Best Players Not In The Baseball Hall Of Fame
Baseball is a game of legends. From Babe Ruth to Hank Aaron, Joe DiMaggio to Jackie Robinson, these players have all earned their place in the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, not all great players are recognized in the hallowed halls of Cooperstown. In this article, we will discuss some of the best players not in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Pete Rose
Pete Rose is one of the most controversial players in baseball history. He is banned from the league due to his involvement in gambling on games as a player and manager. Despite this, Rose's career statistics are undeniable. He is the all-time hits leader with 4,256 and was a 17-time All-Star. Rose also won three batting titles and two Gold Gloves during his career.
Barry Bonds
Barry Bonds is another controversial player who is not in the Hall of Fame. Bonds was one of the most dominant players of his era and holds the records for most home runs in a season (73) and most home runs in a career (762). However, his accomplishments are overshadowed by his alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs. Despite this, Bonds was a seven-time MVP and an eight-time Gold Glove winner.
Roger Clemens
Roger Clemens is one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. He won seven Cy Young Awards during his career, tied for the most all-time. Clemens also won 354 games and struck out 4,672 batters, third-most in history. However, like Bonds, Clemens' reputation has been tarnished by allegations of steroid use.
Curt Schilling
Curt Schilling is one of the best postseason pitchers of all time. He won three World Series championships and was named the World Series MVP in 2001. Schilling also won 216 games and struck out 3,116 batters during his career. Despite his impressive resume, Schilling has been kept out of the Hall of Fame due to controversial statements he has made.
Edgar Martinez
Edgar Martinez was one of the best pure hitters of his era. He won two batting titles and finished his career with a .312 batting average. Martinez also hit 309 home runs and drove in 1,261 runs during his career. While he was primarily a designated hitter, Martinez's hitting prowess should not be overlooked.
Larry Walker
Larry Walker was one of the best all-around players of his era. He won three batting titles and was a seven-time Gold Glove winner. Walker also hit 383 home runs and stole 230 bases during his career. Despite his impressive resume, Walker has been kept out of the Hall of Fame due to concerns about his numbers being inflated by playing in the hitter-friendly Coors Field.
Conclusion
These players are just a few of the many greats who have yet to be recognized by the Baseball Hall of Fame. Whether it is due to controversies or other factors, these players deserve to be remembered for their incredible accomplishments on the field. It is up to future generations to decide if they belong in Cooperstown or not.