RAFAEL PALMEIRO
First Year on Ballot
PLAYING CAREER: Chicago Cubs (1986–1988), Texas Rangers (1989–1993), Baltimore Orioles (1994–1998), Texas Rangers (1999–2003) and Baltimore Orioles (2004–2005)
ACHIEVEMENTS: Career batting average of .288, with 3020 hits, 569 home runs, 1663 runs scored and 1835 RBI. Ranks in the top 30 all-time in total bases (10th), home runs (12th), RBI (15th), at bats (15th), doubles (16th), games played (18th), hits (24th) and runs scored (30th). Had a batting average of .300 or higher six times. From 1995 to 2003, averaged 41 home runs and 120 RBI a season while carrying a .285 batting average. Palmeiro is one of only five players in history to hit over 200 home runs for two different clubs (Baltimore and Texas) and is is history’s most prolific home run hitter to have never won the home run crown. Four-time All-Star selection (1988, 1991, 1998-1999) and three-time Gold Glove Award winner (1997-1999).
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ON TWITTER:
@Dukefrukem: Rafael Palmeiro won’t be inducted into the hall of fame right?
@Kanarisp: 3020 hits, 569 HR, .288 = Rafael Palmeiro non-hall of fame stats.
@MLBreports: I have thought about this one. Palmeiro will not make the hall. Will not survive 1st ballot. You heard it here first.
HOVG THOUGHTS: Beautiful mustache or no…it’s hard to look at Palmeiro’s numbers and not get pissed off. All spectacular, albeit wasted, numbers. His 5388 total bases ranks him tenth all-time and the afore mentioned hits and home runs total makes him one of only four players to have 3000 hits and 500 dongs. That being said, there isn’t a snowball’s chance that a guy who pointed his finger to Congress and proclaimed “I have never used steroids, period” gets in a mere six years after being found guilty of doing the opposite.
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