Tony Gwynn vs. Mark KcGwire

[duran]

No big surprise, my man Tony in on first ballot. Class act. Student of the game.
As everyone knows, Mark McGwire got snubbed for entry in HOF. My local paper ran an article that made a compelling argument that even without the steroid controversy, he is not HOF worthy. Juiced ball, he was never an MVP, not a complete player, only hit over .300 once when he played in more than 100 games in a season, only one Gold Glove, one homer and 2 ribbies in THREE World Series appearances, 1,000 fewer hits than Bill Buckner, 1,100 fewer than Tim Raines, the list goes on. Another writer said that in the House committee hearings Mac said, "I don't want to talk about the past." The writer wrote, "then I don't want to consider his."

[Kanablz]

Hmmmm.... Alot of people think Tony Gwynn is a saint but I lived in San Diego a bunch and have heard some pretty seedy dirt on him.,.... I guess his personal life should have no bearing but I do believe players PERSONAS affect balloting..

That being said I think Tony Gwynn was a great player...

[duran]

Aha! That I did not know! Interesting. It is not common knowledge, as I never heard one bad word about the guy. (I don't want to know, either!) Character IS in criteria for induction.

btw, the K in McGwire's name in the title of this post was a typo! A real Freudian slip.

[rightcrosslefthook]

Tony Gwynn: The best natural hitter I've ever seen and now the best baseball commentator I've heard. If he's still with ESPN they're lucky to have him b/c the rest of those guys are terrible.

[duran]

I agree that he is a great commentator also. I just really appreciate those pure, natural hitters, because I was just a dead pull hitter - couldn't help myself - limited success. RCLH - not sure if you are an east or west coast guy, but make it a point to watch Chase Utley of the Phillies this season. THIS KID IS A GAMER! He has this amazing short, sweet swing. I see a lot of his at bats and I just can't figure it out. He extends his arms, but he keeps his shoulders or upper arms close to his body - I can't explain it - it is just so distinctive.

Kanablz - Is TG still coaching the San Diego State baseball team?

[rightcrosslefthook]

...I see a lot of his at bats and I just can't figure it out. He extends his arms, but he keeps his shoulders or upper arms close to his body - I can't explain it - it is just so distinctive.

He hovers over the plate. Great hitter.

358

[duran]

Is that what it is? It just looks DIFFERENT.

Also, do you see how his head is down on the ball in that that photo? Man, that kid and Ryan Howard (don't get me started on that kid!) are two real pros.