HOF Class of 2016

Some killer years for these two, and for both, solid careers.  I think the selections were great as Griffey is a first ballot for sure in the tradition of other first ballot players.  The fact that three voters didn't vote for him is easily explained as a "look at me" anything for publicity moment.  Shallow and self-serving by any measure.  It also seems like the voters are setting a line with PEDs, clear and reasonable evidence are keeping some players below 40% and others that are on the edge are getting close or making it in.  I like the Piazza election as he was a last round draft pick for the Dodgers (essentially taken as a favor) and played a difficult position at catcher.  Not a great catcher, but managers stayed with him behind the dish for his career.  The Kid was the all-around player like Mays and Mantle, decent to above average speed, great glove, dangerous arm, could hit a ton for average and power, and a good guy. I pulled what I see as their best individual years (both happen to be 1997) below. Take a look at their APBA cards for that year. Time to buy that '97 set!


1997 The Kid:  157 games, 56 HRs, 147 RBIs, .304 average, 1.028 OPS, and .646 slugging.

1997 Piazza:  152 games, 40 HRs, 124 RBIs, .362 average, 1.070 OPS, and .638 slugging.

Thanks to Steve's APBA card computer for these.