Best MLB players not in the Hall of Fame

[Insidious Von]

Mickey Lolich never won 30 games.

Seems I can't trigger George anymore but I'm glad someone caught it. It was Denny McLain.

 

[bluecolt]

Yes, even harder to win 31 games when they only start 32-35. MLB will have to lower the bar to 200-250 wins for entry to HOF.

Maybe Koufax would have won 300 games if he played in to-day's 32-35 starts and 100 pitch count standards.

I recall Denny McLain mentioning that he had 45 starts in 1968 and 45 cortisone shots. No wonder his arm and shoulder gave out before he was thirty.

 

[Darts]

Yes, that pic was from Christie Pits. Fergie standing next to Tiant followed by Gaylord Perry and Bob Feller. I forgot who is the 5th guy. I also have pics of Monte Irwin and Robin Roberts from the same event.

 

[Darts]

I recall Denny McLain mentioning that he had 45 starts in 1968 and 45 cortisone shots. No wonder his arm and shoulder gave out before he was thirty.

45 starts is insane, way too much TOM (time on mound). I think he probably went deep in many of those games as well.

Koufax also retired at 30 due to bad elbow.

 

[bluecolt]

45 starts is insane, way too much TOM (time on mound). I think he probably went deep in many of those games as well.

Koufax also retired at 30 due to bad elbow.
[/QUO

McLain has two All-Star years in 1968 and 1969. He won 31 in 1968 and 24 in 1969. He pitched 336 innings in 1968 and 325 in 1969. He also pitched 28 complete games in 1968 and had 23 complete games in 1969. Koufax, Drysdale and Gibson also went deep into games on a regular basis, but McLain was unique in 1968.
I hated McLain since he was such an arrogant jerk. I tried to meet him once but he ignored me. A friend of mine who played with him on the Tigers explained to me that he was not liked in the dressing room. It drove me bananas one night when I watched a game on television against a team now long forgotten. McLain had the bases loaded with no one out in a close game. Mayo Smith came out to the mound, said a few words and returned to the dugout. It was later revealed by a Detroit sports columnist that McLain berated Smith for daring to bother him on the mound and trying to change pitchers. McLain sent Smith back to the dugout. McLain then induced an infield pop-up from the next batter, struck out the next batter and got the last batter to ground out. That inning branded an indelible mark in my brain.

 

[gcostanza]

Koufax also retired at 30 due to bad elbow.

Sandy Koufax retired due to chronic arthritis.

 

[MuffDiver]

Random Andre Dawson fact:
Now owns and operates a funeral home in south Florida.
Business, unfortunately, is booming.

Yes, I recall hearing that somewhere. Pretty recession proof business! Thought you might enjoy this: https://www.theplayerstribune.com/v...ter-dave-winfield-reggie-jackson-andre-dawson

 

[Darts]

MLB HOFer Robin Roberts.

 

[Darts]

That's me in a pic with HOFer Monte Irvin. (Actually, that's not me, I'm much better looking.)
.)