12-02-2008, 02:54 PM
<!--quoteo(post=741:date=Dec 2 2008, 12:49 PM:name=HamSammitch)-->QUOTE (HamSammitch @ Dec 2 2008, 12:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=698:date=Dec 2 2008, 11:10 AM:name=rok)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (rok @ Dec 2 2008, 11:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Mattingly isn't a HOFer. He was a great hitter for about 5-6 seasons, but not much else.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
mattingly was on the fast track to the hall, but chronic back pains turned him into an average player. those 5 or 6 years though? one of the best runs in modern baseball history.
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I agree, he would have made it rather easily had he been healthy for a decade and if his production remained at the same level (still a tall task), but there's a list about 100 names deep of guys who were on the so-called fast track to the Hall but then were slowed down by injuries or other personal issues or whatever. Also, being a Yankee has helped his legacy a ton.
mattingly was on the fast track to the hall, but chronic back pains turned him into an average player. those 5 or 6 years though? one of the best runs in modern baseball history.
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I agree, he would have made it rather easily had he been healthy for a decade and if his production remained at the same level (still a tall task), but there's a list about 100 names deep of guys who were on the so-called fast track to the Hall but then were slowed down by injuries or other personal issues or whatever. Also, being a Yankee has helped his legacy a ton.