The Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place today, Sunday, in Cooperstown, NY:
It’s a class highlighted by Red Sox legend David Ortiz, one of the game’s greatest designated hitters. Ortiz achieved first-ballot status, becoming the first player to earn the honor since Jim Thome in 2018. Ortiz was the only player on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot to earn induction this year, further illuminating the polarizing nature of some of Ortiz’s contemporaries.
SportingNews.com
Ortiz was probably the greatest DH, period. Unlike Edgar Martinez, Ortiz had a long history in the post-season where he simply ranked. Take a close look at his situational stats, especially the .653 slugging percentage with men on base and the 3 for 4 with the bases loaded, including a famous grand slam.
Tony Oliva, Jim Kaat, Gil Hodges, Minnie Minoso, Buck O’Neil, and Bud Fowler also make it in through committees.
From Oz. I saw Jim Kaat pitch in Bloomington in 1969. I watched him on TV with the Cardinals. I heard him commentate on TV. He belongs in the Hall of Fame, always has. So does Minoso . Dave Ortiz has always been a superstar if DH are allowed to be included.While I am a huge fan of Edgar Martinez , Big Papi is numero uno in that role. The rest I will leave to the experts.
George Edwards,
Sydney Australia