Jamie Moyer has been defying the odds since 1995. Some odds, however, are longer than others.
It was that year the “spry” 32-year old lefty began a career renaissance in Boston and extended over into a fantastic period in Seattle.
As Jamie Moyer continues to plug along methodically in the Colorado Rockies rotation we realize that since that year he’s amassed a record of 209-130 with an ERA of 4.12. He’s played in one All-Star game, pitched in three postseason’s and won a World Series with the Phillies in 2008. An impressive career indeed, but lets not get caught up in the Hall of Fame talk with Jamie Moyer.
Some will see this as a slight to him. It isn’t, the fact that we are able to talk about such an incredible honor for him is an accomplishment in and of itself. 268 wins (and counting) is an unbelievable accomplishment, but outside of that nothing truly sets him apart.
I like to play a game when I come across scenarios like these regarding players and their eligibility to Cooperstown. I always think of the player and then, without research, think of the first player that comes to mind who is closest to said player. My first thought was one Charlie Hough and I am quite proud of myself because the comparisons are striking.
Hough pitched well into his 40’s (retiring at age 46) and also had a difficult start to his career; primarily because he was a “Knuckle” ball pitcher coming out of the bullpen. His career really began in his 30’s as well (34) when he got his first real crack at starting with the Texas Rangers. From 1982 until he retired in 1994 he went 163-168 with a 3.83 ERA. The record can be chalked up to playing for bad Texas teams in the 80’s and finishing with an expansion Marlins team from 1993-1994.
Here’s the interesting part about the comparison. Hough’s career numbers looked like this: 216-216, 3.75 ERA, 2,362 SO and an All-Star appearance in 1986. Moyer, by comparison, looks like this: 268-206, 4.23 ERA, 2,411 SO and an All-Star Appearance in 2003.
Baseball-Reference has Moyer slotted between Frank Viola (not in the Hall of Fame) and Hall of Famer Goose Gossage. The same website slots Charlie Hough between Hippo Vaughn (not in the Hall of Fame) and Hall of Famer Rube Marquard. Interesting dynamic, eh?
Again, this isn’t a slight to anything Jamie Moyer has accomplished. His numbers just don’t stack up in comparison to others who are going to the Hall of Fame or are already in. He’s essentially become pitching’s equivalent to Dale Murphy. I’m a Braves fan and a big admirer of Dale Murphy, but his numbers after 1987 took a dip that hurt his overall case. Moyer’s from the beginning hinder his case.
So the next time you think of Jamie Moyer as a Hall of Famer, ask yourself one question: Would I vote for Charlie Hough?
Jim Kaat had a longer period of success than Moyer and was a better defender (evidence of his Gold Glove collection). You’re right, stats alone don’t get you in the Hall of Fame, but you have to have more than “he played forever” to get in as well. Ozzie Smith never lit up the scoreboard but he was known as a master on defense. If he wins 300, yes he has more of a shot. He isn’t in right now though. You’re argument that its more than numbers gets thrown out when you’re banking on 300 wins or him pitching until he’s 50 getting him in.
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268-206 IS A HELL OF a lot better than 216-216. That being said he is a long shot unless he can play this year and next and rack up another 25 wins. Tough to keep someone with 290+ wins out of the hall especially because his win-loss % is pretty good
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While the record was better, he is worst in ERA, K’s and we have to look at the fact that Hough played on some pretty bad teams. That said, even if Moyer reaches 290 I don’t see him as tough to keep out. They kept Blyleven out for years and he had a much stronger case than Moyer will by the time his playing days are over.
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Ya,Maybe…..he is probably more comparable to Jim Kaat than Hough IMO….right on the border and may never get in. It’s not only stats that get people into the Hall. If he is pitching next year at 50 and doing half way decent I think just that fact will get him some “on the fence” votes from the writers. Who knows….he may pitch 3 more years and get 300 wins…..that would be the magic number to get him in the Hall someday.
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I agree he hasn’t had fantastic numbers but I think he might get in just because he is Jamie Moyer. He was the second oldest pitcher to win a game. That itself deserves stardom. He is 49!!!! Great blog. Check out betweenthelineshockeyandbaseball.wordpress.com for more talk on hockey and baseball.
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ha ha thanks for the comment. And thanks for reading! I’ll definitely check it out. Come back often!
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