...if you wanted to talk about Bags putting up great numbers in the Astrodome for a number of years, I'll buy that argument.

[ConstableRabbit]

Absolutely.

[soccer10k]

I was considering making a "no" argument because he seemed like a similar player to Palmeiro - very good but not great. But then I looked up their stats and Bagwell's line (.408/.540/.948) trumps Palmeiro's (.371/.515/.886).

 

Yes Bagwell is a HOFer.

[cheapseats]

Well, if Bags is in, then Big Frank is an auto-in. They had nearly identical numbers (and birthdays) coming into this year. Given what Frank did, I imagine he's that much ahead of Bags in career numbers now.

 

Bags played the field. That being said, the Big Hurt was the best hitter in baseball for several years.

That's mainly a function of one being on an NL and one on an AL team. Now...if you wanted to talk about Bags putting up great numbers in the Astrodome for a number of years, I'll buy that argument.

 

It's amazing that so many people (including the baseball writers who vote) ignore park effects. Bagwell put up great numbers in the Astrodome. His counting stats would have been even better if he played in a hitter-friendly park.

[Omar]

Jim Thome is 28 HRs away from 500 and Frank Thomas is 13 HR away from 500. They'll likely play next season and make the 500 mark.. equaling an automatic HOF.

[mul21]

If the geniuses who vote for HOF aren't smart enough to figure out that Bagwell would have most likely easily eclipsed the 500 HR mark had he not played in the Astrodome for 10 years (?), then they shouldn't be allowed to vote anymore. I don't think it should be a question considering he and Biggio carried those Astros teams by themselves for so many years and the leadership they both provided (yes, I know it's not measurable, but I think it should play a factor).

[biittner77]

If the geniuses who vote for HOF aren't smart enough to figure out that Bagwell would have most likely easily eclipsed the 500 HR mark had he not played in the Astrodome for 10 years (?), then they shouldn't be allowed to vote anymore. I don't think it should be a question considering he and Biggio carried those Astros teams by themselves for so many years and the leadership they both provided (yes, I know it's not measurable, but I think it should play a factor).

 

Looking at the stats that HOF voters acknowledge, he doesn't get in because he didn't have 500 HRs, didn't win the WS and didn't hit .300.

 

Sure, those stats are pretty meaningless but we are talking about guys that think Ozzie Smith is a HOFer.

[10man]

hall of fame voters are indeed an eccentric bunch. you never can tell if its stats, or awards, or milestones that put someone over the top. maybe its what the voter ate for breakfast that day. i'd think he has a shot at being a HOF but definitely will take quite a few ballots before he makes it.

[SouthSideRyan]

Well, if Bags is in, then Big Frank is an auto-in. They had nearly identical numbers (and birthdays) coming into this year. Given what Frank did, I imagine he's that much ahead of Bags in career numbers now.

 

Bags played the field. That being said, the Big Hurt was the best hitter in baseball for several years.

That's mainly a function of one being on an NL and one on an AL team. Now...if you wanted to talk about Bags putting up great numbers in the Astrodome for a number of years, I'll buy that argument.

 

Thomas was always terrible in the field and Bagwell wasn't.

 

But yeah, both deserve to sail in.

[Rob]

Bagwell and Thomas are easily in the top ten 1B of all time. There's no way they shouldn't be first-ballot guys.

[dalgreen]

I am still of the opinion if you have to ask if someone should get in the HOF then they shouldn't be elected. But since the Hall of Fame is no longer for the "greatest of the great" baseball players of all time but instead just for the great than I think Bagwell, Biggio and Thome should get in.

[Rob]

I am still of the opinion if you have to ask if someone should get in the HOF then they shouldn't be elected. But since the Hall of Fame is no longer for the "greatest of the great" baseball players of all time but instead just for the great than I think Bagwell, Biggio and Thome should get in.

 

Just out of sheer morbid curiosity, which first basemen do you see as being better than Bagwell?

[biittner77]

I am still of the opinion if you have to ask if someone should get in the HOF then they shouldn't be elected. But since the Hall of Fame is no longer for the "greatest of the great" baseball players of all time but instead just for the great than I think Bagwell, Biggio and Thome should get in.

 

Just out of sheer morbid curiosity, which first basemen do you see as being better than Bagwell?

 

Lou Gehrig wasn't too bad.

 

Jimmy Fox won back to back MVPs though I don't know too much else about him.

[NewUserName]

I have a feeling there is going to be a backlash against players of this generation. Since HOF voters dont look at things like OBP and OPS, I am inclined to think that Bagwell will have trouble getting in. Also whenever there is a player who may be borderline a thing that helps a lot is postseason success, which Bagwell has little.

 

Do I think he should be in? Yes

 

Do I think he will make it? I dont know

[NorthsideAvenger]

I am still of the opinion if you have to ask if someone should get in the HOF then they shouldn't be elected. But since the Hall of Fame is no longer for the "greatest of the great" baseball players of all time but instead just for the great than I think Bagwell, Biggio and Thome should get in.

 

Just out of sheer morbid curiosity, which first basemen do you see as being better than Bagwell?

 

Lou Gehrig wasn't too bad.

 

Jimmy Fox won back to back MVPs though I don't know too much else about him.

 

Orlando Cepeda and Willie Stargall, I hear were pretty good, themselves.

[NorthsideAvenger]

Bagwell and Thomas are easily in the top ten 1B of all time. There's no way they shouldn't be first-ballot guys.

 

Thomas and Bagwell was forever be link. The same birthday, the fact that both won MVPs the same yr.

 

Interesting enough, according to Baseballreference.com, on the list of "Similar Hitters" Bagwell top comparasion is........Frank Thomas. And believe it or not it is vice versa Frank Thomas top comparasion is Jeff Bagwell.

[sunnydoo]

21 1b have been selected to Cooperstown thus far:

 

Cap Anson

Jake Beckley

Jim Bottomley

Dan Brouthers

Orlando Cepeda

Frank Chance

Roger Connor

Jimmie Foxx

Lou Gehrig

Hank Greenberg

George Kelly

Harmon Killebrew

Buck Leonard

Willie McCovey

Johnny Mize

Eddie Murray

Tony Perez

George Sisler

Mule Suttles

Ben Taylor

Bill Terry

 

 

I think Thome and Thomas both go for sure when they punch 500 HR.

 

Bagwell is more interesting. He does have the numbers and several awards. However, allegations of steroids and his lifestyle with his ex-wife will certainly raise questions with the voters. Depends on how intent the baseball purists are going to go after the players of the Steroid Era.

 

Think he will pop in on the 2nd or 3rd try.

[Magnetic Curses]

if bagwell doesn't get in it will be a travesty. quite simply one of the most consistently excellent first basemen in history.

 

for the record, frank should be a first-ballot guy as well.