There’s been some turnover with the IBWAA this year as long
time founder Howard Cole stepped away from operations. Following an
unprecedented season, a constant takes place this time of year. It’s Hall of
Fame voting season. Coming a week earlier than the 2020 ballot, the 2021
hopefuls have entered my inbox.
This will now be my fourth year as an IBWAA member casting a
vote. The BBWAA is the official voting contingency, but the IBWAA handles
things very similarly. Voters may select up to 12 players, and there are a few
that have already been enshrined by the IBWAA group (namely, Barry Bonds and
Roger Clemens).
Previous ballots:
Despite an initial backlog needing to be worked through, I
have not voted for the maximum amount since my initial opportunity in 2018.
While I do believe there are some very close cases, I have chosen to continue
leaving off the same players I have previously passed over. Nothing about their
resumes have changed, and I have previously had the space to include them deciding
not to.
None of the newcomers made the cut for me, and that left
just three players previously eligible for consideration.
Curt Schilling: 79.7 fWAR
Bloody sock nonsense aside, Schilling is a three time Cy
Young runner-up, and six-time All Star. He struck out 3,116 batters in his
career and owns a 3.46 ERA while totaling more than 200 wins. Three World
Series rings, an MVP, and a 2.23 postseason ERA do him favors as well. Since
voting for him last year, Schilling has made plenty of splashes in the media.
He's not well liked off the field, but the character clause is among the most
dated pieces of inclusion into the Hall of Fame. On baseball merit alone, he's
worthy of the nod.
Scott Rolen 70.1 fWAR
Vastly under appreciated, Rolen started as a Rookie of the
Year winner, and went on to tally eight Gold Glove awards. He was a seven time
All Star and among the best to ever field the Hot Corner. With an .855 career
OPS, his bat more than does enough to supplement what was an exceptional
defensive career.
Andruw Jones 67.1 fWAR
Jones's 17 year career is often going to be questioned as he
held on for five uninspiring seasons to closer out his time as a big leaguer.
That aside, the 10 year stretch from 199-2007 was one for the ages. With 10
Gold Glove's and five All Star appearances, he was easily among the greatest in
the game for a decade.
