Comments on: Bernie Williams and the HOF

By: Steve Lombardi

Steve Lombardi — Thu, 19 May 2005 19:57:20 +0000

It’s probably up to Bernie as to where he wants to play next year – but, if it’s not NY, I could see Buck taking him in Texas to play DH/OF and get about 400 PA.

By: Phil

Phil — Thu, 19 May 2005 18:24:19 +0000

Steve- thanks for bringing up this topic.

To me- it boils down to the post-season…and the fact that he holds all of those records. Now- in my opinion- you can not hold the expanded playoff structure against him for two reasons:

1) it is a product of his time…same reason why such a big deal was/is made over the Mick’s and Yogi’s post season records should apply here as well. In the history of the sport, when games matter the most- Bernie is the ALL time leader in at least 8 major categories, and is in 2nd in Hits behind Jeter.

2) Bernie was a major reason why the yankees were able to play so many post season games. So, to me, its circular logic.

If Bernie had an awful career in the post season- there might be little debate. But the fact that he stands alone with these records is quite telling.

I still shiver when I think we almost lost him to Boston (after 1998?), and Albert Belle was being courted…could you imagine? There should also be something said for playing your entire career with one team (if that holds up).

By: Wahoo Sam

Wahoo Sam — Thu, 19 May 2005 13:22:07 +0000

Bernie is definitely a quality player – a “hitting” CF instead of a “fielding” CF. 350 RCAA seems to be the cusp for the HoF, so he’s right on the edge. I haven’t decided yet myself.

By: Clay

Clay — Wed, 18 May 2005 21:12:40 +0000

His post-season counting stat records are a direct result of his post-season games-played record.

Counting stats vs. rate stats.

HoF voters seem to fixate on the counting stats, though – 500 HRs, 3000 hits, etc.

By: Steve Lombardi

Steve Lombardi — Wed, 18 May 2005 21:09:00 +0000

Actually, he has the record – now – for G, AB, R, HR, TB, 2B, RBI and BB.

By: Jen

Jen — Wed, 18 May 2005 20:45:42 +0000

Doesn’t Bernie also have the post-season home run and RBI records?

By: Steve Lombardi

Steve Lombardi — Wed, 18 May 2005 20:41:25 +0000

Jen – thanks for the link.
Jason – “This is pure speculation, but will Bernie’s immaculate reputation help him w/voters as a contrast to a lot of the (drug) tainted players of his generation?” That and his post-season resume might help. No one has played more post-season games than Bernie – but, I hope Jeter breaks that record this year.

By: Sean

Sean — Wed, 18 May 2005 20:40:07 +0000

Thanks for the link, Jen. Good read. I hope Bernie can make it to HOF but then again I want Donnie Baseball to get inducted too(A guy can dream =p).

By: Jen

Jen — Wed, 18 May 2005 20:22:47 +0000

Larry from RLYW did a Keltner List on Bernie last year.

http://yankeefan.blogspot.com/2004/06/bernie-day.html

By: Jason O.

Jason O. — Wed, 18 May 2005 20:14:17 +0000

Agreed that the media is a key for Bern baby Bern’s HOF candidacy. The problem is that many media types are anti-Yankees and anti Mr. Steinbrenner.

He needs 40-45 more HRs and about 150 more RBIs to be a sure thing for the HOF. He won’t get these unless he becomes (almost) the full time DH.

This is pure speculation, but will Bernie’s immaculate reputation help him w/voters as a contrast to a lot of the (drug) tainted players of his generation?