2021 NFL Hall of Fame

Quite a good list of players and coaches

First off is Alan Faneca. He was a force as one of Pittsburgh's linemen being their first pick in 1998. Blocked for some strong running games of the day when Jerome Bettis was leading the way and a Super Bowl. Pro Bowler nine times, also had a couple good years with the Jets before ending it with Arizona in 2010. Not sure what the criteria is for linemen. Must have really impressed given what the teams he was on was able to do. Can't complain.

Next is the coach selection, Tom Flores. While his numbers aren't great because of his three years with the Seahawks from 1992 to 94, he was integral to the Raiders from 79 to 87. Following John Madden's retirement from coaching, he picked up the team and got them to win the Super Bowl his second year and his second title in 83. A Latino coach, there is representation for what he was able to do. Great choices in guys like Marcus Allen and Howie Long as guys like Jim Plunkett and Gene Upshaw were getting older. Flores was also able to not get distracted by owner Al Davis and all the things going on during the 80s, especially when they moved to Los Angeles. That alone should make him Hall of Fame worthy.

Surprised but not at the same time, Calvin Johnson got in first ballot. I didn't think he'd get in first try given his stats are over 11 thousand yards and 83 touchdowns. I'm used to receivers waiting a while. Second overall pick of 07 and his career all in Detroit, he did a lot of damage in his final six years, especially when Matthew Stafford stayed healthy. Leading touchdown receiver in 2008, the 0-16 team. Led the league in yards in 2011 and 12, the 12 year being the record one, shattering Jerry Rice's yards that he got in 1995. Six time Pro Bowler, knew he would get in. Couldn't imagine being first ballot. But Canton gets a really good player.

This must have been long overdue for John Lynch. Third round pick in 1993, he didn't light things up until a few years into his career. A lot of has to do with his ferocious play. Very big hitter. That's why he was a nine time Pro Bowler and knew when to make those big plays. When you think Tampa's defense, I feel like he's left behind considering guys like Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks. It did get him a Super Bowl. His stats are not the greatest with just over a thousand tackles and 26 interceptions. Safety wise, that's not too bad given his position. How he is in San Francisco now as a GM probably helps a little bit. Maybe it was the right year to get him. Not saying he doesn't deserve it, but better late than never.

I don't even need to explain Peyton Manning. First overall pick of 1998. Lead the league in interceptions with 28, a rookie record that is still there. Improvements over the years. Rarely getting sacked in Indianapolis. Gets them the elusive Super Bowl in 2006. Lots of records, MVPS, leading in stats at the time of retirement in yards and touchdowns thrown. Injury forces him out and he does to Denver. Single season records in touchdowns and yards. Not a good final year, but ends it with a Super Bowl win. Very obvious first ballot guy. Where he goes outside of his TV show, he can do whatever he wants.

Bill Nunn, I don't have a lot to say. But considering he was able to do during his time with Pittsburgh, it meant something for the Rooneys. Being there from 1968 until his passing in 2014, he was in the front office. The guy could find talent that was necessary. More than likely, that's how they were able to build such a big team in the 70s and the team holding relevancy in the 90s and 2000s. More than its fair share of Hall of Fame players, how this guy didn't get in when he was alive, I don't know. But the consistency of the franchise gets him the enshrinement. 

Drew Pearson may be a controversial one to younger people. But what they fail to understand is how different the league was in the 70s. You weren't seeing 4000 yard seasons consistently with two or three receivers with a thousand plus yards each. If you want to blame somebody, blame the 1999 Rams. But Pearson was a consistent player and a favorite for Dallas and their quarterback, Roger Staubach.  The Hail Mary was due to those two in 1975. His stat line is good for the 70s and 80s at 7800 yards and 48 touchdowns. Who knows what could have been if it wasn't for a car accident in 1984 that ended his career. Still, you'd think he would have had a fighting chance considering a Super Bowl and being part of the 70s Hall of Fame team. The disappointment last year may have set in for the NFL to get him in. If they're going to do that, then get Everson Walls in. Fuck the Dwight Clark catch, which wasn't even that special of a catch. That stigma should have been erased when he won the Super Bowl with the Giants

Last is Charles Woodson. Fourth overall in 98, he was a leading man in regards to the secondary he was with. Huge knack for making some big tackles and picking off the opposing team. A rookie of the year and Pro Bowls in his first four years, health issues plagued the later years of his first stint with the Raiders. Did a lot more when he went to Green Bay. That includes a Super Bowl, two time leading interception guy, a defensive player of the year award. Did decent his second stint with the Raiders. At 1200 plus tackles and 65 interceptions, a team player all the way, Not a surprise he's first ballot.

Don't know if there will be ceremonies for last years to go with this, but there's some really special groups that will be remembered for years to come.

MLB Hall of Fame 2020

Three guys. Three different stories. That's your MLB Hall of Fame class for this year.

The obvious one getting in was Derek Jeter. Brought up in 1995, he became the starter the following season because of Tony Fernandez's injuring his elbow. And the rest is history. Five World Series, over 3,000 hits, many clutch hits and many accolades to a storybook career. Caveats include his defense and the whole wins above replacement nonsense. But he led in a good way. He never had any baggage. No bad image considering New York City. What can else can you say. He was meant for Cooperstown. He'll see that at the end of July.

Last year of eligibility and Larry Walker gets his call. A Montreal call up in 1989, he got better every year with them. Did a lot of damage when he went to the Colorado Rockies in 95. Batting titles, an MVP award in 1997. Gold gloves, most of his All-Star appearances. His stats are not the greatest for what he did for 17 years, but the awards and what he was able to accomplish as an outfielder give him the big recognition. And that's why he's the first ever Rockie in the Hall. Maybe Todd Helton is next to join whenever that happens.

Last is Ted Simmons. A 20 year veteran who spent many years in St. Louis and played for two other teams. A catcher most of his career, he may not have many awards, but his stats are not bad for retiring following the 1988 season. Over 2,400 hits, nearly 1,400 RBI's. One of the guy's the Veteran's Committee thought would be a good addition to Cooperstown. Can't comment on much else, but it seems deserving considering the era of baseball he was in.

This year should be interesting. How much of a crowd will show up? I think bigger than 2007 on account of Jeter. But we'll see if his huge fanbase and the support of Walker's fans make it to the Hall in July.

NFL Hall of Fame 2019

A little time has passed and my thoughts a little clearer from last week's Super Bowl. This group leading the 2019 Hall of Fame NFL class is one that is more defensive oriented. Four defensive backs got in along with a tight end and center.

Ed Reed seemed like an obvious choice. In 12 years, he intercepted quarterbacks over 60 times. He was a hard hitting safety who made plays when needed. Nine times to the Pro Bowl and a Super Bowl make him first ballot. Champ Bailey and Ty Law had their own ways of success. Both had a knack for making tackles and each culminating 15 years in the league. Bailey was the type of guy to get 60 to 80 tackles in a season. Law was able to make key plays. His Super Bowl touchdown in the 2001 season was a big moment. He was due at some point, especially considering there are barely any Hall of Fame players for the Belichick-Brady era, which is truly embarrassing.

Converting a offensive guy to defensive can work sometimes. To do that on a pro level immediately is tough. I don't know if being in the AFL hurt Johnny Robinson but for what he did is astounding for his era. He was a running back at first and then switched to defense after two years. The offensive stats aren't bad, but his defensive is rather strong with the eight Pro Bowls and four championships. More interceptions than Bailey and Law. How did this guy not get in earlier?

I don't even need to explain Tony Gonzalez. He was THE tight end. Anywhere from 800 to 1000 yards a year is more than enough. So many Pro Bowls and efforts. That's considering the number of quarterbacks Kansas City had and their run heavy play (Marcus Allen, Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson) over the years. Last of the players is Kevin Mawae. There isn't anything flashy, but to be able to block for Chris Warren, Curtis Martin, and the 2000 yard season of Chris Johnson, that's special. He was instrumental to ground games and did a lot more damage once he went to the Jets. Out of the players, they seem deserving. Not sure how I feel about Law and maybe Mawae, but oh well.

The next two are interesting but worthy picks. First is Pat Bowlen. Since 1984, the Denver Broncos have been one of the premiere teams in the NFL. They rarely have losing seasons. Three Super Bowls, smothering defenses, and phenomenal running backs make him one of the great owners. Lastly is Gil Brandt. While he was part of several teams, his time with the Dallas Cowboys was important. As vice president of player personnel, he helped Tom Landry and the general managers in getting players and winning two Super Bowls in one of the legendary runs for the franchise. Even though he was let go in the massive firings led by Jerry Jones in 1989, that doesn't mean his legacy was horrible. It paved the way for how low tiered Dallas became America's Team.

Next year will be interesting.

Geeks and Jocks: Episode 9

MLB Hall of Fame 2019

This blog would have been done last week, but a few other topics caught my eye a lot more. Major League Baseball has four players heading into the Hall of Fame in July. Two of which seemed like obvious choices and the other two with question marks.

The biggest is Mariano Rivera, the first unanimous choice. He was a starter for the Yankees back in 1995, became a set up relief pitcher in 96 and became the full time closer in 97. The stats are through the roof. With over 650 saves, just above 2 runs given up a game and a multitude of many stats, he really shined. Obviously, there are some bad moments, but that's a given. He had a very lethal cutter pitch and he was about as lights out in the playoffs as you can get. You can see why he was worthy of unanimous.

Mike Mussina is more stat based and longevity, but it works. A 1991 rookie, he spent 18 years, climbing his way to some pretty good numbers as an Oriole and Yankee. He could get you out in many ways. Consistent, and very reliable, he became crucial to key moments, mainly his time with the Yankees. He put up 270 wins, over 2,800 strike outs, and over 3,500 innings. The 3.68 career earned run average might be a little high, but consider who he had to deal with during the 90s and 2000s. He was in the later years of eligibility, but the timing was right for him to get in.

Roy Halladay is someone I really question. And I hate to disparage the late pitcher, but his stats don't scream Hall of Fame. After a rough four years to begin his career in 1998, he started to show what he was made of 2003. Other than a few years with injury, the next seven years were special for the Toronto Blue Jays. He had a few years in Philadelphia following the 09 season and started off strong and then faded away around 2012 and 13. The Cy Young awards help a bit. His no hitter in the 2010 playoffs gets him a few extra points. One thing you do have to give credit is the 67 complete games. Otherwise his numbers aren't anywhere impressive. He's comparable to Pedro Martinez, but way worse than Martinez. Winning 203 games, over 2,100 strike outs, over 2,700 innings pitched. I think it was a tough sell, but his sudden death over a year ago, could be a bit of a factor. I don't know. I can't judge on what the writers were thinking, but Halladay's numbers are not anywhere impressive.

Designated hitters are something that is questioned on Hall of Fame credibility. Edgar Martinez had to live with that stigma. After a few years of not playing much, he showed up with decent numbers in 1990 and enjoyed the next three years before a bad injury in 93. After the strike year of 94, he would enjoy a good seven year run, crushing the ball and being a big contributor to the Seattle Mariners. He would struggle a little bit in his later years, but showed his worth until finishing in 2004. The numbers don't strike as impressive, but I think his later years are what I see as the reason for the Hall of Fame. Overall, it's over 2,200 hits with just over 300 home runs. He always found ways to get on base and either get RBI's or score himself. He certainly is one of those guys who people will be split on whether he's worthy. However, I think it will pave the way for designated hitters getting a chance. David Ortiz in a few years will make people's heads spin, and he has a lot more better stats than Martinez.

Even with my criticism of Halladay and Martinez, it's still not a bad class. All four had their chances to be in the spotlight for many moments in their careers. No doubt, this will be a big crowd. But I got a feeling next year will bring even more people.

The Sports Voting Struggle

What happened to Terrell Owens should not have happened. He should have been inducted into the Hall of Fame two years ago instead of this year. There wouldn't have been any snubs or anything of that magnitude. It is the case of sportswriters having too much power.

The problem with these kind of writers is that they don't always look at just stats and success. In the case of Owens, I suspect they had a look at him putting on acts during games and I would say mainly his days in Philadelphia. If there is an issue with that, fine, but don't put up this personal grudge on someone who is in the top 5 in most wide receiver categories. And I'm saying that as someone that never really cared for Owens' personality. I kind of wonder about someone like Everson Walls. I hope people can look beyond The Catch and being a Dallas Cowboys player to see he had a good enough career as a corner to be considered for the Hall. The same can be said for other sports.

Some might want fans to vote. I'm not sure that would work either. Let's go to baseball for that example. Lots of people don't want to see Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens in the Hall of Fame. You give fans that kind of power, a lot of those people, even if some were listed but never used performance enhances, would lose a big chance to be in the Hall of Fame. Really, there's no easy solution to wanting specific players in or out of the Hall of Fame. Especially in baseball, with that godawful ten year limit and failing to reach certain percentages eliminating you for good.

I think the Owens thing is a one time thing. I don't think writers hold that strong of a grudge, but it's better than just having fans do the voting for now. I might intend on writing another blog about this whole thing regarding Owens, but for now, I don't think voting should be changed yet.

MLB Hall of Fame 2018

Some big names in Major League Baseball got the call to be in the Hall of Fame. The four were huge deals to the teams they were on in the 90s and 2000s. These were Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, Vladimir Guerrero, and Trevor Hoffman.

Out of the four, Jones is probably the one who saw a lot of success. He was a full grown Atlanta Brave, the first pick in 1990. He was a September call-up in 1993. After an injury the following year, Jones started showing his worth in 95, finishing second in Rookie of the Year honors while slugging 23 home runs and 85 RBI's. The postseason showed what kind of contributor he was, and it ended with a World Series trophy. For the next eight years, he was on the warpath with his average, homers, and runs. Wear and tear started to get to him later on, but he was able to cobble together over 2,700 hits, over 460 home runs, and finishing above .300 for a career batting average. He also won the NL MVP in 1999. Defensively, he ends his ride to the Hall with a .954 fielding percentage. Definitely worthy of the Hall.

Thome was a very young player when he was a September call-up in 1991 for the Cleveland Indians. That being said, he didn't start to become a factor until 1994. For the next decade he was crushing the ball and drawing over 100 walks almost every year from 95 until 04. He was part of the revival of the Indians and their two World Series runs in 95 and 97, both ending in loss. An off year in 2005 resulted in Thome still being able to play for quite a bit longer, still getting 20 plus home runs a year between 2006 and 2010. For a 22 year veteran, his hits may not seem great at just over 2,300. His home run count is huge, and was one of the few at the time to get to 600, especially in an era of steroids. He is also one of the few to have a primary position at both third and first base at some point in his career, where he fielded fully until 2005. I didn't think he was going to get in as a first ballot, but I still think he would have gotten in just on home runs alone.

Add in another September call-up with Guerrero. Like Thome, he was a young player when he started in 1996 with the Montreal Expos. However, he didn't start to shine until 1998. After that, he was wowing many with his ability to hit the ball any way he can along with his home run ability. He didn't slow down when he signed with the Anaheim Angels. His first year with them, he won the MVP in the American League. Guerrero was still putting up monster numbers even late in his career. In the end, he put up over 440 home runs along with over 2,500 hits. His career strikeout total is below 1,000, a rare feat today. He struggled defensively early on, but got the hang of it once he went to Anaheim. Certainly a guy that deserved a first ballot.

You can't mention Mariano Rivera without talking about Hoffman and putting these two in as the best modern closers in the MLB. This is a guy, as the media has discussed in their stories, who started as a shortstop and converted to a relief pitcher. It took a few years, but he is in. Most of his damage was done in San Diego, where he was traded to after beginning his career in 1993 with the new expansion Florida Marlins. From then on, he put together 552 saves with them, getting at least 30 in all but two years with them. (1994 and 2003, with 03 being an injury year) Hoffman would get to just over 600 in his final year in the league with Milwaukee in a forgettable 2010 season. He was part of the best and worst of San Diego baseball. Armed with a changeup and Hell's Bells for an intro, he leaves a huge legacy as far as relievers go.

There were a few that are getting closer. Edgar Martinez and Mike Mussina showed big progress. Even steroid allegation players in Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds were getting closer, but small increases compared to the formers. Others such as newcomer Johnny Damon are off it for good when he couldn't get five percent. Just a quick thought. I think MLB's idea of Hall of Fame voting is very outdated and should follow the NFL and Basketball.

Who do you think gets in next year? Who should have gotten in this year? Give your thoughts.