Fred McGriff Makes Third Appearance on Hall of Fame Ballot

The crime dog, Fred McGriff, is still trying to crack his way into Cooperstown much like he cracked baseballs over outfield fences during his playing days.  In McGriff’s first two years on the ballot, he didn’t break 22% of the vote.  He needs 75% to make it into the Hall.

McGriff’s odds don’t figure to increase in 2012 unfortunately.  He will be on the ballot with Barry Larkin and Jack Morris.  Both received more votes than McGriff in 2011.

In his three years with the Padres, McGriff posted a pretty impressive line of .281/.388/.519 with 84 home runs, 256 RBI, and an OPS of 906.  His OPS with the Padres ranked second of any of the teams he played for.  McGriff finished his career seven home runs shy of an automatic ticket to the Hall of Fame and membership into the 500 home run club.  He finished his career with a WAR of 50.5.

Baseball Reference’s Hall of Fame Monitor puts McGriff right at a 100 rating (100 equals a likely Hall of Famer).  Yet, McGriff’s chances largely depend on who he shares a ballot with.  Certain players may steal votes away reducing his chances of making it in.

Whether it be 2012, 2013, or some time in the future, maybe even by a Veteran’s Committee vote, Fred McGriff will make the Hall of Fame.  He deserves it.

Check out McGriff’s Hall of Fame coverage from around the web:

Padres.com

The Daniel Island News

Yahoo! Sports

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