Going to start with my favorite Yankees pitcher ever, Andy Pettitte; For his career, Andy Pettitte had a 256–153 win–loss record with a 3.85 ERA and 2,448 strikeouts in 3,316 innings. He also never had a losing season in the major leagues. Among Yankee pitchers, Pettitte ranks first in strikeouts (2,020), is tied for first in games started (438), and is third in wins (219). In 44 games pitched in the postseason, Andy won 19, an MLB record that still stands… 5x World Series Champion, 1x ALCS MVP, & a 3x All Star. Pettitte’s numbers are enough for the HOF, especially his playoff stats, his win-loss record is Hall worthy, 5x champ, gotta get you in wouldn’t you say? Reason for not being in the HOF “must be” PED speculation.

I’ll jump to another pitcher quite a bit before Pettitte’s time was Tommy John “The Bionic Man,” Tommy John was an accomplished pitcher whose 26 seasons on the mound rank behind only Nolan Ryan. John’s 288 victories (124 before the surgery and 164 after). Tommy John can’t only be famous for the now very popular surgery that bares his name can he? I mean right off the top, 26 years that is a long time to be throwing a ball. Right away I’ll look at his 4,710 innings pitched that is insane, John amassed 2,245 strikeouts. Tommy John was also a 4x All-Star, nothing in particular really stands out, but his IP, W, and K are HOF worthy I’d say.

Let’s take it to the dirt here. Yankees First Baseman Don Mattingly, “Donnie Baseball” in some circles. Mattingly has an MVP under his belt. Don Mattingly’s other notable accolades are: 3x silver slugger award, Batting Title in 1984, 6x All-Star and 9 Gold Gloves… come on 9 GG. Didn’t Bill Mazerowski get in on defense alone basically, yes he won two world series but his stats for HRs and RBI were SIGNIFICANTLY lower than Mattingly’s. Donnie should be in, wouldn’t you agree?

Next up still in the infield, I have second baseman Robinson Cano. Cano played 17 years, 9 with NY, Cano has a .301 avg, 335 HRs, 1,306 RBI and 2,639 hits. Eight time All-Star, All-Star MVP, 2 gold gloves 5x Silver Slugger, 2009 World Series Champion, World Baseball Classic Champ, MVP of that World Classic. Ok, so Cano hasn’t been retired for 5 years yet to qualify him for the Hall, Cano technically is still playing too, he is playing in Mexico he is still only 41 years old, so maybe this one is me putting the cart before the horse, but lets face it the HOF will not be in the cards for Robinson Cano, due to his PED usage. Sadly till the BBWA changes the way they vote or just let players in by overall stats and accolades, Cano will have to buy a ticket if he wants to see Cooperstown.

I am going write about two more PED users and in one’s case it wasn’t even proven, just speculation, but these two players have the qualifications and need to be in the HOF in my opinion. Let’s take a look at “Rocket” Roger Clemens, Clemens has 354 wins over 24 seasons in the Majors, striking out 4,672 batters in 4,916 innings pitched. Based upon numbers alone, Clemens is a slam-dunk candidate, but he was named in the Mitchell Report after the 2007 season. The Mitchell Report was an investigation into illegal use of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs by players in Major League Baseball. Other accolades to add to an already impressive career are: 2x triple crown by a pitcher, 2x World Series Champ, 11x All-Star, and MVP, an All-Star MVP, 7x ERA leader, and lastly we can not forget 7, yes seven Cy Young Awards.

Alex Rodriguez, came to NY as a free agent when he signed a contract for $275M over 10 years. A-Rod switched positions from shortstop to play third base as shortstop was being manned by Captain and longtime Yankee Derek Jeter. A-Rod ended his 22 year career with 696 home runs, 4th all-time behind Barry Bonds (762), Henry Aaron (755) and Babe Ruth (714). Rodriguez also compiled a whopping 3,115 hits, 2.086 RBI, usually over 3,000 hits alone you are a lock for Cooperstown. A-Rod was a 3x MVP, 10x Silver Slugger, 2009 World Series Champ, 2 Gold Gloves, a batting title and a 14x All-Star. Lets be real here, if the rules ever change A-Rod is a lock for the HOF, so is Roger Clemens.

Lastly I will delve into a Yankee legend who at one time I was not for, just because I looked at stats and not overall achievements, but I changed my tune after doing some digging and also watching The Bronx is Burning Mini Series, that came out in 2007, it was true to life as it could have gotten, highly recommend it if you have not seen it. It was about the 1977-78 World Championship teams and Reggie Jackson’s epic rise to stardom, (from IMDB, A look at the New York Yankees attempt to win the 1977 World Series. Based on Jonathan Mahler’s book “Ladies and Gentlemen, the Bronx Is Burning.”) OK, this is not about Reggie he is actually in the Hall.

Thurman Munson the catcher of the Bronx Bombers, Munson played 11 seasons all them for the Yankees before dying tragically in a plane crash that took his life at 32 years old. Munson definitely left a mark on the city of New York, The Yankees, and MLB in general. Thurman was a passionate player, Thurman Munson was awarded the Rookie of the Year award at 22 years old in 1970, quite the feat for a catcher, who are not typically known for being the best on their team let alone the league. Munson’s rookie campaign he produced a slash line of .301/.386/.413 and 137 hits. His on field and in the clubhouse leadership was as good as any leader. Just a few of his Accolades to go along with an impressive rookie year, Munson won 2 World Series 1977 & 78, he was a 7x All-Star and won 3 Gold Glove Awards. Thurman Munson’s #15 will be etched in the hearts of Yankee fans forever and it sits in Monument Park rightfully so.

Honorable mentions: Rod Guidry, Graig Nettles, Willie Randolph, Bernie Williams, and Roger Maris.

Do you agree with these players being snubbed? Do you think they should all get in or maybe a few left off? Let me know below or hit me up on ‘X’ @HENDO19750 or message me on Facebook.

Photo Credit; AARP, Cooperstown Expert, Bronx Pinstripes, The Greedy Pinstripes, The US Sun, Baseball Egg

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