FanHome - View Single Post

nanwynnfan · July 12th, 2007, 09:49 AM

The question of Bert Blyleven as a qualified Hall of Famer has always mystified me.

Blyleven went 287-250 in his career, averaged almost 7 innings per start, tossed 60 shutouts, and lost most of 2 seasons to disability.

If we consider the back-to-back seasons, 1982 and 1983 where Blyleven was a COMBINED 9-12, seeing Blyleven in the "300" club [and instant induction] becomes a no-brainer.

His career ERA+ @ 118 is a further qualification.

Against him? He was much travelled. However, his arrival generally pumped some life into his new franchise. There are those who would also argue that 287-250 = .534 is less than exciting, it compares with his collective team aggregate record of 1,783-1,757 = .504.

The .534 convertes to 86.51 = 87 wins, vs. .504 = 81.65 wins, which could be seen as playtoffs or no playoffs. Without embellishment, I see that as 287 wins AND better than average team performance behind him.

In the context of the thread, I'd say he's a no-brainer HoF and his number being retired doesn't warrant serious debate.

July 12th, 2007, 09:49 AM	#10 (permalink)
nanwynnfan Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,579	The question of Bert Blyleven as a qualified Hall of Famer has always mystified me. Blyleven went 287-250 in his career, averaged almost 7 innings per start, tossed 60 shutouts, and lost most of 2 seasons to disability. If we consider the back-to-back seasons, 1982 and 1983 where Blyleven was a COMBINED 9-12, seeing Blyleven in the "300" club [and instant induction] becomes a no-brainer. His career ERA+ @ 118 is a further qualification. Against him? He was much travelled. However, his arrival generally pumped some life into his new franchise. There are those who would also argue that 287-250 = .534 is less than exciting, it compares with his collective team aggregate record of 1,783-1,757 = .504. The .534 convertes to 86.51 = 87 wins, vs. .504 = 81.65 wins, which could be seen as playtoffs or no playoffs. Without embellishment, I see that as 287 wins AND better than average team performance behind him. In the context of the thread, I'd say he's a no-brainer HoF and his number being retired doesn't warrant serious debate. Last edited by nanwynnfan; July 12th, 2007 at 09:54 AM.