Why isn't Roger Maris in the Hall of Fame? Technically he didn't have Hall numbers, but if you look at what?

Question

he did, with the breaking the single season HR record, getting 61 in 1961, I think that should put him in the Hall right there. Watch Billy Crystal's film, 61, it shows what a good person Roger was. He was a great Yankee. Maris was a 2 time AL MVP award winner. He and Dale Murphy are the only 2 time MVP's not in the Hall of Fame. In a 12 year career from 1957-1968, Maris had 1,325 hits, 195 DB's, 275 HR's, 851 RBI's and .260 BA. I know they aren't great numbers, but the 2 time MVP and him breaking the Babe's record should at least get him in through the Veterans Committee. I mean, Phil Rizzuto got in, and his numbers were similiar to Roger's, minus all the HR's and RBI's. Do you think Roger Maris should be in the Hall of Fame?

http://www.baseball-reference.com/m/marisro01.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Maris#Hall_of_Fame.3F

Answer 1

Absolutely not.  Look at the number of guys whose career numbers surpass Maris's.  He had an absolutely amazing season in '61, obviously, but that year seemed to be an aberration when you look at his overall stat lines.  500 HR will get you in....3000 hits.......Maris was nowhere close to either of those marks.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, the Hall of Fame is no longer about great players and great events. It is about numbers. Technically, a person can get in with 10 years in the big leagues. In reality, that's not true. The writers are infatuated with big, fat numbers. They have trained the fans to be. So, unless a guy plays at least 20 years or unless he is a writer-darling, forget it.

If the Hall were to represent that which is great about baseball, the man who held the most prestigious record in baseball -- in sports, actually -- and held it even longer than Babe Ruth, would be in. Alas, the hall is now about capitalism. How many big numbers can you throw up? That's all that matters.

Answer 3

Dale Murphy was one homerun away from 400?  He was also a dominant hitter his entire career.  Maris had a few good seasons but look at Albert Belle.  Belle overall was a better hitter and he's not even close to the HALL.  Watching Billy Crystal's film, how would that make you think someone belongs in the hall of fame?

Answer 4

Did you see the movie JFK?  Don't judge history based on a movie.  Especially not from a biased fan.

I don't think either one should actually be in the Hall.  Maris" achievement is, or at least was, noted in the part where they recognize such achievements, but he will never be in the main hall.

Answer 5

I was shocked a few years ago when I found out he wasn't in the HOF. I definitely think he should. That record stood for 40 years and like you mentioned, he was a multiple MVP winner.

Answer 6

As a youngster I was extremely fortunate to see nearly the entire 1961 baseball season.  I probably attended 20 to 25 home game that season as well.  It was the most incredible experience of my life as a Yankee fan.

Yes, Roger Maris was a great guy, a straight shooter who did it the right way.  He was a credit to baseball.  The Mantle - Maris home run derby was the greatest event I've ever seen in sports.

If there was a wing set up in the hall of fame for the nicest guys who ever played the game, I'm sure Maris would be the first to be elected.  However there is no such wing.  Perhaps the worse thing that ever happen to Maris was breaking Ruth's record.  It overshadowed everything else he ever did in baseball.

What most people don't realize is that home runs not withstanding, Maris was a great, and I mean great defensive outfielder.  He had one of the greatest throwing arms in baseball history.  His arm was probably in the same category as Roberto Clemente and Dave Parker.

If you're old enough to remember those days you know what I'm talking about.  As for the hall and Maris being elected, I don't think it will ever happen.  If he had not broken Ruth's record I am convinced that Maris would have played longer and perhaps his numbers would have grown far beyond what they actually were.

My heart says it would be great if it happened but my logic tells me that it will never happen.

Answer 7

HE SHOULD BE AND HE DID IT WITHOUT ROIDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!