Is Chipper Jones a first-ballot Hall of Famer?
Today, Buster Olney writes about Chipper Jones’ defensive struggles and says:
Chipper Jones says he might retire if he has another season like this one, writes David O’Brien. Remember, he just signed a three-year, $42 million extension, which runs through 2012. Yes, he is a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
That last line — Yes, he is a first ballot Hall of Famer — jumped out at me. Jones is the man. I’m a huge fan. But I’m curious if everybody else is convinced that Jones is Cooperstown-bound.
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September 11th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
I don’t understand the idea that it takes a years after the first ballot to decide someone is hall of fame worthy. Either they are or they are not. Like Jim Rice, why wait till its someones last year eligible. Unless your first year you are in a huge class where atleast 5 players got the 75%.
Chipper should be first ballot. Up there with Mickey with greatest switch hitter all time. I only hope he gets to go out strong. A comeback and run for batting title again next year and the last year of contract would be terrific. Voters seem to judge on last impressions alot.
All of this could be skewed because I also think Dale Murphy has a place in the hall. He was a top player of his time. But tapered off at the end..
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September 11th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
This shouldn’t even be a question.
Chipper Jones is *already* the second greatest third baseman to ever play the game, just behind Mike Schmidt, and just ahead of Eddie Matthews (although you might be able to sneak Brooks Robinson ahead of him on account of defense).
Even if Chipper retired tomorrow, he should be a first ballot Hall of Famer. I realize that might not be the way the voting goes, but any way you slice it, Chipper’s numbers are unequivocably Hall of Fame numbers.
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September 12th, 2009 at 12:52 am
This is why I did the poll. I don’t think everybody is sold on Chipper’s HOF creds, though they probably should be. I don’t know how you don’t vote for a guy with a career OBP over .400.
But it looks like most people who’ve responded to the poll think he should get in.
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