Johnny Damon and the Hall of Fame

On Saturday, Johnny Damon just became the 11th player in major league baseball history to record 500 doubles, 100 triples, 200 home runs, and 2500 hits. The previous ten players - George Brett, Goose Goslin, Lou Gehrig, Rogers Hornsby, Willie Mays, Paul Molitor, Stan Musial, Babe Ruth, Robin Yount, and Al Simmons - are all members of the baseball Hall of Fame.

So, this leads into the question - is Damon a Hall of Fame caliber player? Based on the eyeball test, where watching a player gives his value compared to his contemparies, he would seem not to be. Keep in mind, he has only been on two All-Star teams (2002 and 2005) and has never finished higher than 13th on any MVP ballot. On his career rankings, the best he places all-time is with his hit total, which is 72nd, with a present total of 2646.

The list of the top ten players he compares to is also an interesting mix. There is a Hall of Famer in Roberto Alomar, and two players that should make it in, with Tim Raines and Jimmy Ryan. The other seven are Vada Pinson - who is considered the best player not in the Hall, Steve Finley, Willie Davis, Jose Cruz Sr., Mickey Vernon, and Al Oliver. THis is a pretty good list of former players, but no one that truly stands out.

The two things that Damon has going for him are the group that he managed to join on Saturday, and being an intergral part of the Boston Red Sox World Series winning team in 2004. Baseball, being a sport that is truly based in history, is mindful of when players hit special milestones or join exclusive company. Also, being one of the members of the Sox during their curse busting season can only help in the minds of the voters, which will be noticed when Curt Schilling becomes eligable.

For Damon to make it in as a definite, chances are that he will need to put together another couple of years of solid production. However, at this point in his career, he is mainly a designated hitter, as his arm strength and defensive capabilities have decreased dramatically. The question will then be whether or not some team is willing to take on a 38 year old DH with limited power next season.

Right now, Damon seems to be on the outside looking in. However, a couple more solid years of production that move him closer to 3000 hits would do wonders for his case.