With the Hall Of Fame election announcement coming on January 9, 2013, it is time to review the ballot, go over the names, and decide who belongs in the Hall Of Fame.
There are twenty four men on the ballot for the first time this year and we will take a look at each one individually prior to official announcements. You can find all of the profiles in the I-70 Baseball Exclusives: Cooperstown Choices 2013 menu at the top of the page.
In this article, we take a look at Mike Piazza
Mike Piazza
One of the most prolific hitting catchers of all time, Piazza hits the ballot after a 16 year career. During that career, he would appear in 12 All Star games and win 10 Silver Slugger Awards and the Rookie Of The Year Award in 1993.
Why He Should Get In
The numbers our outstanding, especially for a catcher. His position may, in fact, be his saving grace. While his defense was sub-par for his entire career, his offensive numbers show him to be one of the best hitters to play his position of all time. While his totals for home runs, runs batted in, and hits are not overly impressive on their own, the fact that he compiled the majority of them while being a backstop keeps him in the discussion.
Why He Should Not Get In
His numbers, as stated above, are not outstanding if he were anywhere else on the field. That being said, most people feel that he had no business being a catcher for as log as he was, given his lack of ability at that position. Being a great offensive star at a position generally only works if you were a defensive star at that position as well.
Bill Ivie is the editor here at I-70 Baseball Follow him on Twitter here.
With the Hall Of Fame election announcement coming on January 9, 2013, it is time to review the ballot, go over the names, and decide who belongs in the Hall Of Fame.
There are twenty four men on the ballot for the first time this year and we will take a look at each one individually prior to official announcements. You can find all of the profiles in the I-70 Baseball Exclusives: Cooperstown Choices 2013 menu at the top of the page.
Roger Clemens
One of the most discussed names on this year’s ballot will be that of the Texas fireballer, Roger Clemens.
His 24-year career would yield 11 All Star nominations, seven Cy Young Awards, a Most Valuable Player Award and countless moments that many fans will never forget.
Why He Should Get In
The list here is long and showcases a pure Hall Of Famer. 354 wins, 7 Cy Young Awards, 4,672 strikeouts, four seasons with more than 20 wins, two seasons with an ERA below 2.00, and a career ERA of 3.12. His average wins in a 162 game season would be 17 and he would average 224 strikeouts. The numbers show a unamious, first ballot hall of fame candidate.
Why He Should Not Get In
Short and sweet, steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. There is a large amount of suspicion around Clemens and it will keep many voters from putting him into Cooperstown. His career and his numbers speak for themselves. His recent actions and suspicions taint all that he has accomplished, however.
Bill Ivie is the editor here at I-70 Baseball Follow him on Twitter here.
With the Hall Of Fame election announcement coming on January 9, 2013, it is time to review the ballot, go over the names, and decide who belongs in the Hall Of Fame.
There are twenty four men on the ballot for the first time this year and we will take a look at each one individually prior to official announcements. You can find all of the profiles in the I-70 Baseball Exclusives: Cooperstown Choices 2013 menu at the top of the page.
Sammy Sosa
An eighteen year veteran of major league baseball, Sosa saw time with four teams during his career. During his career, he would be selected to seven All Star rosters as well as be awarded six Silver Sluggers and one Most Valuable Player Award.
Why He Should Get In
His home run (609) and runs batted in (1,667) totals speak loudly enough about a Hall Of Fame career. Add in 2,408 hits, 234 stolen bases and 929 walks and it is easy to see that Sammy was a well-rounded player that brought more than just a big bat to the teams he played for.
Why He Should Not Get In
More than just about any other player, Sammy will feel the strain of the steroid era. A player that was perceived to be average for most of his career, Sosa’s numbers ballooned quickly without explanation around 1998 and stayed at that level until 2002. The voters will most likely use Sosa as an example in their voting for some time to come.
Bill Ivie is the editor here at I-70 Baseball Follow him on Twitter here.
With the Hall Of Fame election announcement coming on January 9, 2013, it is time to review the ballot, go over the names, and decide who belongs in the Hall Of Fame.
There are twenty four men on the ballot for the first time this year and we will take a look at each one individually prior to official announcements. You can find all of the profiles in the I-70 Baseball Exclusives: Cooperstown Choices 2013 menu at the top of the page.
Barry Bonds
Barry’s historic career spanned 22 seasons that would see him play for two teams. His list of accomplishments include: seven Most Valuable Player Awards (1990 and 1992 with Pittsburgh, 1993 and 2001-2004 with the Giants), 14 All Star selections (2 with Pittsburgh, 12 with San Francisco), eight Gold Glove Awards (3 with Pittsburgh, 5 with the Giants), and 12 Silver Slugger Awards (3 with the Pirates, 9 with the Giants).
Why He Should Get In
The list here is simply astonishing. He had 2,935 hits. He led the league in home runs twice, including the single season record of 73 in 2001. He won two batting titles. He finished his career with 762 home runs, 2,558 walks, and 688 intentional walks, all of those are all time records. He led the league 10 times in on base percentage, seven times in slugging percentage, and nine times in OPS (on base plus slugging percentage). His career is unparalleled and unrivaled by the best to ever play the game.
Why He Should Not Get In
There are two things keeping Barry out of the Hall: his connection to steroids and he is generally disliked. He was one of the most brash and disrespectful players in the game when it came with interactions with the media, the fans, or his teammates. His connection to steroids will keep him out for a good long time, but I would wager to say that he will eventually find his rightful place in Cooperstown.
Bill Ivie is the editor here at I-70 Baseball Follow him on Twitter here.
With the Hall Of Fame election announcement coming on January 9, 2013, it is time to review the ballot, go over the names, and decide who belongs in the Hall Of Fame.
There are twenty four men on the ballot for the first time this year and we will take a look at each one individually prior to official announcements. You can find all of the profiles in the I-70 Baseball Exclusives: Cooperstown Choices 2013 menu at the top of the page.
Curt Schilling
The epitome of the term “big game pitcher”, Curt Schilling was the pitcher that helped the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Boston Red Sox to World Championships. His 20 year career was highlighted with six all star appearances and finished second in the Cy Young Award voting three times. He also finished in the top 15 of the Most Valuable Player voting four times in his career.
Why He Should Get In
Schilling’s case is one that is defined by his performance in big games and the postseason. While most of his regular season stats put him as a borderline hall of famer, his postseason numbers are seldom rivaled. With a 11-2 record, a 2.23 earned run average, an average of over 7 innings per start, a WHIP below one and a strikeout per nine innings over eight, his postseason prowess will have many clamoring for his induction based on the postseason alone.
Why He Should Not Get In
Yes, he was a huge pitcher in the postseason and had monumental success on the biggest stage. That being said, he does not have the hardware to back up his claim to Cooperstown. Finishing second multiple times for the Cy Young Award simply makes him the second best pitcher during those seasons. According to Baseball-Reference, he ranks as a slighly above the average hall of fame pitcher (according to the Jaffe WAR Score System). However, advanced statistics have yet to play a large influence on hall of fame voters.
Bill Ivie is the editor here at I-70 Baseball Follow him on Twitter here.
With the Hall Of Fame election announcement coming on January 9, 2013, it is time to review the ballot, go over the names, and decide who belongs in the Hall Of Fame.
There are twenty four men on the ballot for the first time this year and we will take a look at each one individually prior to official announcements. You can find all of the profiles in the I-70 Baseball Exclusives: Cooperstown Choices 2013 menu at the top of the page.
Craig Biggio
After a 20 year career that featured seven all star appearances, the lifetime Astro will be featured on the Hall Of Fame ballot for the first time. He would notch a silver slugger award as a catcher and four more as a second baseman. He rounded out his offensive prowess with three Gold Glove Awards in his career.
Why He Should Get In
A versatile player, Biggio was an All Star as a catcher and a second baseman. His offensive numbers are on par with what Hall Of Fame voters tend to recognize. With over 3,000 hits and over 400 stolen bases as well as over 1100 runs batted in, he has solidified himself as worthy of a bronze plaque in the halls of Cooperstown.
Why He Should Not Get In
He may have held on a bit too long in an effort to get the numbers that he needed to in order to reach the hall. While he may have held on too long, he was far from an embarassment to his career. Biggio is as close to a first ballot hall of famer as you will find.
Bill Ivie is the editor here at I-70 Baseball Follow him on Twitter here.
With the Hall Of Fame election announcement coming on January 9, 2013, it is time to review the ballot, go over the names, and decide who belongs in the Hall Of Fame.
There are twenty four men on the ballot for the first time this year and we will take a look at each one individually prior to official announcements. You can find all of the profiles in the I-70 Baseball Exclusives: Cooperstown Choices 2013 menu at the top of the page.
Kenny Lofton
Lofton’s career spanned 17 years, seeing time in both leagues. He would be named an All Star on six consecutive occasions, win four straight Gold Glove awards, and finished second in the 1992 Rookie Of The Year voting.
Why He Should Get In
Lofton is one of the great basestealers in recent memory. With over 600 stolen bases, it places him in elite company. Add to that a career batting average of .299, a career on base percentage of .372, 2,428 hits, and 383 doubles in addition to the above mentioned hardware and Lofton has a serious case for enshrinement.
Why He Should Not Get In
The numbers are impressive, but they do fall just a bit short. He has 2,428 hits, not 2,500. He has 383 doubles, not 400. He falls just short in multiple categories. Ultimately, it probably won’t keep him out of the Hall permanently, just for the next few years.
Bill Ivie is the editor here at I-70 Baseball Follow him on Twitter here.
If there is one thing we love to do, it is to give away things to our loyal readers.
We give away books, movies, swag and much more on a regular basis. Today, we were presented with the opportunity to award our fans with what they really want: the ability to go see their team play in person.
In conjunction with some of our favorite blogs, C70 At The Bat and Pitchers Hit Eighth, and on behalf of Sports Vacation Guys, we give you just that opportunity.
“Our friends, the Sports Vacation Guys have a pair of tickets to give away to one (well, two) lucky Cardinals fans for Monday night’s game against the Padres at Busch. Currently, their website is being re-vamped, so while it’s under construction, they’ve asked us to help give these tickets away.”
To enter, just tell us
If you could go see the Cardinals play a road game in any other MLB park, which one would it be?
Who would you take with you?
Why?
They will need to provide their name & email address, and may either enter by commenting on your site, or by emailing their entry directly to: Contest@SportsVacationGuys.com
The winner will be announced this weekend on the United Cardinal Bloggers website.
What are you waiting for? Enter. Now.
Bill Ivie is the editor here at I-70 Baseball He is the host of I-70 Radio, hosted every week on BlogTalkRadio. Follow him on Twitter here.
The Springfield Cardinals have been down more than up this year and frustrations are not far behind.
New manager Mike Shildt, who took over for Ron “Pop” Warner after Pop was promoted to Memphis to manage the Tripe-A Redbirds, took exception to a call in a game against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on 5/11. An argument ensued and Shildt would not let it die for a good while. Unfortunately, before all was said and done, he flipped his helmet into the field of play. The bigger problem was that the umpire stood between him and the location he was flipping the helmet to.
Very seldom does throwing equipment come out as a good idea. Check out the video below, provided by our friends at Rambling Morons.
Bill Ivie is the editor here at I-70 Baseball He is the host of I-70 Radio, hosted every week on BlogTalkRadio. Follow him on Twitter here.
The Wilmington Blue Rocks, down 2-0 in the third inning, were struggling to find some footing.
With runners on first and third, Blue Rocks hurler Leondy Perez would strike out Carolina Mudcats hitter Giovanny Urshella. The runner on first, Tony Wolters, was attempting to steal second but was quickly dispatched by the Blue Rocks’ catcher, Kevin David.
Reacting to the play on the field, Mudcat runner Tyler Holt attempted to take advantage and score from third, only to get caught in a rundown and become the third of the inning and the play.
The Blue Rocks would ride the high of the triple play and go on to win the contest 9-2.
Courtesy of Sean Greene from local station WDEL, here is video of the fantastic defensive play.
Bill Ivie is the editor here at I-70 Baseball He is the host of I-70 Radio, hosted every week on BlogTalkRadio. Follow him on Twitter here.
