Tony Oliva gets another shot at Cooperstown in "Golden Era" ballot

Former Twins Jim Kaat and Luis Tiant are also on the list of 10 who are eligible. They need 12 of 16 votes to get in. I'm rooting for Tony. He deserves it.

7 months ago ColossusOfRhode 9 comments 0 recs |

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Read More: tony oliva, jim kaat, luis tiant, cooperstown

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I don't see Oliva as a hall of famer

The Wolves are like the worst meal you've ever had--terrible while you're eating it and even worse later.

by Eric in Madison on Nov 3, 2011 7:24 PM EDT reply actions

Hall of Fame?

Yes, IMHO. I saw him play quite a few times, and watched him on TV when I could. He was a complete player and one of the best hitters in an era when hitting .300 was special. After the knee injury he couldn’t run or play in the field. He won another batting championship playing on one leg.

by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Nov 3, 2011 9:31 PM EDT reply actions

Cuban sandwiches for everybody!

by timprov on Nov 3, 2011 10:34 PM EDT reply actions

He really is an interesting debate point

Do you want long consistency or short, high peak? His 8-yr peak is very strong, averaging 140 OPS+ and 5.25 WAR (with 3 batting titles and ROY) per year in 147 games/season. For comparison, Tim Raines, who probably eventually gets in, best 8yr run was 136 OPS+ and 5 WAR. But Raines played forever and, although he avg 100g/year from 1991-retirement, managed a few very solid years after his peak whereas Oliva didn’t. It didn’t help Oliva that his rookie season was his age 25 year. I probably wouldn’t vote for Oliva but he wouldn’t be the worst player in the HOF by a long shot.

by Gunnarthor on Nov 4, 2011 10:50 AM EDT reply actions

I just think that given his relatively short career

and the fact that he really could barely play the field after his injury, his peak isn’t quite enough to justify the HOF. It’s a very good, but not great peak.

The Wolves are like the worst meal you've ever had--terrible while you're eating it and even worse later.

by Eric in Madison on Nov 4, 2011 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Vote for Pedro!

by DavidRF on Nov 4, 2011 4:43 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs

My first favorite Twin

My first Met Stadium memory is of Tony going horizontal for a catch. I think I was 5. A great hitter.

That's absurd!

by Devereaux on Nov 4, 2011 4:49 PM EDT reply actions

Tony O and Ron Santo.

by Brady Eyestone on Nov 4, 2011 8:41 PM EDT reply actions

Tony Oliva is

everything that is right about the game of baseball, and whilst he had a short career, he was great during those years. I vote Absolutely! And I think Santo too. I’m kind of surprised that Kittie and Tiant aren’t already there. These are all great players and great guys.

by Theo77 on Nov 5, 2011 9:31 AM EDT reply actions