Is Chipper Jones a HOFer? (1 Viewer)

[David Yudkin]

I heard a discussion on the radio today about Chipper Jones and what struck me was that a couple of people felt he was at best a borderline HOF candidate. I personally have a hard time seeing a case for him NOT making it given that third base has not historically been a position where players put up great offensive numbers.

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Key stats include:

- Lifetime .308 average

- 9 seasons hitting .300+

- 9 seasons of 100+ RBI

- League MVP

- Won a WS

- Should hit his 400th HR this year and get his 1500th RBI next year

- OPS+ 144

- HOF Monitor Score of 149.5

What is the case against his induction that I am missing that leads some to think he is not a legit HOF candidate?

 

[Daywalker]

When healthy the guy is still a top 10 hitter right now. He's in already. The Braves' run was amazing. One W.S. title has got to be a mild dissappointment but the mlb playoffs are practically a crapshoot.

 

[comfortably numb]

Voted Yes, even now

The power numbers are abit "weak" in his era, but the over 300 average career and 9 seasons is what make him a shoe in IMO

 

[avoiding injuries]

If he stopped playing now he would have a chance. When he actually stops playing, his career stats will be plenty. Also, ROY and 5 time all-star.

 

[shadyridr]

I said it last year and everyone mocked me :X Of course hes a HOFer. Some of the best #s ever put up by a 3B.

 

[Koya]

From the "look test" its a no brainer. When you look at the numbers though, the decision becomes considerably more murky than I had expected. That said, I believe he is HOF for these reasons:

While his numbers compare with many borderline HOF candidates (i.e. Sheffield), this guy played 3B most of his career.

The guy was the leader, heart and soul of a regular season dynasty.

Over .300 AVG, over .400 OBP with pop, at 3B.

I never personally saw Chipper as a roids guy, yet all his comparables are against players who obviously juiced.

That said, his black and grey numbers are definately lacking although the cumulatives are certainly there. That said, the look test and what I saw on the field makes me say he has to be an HOFer.

 

[David Yudkin]

IIRC, there are only 13 third baseman in Cooperstown (and most of them are from many moons ago):

Frank Baker

Wade Boggs

George Brett

Jimmy Collins

Ray Dandridge

Judy Johnson

George Kell

Freddie Lindstrom

Eddie Matthews

Brooks Robinson

Mike Schmidt

Pie Traynor

Jud Wilson

In the past 30 years, there's basically been Boggs, Brett, and Schmidt. I agree that Chipper's numbers seem a bit light in the era he played in and he probably would not get as much consideration if he were a 1B or an OF. But at 3B there are not many guys that have been that productive. (I know Ripken and A-Rod have been but in my book they were really SS for most of their careers.)

 

[Standing Hampton]

Yes. I believe he's the only switch hitter with a .300 average and 300+ home runs.

 

[CrossEyed]

Yes, right now.

And I hate the Braves.

 

[dparker713]

I think he should be in right now, but I think he'll need to put up a couple of more good seasons before he's a lead-pipe lock. He doesnt have the gaudy power numbers and he's had some injury problems so those are both knocks against him.

 

[Bamboo Bill]

Can he stay healthy?