Posted by
Tom G. on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 8:31:05 AM
Much has been made of the selection of Jim Rice into the Baseball Hall of Fame. To consider the question we must decide what makes a Hall of Famer? The Question, prior to the Steroid Era of 1992-2005 was very simple. Perhaps we need to define it for the particular ERA's more precisely. Yet, I prefer to use the Potter Stewart rule..."I know it when I see it"!
162 Game Avg 638
97 190 29
6 30 113 4 3 52 110 .
298 .352 .502 128 320 0 7 6 5
The consistency showed by Rice over his 16 years was certainly hall of fame quality. Notice that his average hits per season was 190, this alone is a very solid and Hall of Fame level. Add to this the facts that he averaged 30 HR's and 113 RBI's over his 16 years and you'll find a stead producer for a long career.
Considering that IF he had played only 14 or 15 years, he would have retired a plus .300 hitter, still retiring at .298 in a dominate Pitchers era...
Certainly RICE is not May, Aaron or Ruth...but he is worthy of the Hall of Fame...He was a consistent hitter and run producer over a long career!
Welcome to the Hall!