Trevor Hoffman Retires. Hall of Famer?

1. 63

   I am DB Cooperposted 13 years ago

   Now that Trevor Hoffman has announced his retirement, do you think the all time saves leader deserves to go in the Hall of Fame? Remember that by the time he's eligible he probably won't be the all time saves leader anymore, unless Mariano Rivera has a major injury or meltdown. He's also never going to be considered the best closer of his era because of Rivera. Some previous career saves leaders have received little-to-no attention from Hall of Fame voters, including Jeff Reardon and Lee Smith.
   
   So does Trevor Hoffman belong in the Hall of Fame?

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   1. 64

      Greek Oneposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I loved him in Tootsie, but I wouldn't say he belongs in Cooperstown

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   2. 49

      RangerDave96posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Heck ya he deserves a place in the Hall.  So do Reardon and Smith.  The only reason a closer has trouble getting in is because his role is so specialized.  However, it takes quite a lot of fortitude to get that final out.  Also, just look here in Arlington, where we have had a lot of great closers, but they don't have the creds, due to fewer opportunities.  That's why it is a team sport.  It takes all 25 on the roster some nights.

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      1. 63

         I am DB Cooperposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         But how far do we go with specialized roles. Should middle relievers who rack up lots of innings (many of them pitch more each season than their team's closer) and get a lot of holds receive more attention on HOF ballots?
         
         There were also a lot of relievers who were quite good but pitched before the save stat became popular and therefore were not limited to very specialized roles. Guys like Kent Tekulve, Mike Marshall, Gene Garber, Steve Bedrosian and Dan Quisenberry are comparable to Lee Smith and Jeff Reardon. I would argue that Tom Henke was also a much better pitcher than Jeff Reardon.
         
         I'm of the belief that there are already too many closers in the Hall. My Hall of Fame would include Mariano Rivera and perhaps no other relievers from the past 40 years. That means no to Gossage, Sutter, and yes, even Rollie Fingers. Hoffman would be a close call, although I guess that means Billy Wagner is a close call as well, because he's got much better stats over his career other than saves.

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   3. 71

      bogerkposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Trevor Hoffman is a first ballot Hall of Famer. I have never heard media members, major league players or anyone associated with baseball gush over any player more than Hoffman.
      
      In his two years with the Milwaukee Brewers, through good times and bad, he was always the leader of the bullpen and the clubhouse and is said to have given one of the greatest speeches in the history of sports to his teammates in the clubhouse after recording his 600th Save.
      
      His numbers are certainly legit and his presence seems to be priceless. I am definitely looking forward to his HOF speech.

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2. 43

   Mikeydoesposted 13 years ago

   Bogerk pretty much said it.
   
   He might as well start getting that HoF speech ready.

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3. 60

   AskAshlie3433posted 13 years ago

   Yeah, I agree. He was a great closer. As far as stats, he might not be compared to Rivera, but he is just as good. He was the first to reach this plateu, so he deserves in. It could be a few years, but he has earned it. Hoffman was a good, solid closer. Like Bogerk said, he was the leader in that pin, deservenly so. He played with class and respect, I think that sets him apart from Rivera. Plus, Rivera had the Yankees.

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4. 61

   S Leretsehposted 13 years ago

   Hoffman's a lock for the Hall of Fame.
   
   The issue here is not specialization. The issue is accomplishment. Hoffman is the most successful ever in his position.  The closer role is here to stay. I don't think there is a more pressurized role in baseball than being the closer. Typically, more than 1/3 of games end by a margin of one run.
   
   As for middle relievers, it's sort of like middle management.  If you're stuck in middle management your whole career, then it's fair to say you've peeked there. No one gets, or deserves, glory existing in the middle.

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5. 59

   10aeinhornposted 13 years ago

   Yes, Hes in. all the reasons have basically been stated so not much to say here exept vote for Hoffman.

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