Do you think Lee Smith should get into the Hall of Fame?

Question

Now I know that there are a lot of questions like this: "should _______ get into the HOF?" I apologize for adding to the pile. At least this one isn't about Pete Rose!

But it struck me as odd that Lee Smith, one of the most accomplished closers in MLB history, isn't in the Hall. He's actually never gotten more than 45% of the vote. Other closers, like Goose Gossage and Bruce Sutter, have gotten in.

Your thoughts?

Answer 1

Oh, heII to the yes! He MADE closers. There is no excuse for the writers to leave him off. Damned writers.

Answer 2

He had a 3.03 ERA, not that great for a reliever. He did have the saves record for a bit but he only led the league 3 times in his career. It's hard because sometimes closers get put in to pull the team from a crappy situation and it doesn't always turn out right, so its hard to judge wins-loss, and earned runs. But he did have a good H/9. I'd have to say no to him and the Hall of Fame, he was very good, but the only closers that should be in the HoF are the elites like Mariano Rivera or Trevor Hoffman. Gossage got in because hes one of little that have gotten 100 wins as a closer.

Answer 3

Personally, I would not put in Smith, as saves are an overvalued stat, and he wasn't particularly dominating during his career.



He is really hard to judge, having moved from team to team. He never had the opportunity to shine for a true contender, which is where closers make their reputation.



However, I wouldn't find him out of place in the HOF - 2nd all time on the saves list has to be worth something, right?

Answer 4

Lee Smith deserves to be in the Hall. Greatest closers in baseball history.

Answer 5

Yeah Lee Smith should have been in the HOF already, and if Trevor Hoffman makes it in (which he should) there there is no reason to leave "Big Lee" out.



Edit - obviously there is a Lee Smith hater out there since he or she gave all of us thumbs down. Wow.

Answer 6

It's absurd, Smith, at the minimum, should be on the cusp, not that ridiculous total he's gotten so far. It pains me thinking active relievers today will get in before Smith. He belongs in now.



And how dare you not include a Pete Rose amendment to your question.

Answer 7

Yes. I support Smith as a Hall candidate, after deeply scrutinizing his career record last year. He's in good position electorally, getting high returns and with a number of ballots left.