SoDo Mojo’s Hall of Fame Ballot Series, Part 2

Ballot Choice #1: Eeeeeeeedddd-gaaaarrrrrrrrr!

Admittedly, I hated the wailing “Eeeeeeeddd-gaaaarrrrrr!” chant that rang out whenever Edgar Martinez stepped up to the plate (it always reminded me of this Simpson’s clip). Nevertheless, there was no questioning fan devotion to one of the very best right-handed hitters of his generation.

Ryan Spaeder of The Sporting News wrote a great piece chronicling  Martinez’ worthiness for election to the Hall of Fame. In addition to showing how he compares in key metrics to existing Hall of Fame players such as Johnny Mize, Stan Musial, Willie McCovey, Tony Gwynn and Henry Aaron, he points out that fellow specialist Mariano Rivera — a shoo-in first-time inductee when his name comes up in 2019 — had a lower career WAR and arguably less impact on the field, at least during the regular season.

It’s high time that Edgar make it in the Hall, and given the fact that 80% of the ballots counted have his name on them, it’s looking very good so far. Keeping my fingers crossed.