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

Ballot Choice #7: Trevor Hoffman

If there’s anyone who can sympathize with plight of the DH with respect to the Hall of Fame, it’s the relief pitcher. As of this writing, only five have made it in: Hoyt Wilhelm, Rollie Fingers, Dennis Eckersley, Bruce Sutter and Goose Gossage.

But the times, they are a-changin’, and although Trevor Hoffman doesn’t quite make a compelling case to be enshrined, he gets my vote. His 601 career saves is the second highest of all time, trailing only sure-fire first ballot Mariano Rivera’s 652. No, Hoffman didn’t altogether stack up to The Sandman, but he does with the others already in, and consistency coupled with body of work are prerequisites in my book.

Hoffman’s name on 77.7% of the ballots means things are looking pretty good for him right now.