TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Suncoast Pasco News

The Hall Gets Goosed

The Hot Corner

ADVERTISEMENT

By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: July 27, 2008

It's now been 14 years since Rich "Goose" Gossage intimidated from the mound with his combination of raw power, menacing delivery and trademark stash and scowl.

Remembered widely as one of the most dominant relievers to ever pick up a ball, as well as a forefather to the modern-day closer role, Goose has finally received his day in the sun.

Gossage finally managed to crack the 75-percent vote threshold from the capricious, sometimes self-righteous Baseball Writers' Association of America that grants entry into the hallowed corridors of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Along with names like Rice, Dawson, Blyleven and Smith – other former greats who leave many fans nationwide mystified by their yearly ballot snubbing – Gossage, himself, waited eight deserving years before being granted entrance.

With baseball being the numbers game that it is and greatness predicated almost exclusively on career stats, the anti-argument regarding Gossage's Hall worthiness can look valid at face value.

He has a career 3.01 ERA, 1,502 strikeouts and is ranked No. 17 on the all-time saves list with 310 – his bread and butter stat. Perhaps not an eye-popping resume, but there are X-factors at play.

First of all, he is now only the fifth relief pitcher inducted. For save masters like Gossage, the stat of the save as it is thought of now and the specific role in the bullpen is relatively new in the scope of baseball history. Hurlers like Mariano Rivera (469 saves) and Trevor Hoffman (544 and current all-time leader) are of the new school, ninth-inning specialist breed. Gossage, in contrast, recorded at least six outs to earn 125 of his saves, according to the Associated Press. Hoffman has never had to do the same even once.

In brief, the role and duties were markedly different, yet the stats are comparatively the same on paper.

The situation with Gossage is a microcosm of how voters need to introduce a little flexibility of thought into the process when judging potential inductees. Just as it is with relievers and closers, the generational differences of slugging stats is beginning to challenge conventional thinking as well.

Steroids aside, stats such as 500 career home runs used to be milestones that virtually guaranteed an induction. Now, with 50 home run seasons becoming expected in an era that also includes smaller ballparks, voters are going to be forced to adjust again – and soon.

Let's just hope they react quicker than they have with Goose.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT