So Jeff Bagwell has shut it down, possibly for the season, possibly forever though he hopes to come back, so he can get his shoulder surgically repaired. I hope his surgery is a success and he's able to come back, if for no other reason than he deserves a real sendoff, as an active player, before his career ends. It's not inconceivable that he could still be a productive player post-op, either, and right about now the Stros could use all the bats they can find.
As for Bagwell's chances of getting into the Hall of Fame, I think he's close to a lock. He's actually a little light on some indicators, but he'll get (and deserve) a fair amount of credit for toiling in the hitter-hating Astrodome through his 20s. If you look at his Equivalent Averages, he's had some awesome peaks, most notably in his 1994 MVP campaign and from 1996-1999. Throw in his regular All-Star appearances and his good-glove reputation (more deserved early on than now, but that's not unusual), and I think he'll be the kind of guy that the writers like voting for. I just hope it's more than five years down the line before they get the chance.
UPDATE: Tom says Bagwell should be a no-brainer first-ballot inductee.
Posted by Charles Kuffner on May 17, 2005 to Baseball | TrackBackIt going to be tight for Bagwell to get into the Hall right now. He doesn't have the "milestone numbers" of 500 HR or 3000 hits.
Among the negative factors for Jeff - He played in a "hitter's era", he played in a "steroid era", his tenure of 15 seasons is relatively short, and he only has 4 All Star appearances.
Among his positive factors for Jeff - He played most of his career in the pitcher friendly Astrodome, he was a Rookie of the Year, he won an MVP award in 1994, finished 3rd in 1997 (Biggio was 4th) and was the runner up in 1999 (5 Astros got votes that year), and he spent all of his career with one team which I think will help him with the "old school" voters.
Statistically as a 1st baseman, his stats compare well with HOFers Orlando Cepeda and Tony Perez, but both Cepeda and Perez did not make it in very easily.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if he got a few NY votes from guys wanting to rub in the fact that the Red Sox traded him for Larry Anderson.
Personally, I think Biggio has an easier path.
Posted by: Patrick on May 17, 2005 2:57 PMGiven that the BBWAA is currently giving Jim Rice serious consideration, I'd be surprised if Bagwell has a problem (more games played, better raw hitting stats, and they may even notice the Astrodome).
Posted by: Danil on May 17, 2005 7:34 PMPretty hard for me to imagine Bagwell NOT being elected to the Hall of Fame on the first try. 449 HR's, 1525 RBI, great baserunner (2 years with 30+ SB and 40+ HR),.297 lifetime BA, great fielder, great team player and a guy who has been a credit to the game.
The names "Biggio" and "Bagwell" go together like "Malone" and "Stockton," and for years I had hoped that they might go into the HOF together. It could still happen, but it's looking doubtful.
As an Astro fan since the late 70's who suffered through years and years of pitiful offenses, for me, Bagwell's arrival was the answer to a prayer.
I hope we haven't seen the last of him, but if so, it's been a heck of a ride.
Posted by: Andy on July 25, 2005 11:27 PMI'd like nothing more than to see Bagwell get into the Hall of Fane. People around the Houston area have forgotten how great a player he was, and is, as far as I'm concerned. It is sad to see a hero struggle and begin his downslide, but if anyone can change his destined course it is Bagwell, the greatest first baseman to ever play the game!!!!!!!
Posted by: Sloppy on August 22, 2005 1:15 AM Bagwell is one of the greatest ball players for the Astros,he has been one of the back bones for
the Astros,as much pride that he has for the Astros,they better think twice ,we love bagwell
yours truly
Linda Cubine
PS.my daughter is a special
adult and she would be heartbroke
to see him not play.
would like jeff bagwells mailing address--ty
Posted by: robbie foster on January 18, 2007 7:12 AM