Cooperstown Chronicles: Bill Mazeroski

I decided to profile Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski, who was enshrined by the Veteran’s Committee in 2001.

The Numbers

Played 1956-1972 (17 Years)
2,163 Games
7,755 At Bats
.260 Batting Average
2,016 Hits
769 Runs
294 Doubles
62 Triples
138 HRs
2,848 Total Bases
853 RBI
27 SB
447 Walks
110 Intentional Walks (89th All-time)

Playoffs: 12 Games, 10 for 31 (.323), 5 R, 2 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 BB, 2 World Series Rings

Awards

1960 Babe Ruth Award
1960 Major League Player of the Year
8 Gold Gloves
7 All-Star Appearances
MVP Votes in 2 Seasons

Top Ten Finishes

Games—6 (Led league in 1966 & 1967)
At Bats—3
Triples—3
Intentional Walks—4 (Led league in 1962)

Hall of Fame Yardsticks:

Black Ink: Batting - 2 (587) (Average HOFer ≈ 27)
Gray Ink: Batting - 12 (1260) (Average HOFer ≈ 144)
HOF Standards: Batting - 14.9 (1025) (Average HOFer ≈ 50)
HOF Monitor: Batting - 71.0 (249) (Likely HOFer > 100)

Maz clearly isn’t worthy of the Hall of Fame based on his hitting ability. He was unbelievable with his glove, and he had arguably the most dramatic home run in baseball history. His 1960 World Series winning home run off Ralph Terry was legendary, especially when you consider the fact that he had a paltry .392 slugging percentage and 11 HRs during the regular season that year.

Was that HR enough to put him in the Hall of Fame? I say no. However, when you factor in his defensive ability, I can see the reasoning. His range was what really set him apart from his peers. He led the league in Range Factor eight times.

His career RF at Second Base is 5.57. Compare that to Roberto Alomar’s (4.73) to put into perspective. His .983 fielding percentage is right on par with Robbie’s (.984) as well. He set Major League records with nine seasons leading the league in assists and eight straight seasons leading the league in double plays.

Was his fielding enough to get him into the Hall of Fame? Maybe, maybe not. However, when you combine it with his home run I can justify his inclusion in the Hall of Fame. What a treat he must have been for Pirates season-ticket holders during his reign. If you asked me whether or not Maz deserved his Hall of Fame spot, I would answer with a resounding “Yes”.

References
Baseball-reference.com
Baseball-Statistics.com

Past Chronicles
Roberto Alomar
Harold Baines
Albert Belle
Pete Browning
Bert Byleven
Joe Carter
Orlando Cepeda*
Rocky Colavito
Dave Concepcion
David Cone
Larry Corcoran
Mike Cuellar
Andre Dawson
Jimmie Dykes (Player/Manager)
Dwight Evans
Chuck Finley
Steve Finley
John Franco
Gary Gaetti
Steve Garvey
Luis Gonzalez
Dwight Gooden
Mark Grace
Charlie Grimm (Player/Manager)
Ron Guidry
Keith Hernandez
Orel Hershiser
Whitey Herzog (Manager)
Gil Hodges
Ralph Houk (Manager)
Shoeless Joe Jackson
Tommy John
Jim Kaat
Tom Kelly (Manager)
Jerry Koosman
Barry Larkin
Mickey Lolich
Fred Lynn
Sherry Magee
Roger Maris
Billy Martin (Player/Manager)
Dennis Martinez
Edgar Martinez
Bobby Matthews
Don Mattingly
Gene Mauch (Manager)
Fred McGriff
Mark McGwire
Paul Molitor*
Jack Morris
Tony Mullane
Dale Murphy
Graig Nettles
Lefty O’Doul
Tony Oliva
Al Oliver
Buck O’Neill & Minnie Minoso
Dave Parker
Wes Parker
Lance Parrish
Boog Powell
Tim Raines
Willie Randolph
Jim Rice
Phil Rizzuto*
Brooks Robinson*
Pete Ro$e
Jimmy Ryan
Ron Santo
Ted Simmons
Lee Smith
Rusty Staub
Dave Stieb
Harry Stovey
Alan Trammell
George Van Haltren
Mo Vaughn
Bobby Veach
Frank Viola
Lou Whitaker
Bernie Williams
Maury Wills

* Signifies actual Hall of Famer