Is George Foster worthy of the Hall of Fame?

[WMR]

* 5x All-Star selection (1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981)
* 2x World Series champion (1975, 1976)
* Silver Slugger Award winner (1981)
* 1977 NL MVP
* 1976 MLB All-Star Game MVP

[Joseph]

If George had been a Yankee he'd be in and we'd be talking about how he's only in because he's a Yankee.

Were there a Hall of Really Good, George would be in.

I don't think he's a HoFer though.

[WMR]

If George had been a Yankee he'd be in and we'd be talking about how he's only in because he's a Yankee.

Were there a Hall of Really Good, George would be in.

I don't think he's a HoFer though.

What about George Foster vs. Don Mattingly vs. Jim Rice?

(I personally feel that GF belongs in the HoF. His two WS rings puts him over the top, IMHO)

[westofyou]

No

[Highlifeman21]

No

What he said.

[MrCinatit]

Take away four years, and he is nowhere near. As much as I like the guy, four years does not make a Hall of Fame career.

[Always Red]

Take away four years, and he is nowhere near. As much as I like the guy, four years does not make a Hall of Fame career.

4 years (1963-1966) did it for Sandy Koufax. But man, were they great years.

I don't think Foster belongs in the HoF, as much as I like him. Reds HoF, for a fine career, suits him just fine.

[PuffyPig]

4 years (1963-1966) did it for Sandy Koufax. But man, were they great years.

I like to think that Koufax had a 6 year run, though those 4 years were better than the other two,

But in 1961, Koufax won 18 games, led the NL with 269 K's, and was 7th in ERA.

In 1962, Koufax's injuries limited him to only 14 wins, but he did lead the NL in ERA.

[Always Red]

I like to think that Koufax had a 6 year run, though those 4 years were better than the other two,

But in 1961, Koufax won 18 games, led the NL with 269 K's, and was 7th in ERA.

In 1962, Koufax's injuries limited him to only 14 wins, but he did lead the NL in ERA.

2 good years followed by 4 of the best years in pitching history.

[MrCinatit]

4 years (1963-1966) did it for Sandy Koufax. But man, were they great years.

I don't think Foster belongs in the HoF, as much as I like him. Reds HoF, for a fine career, suits him just fine.

Somewhat true.
The only reason Koufax's run did not extend further is that he retired young (30) due to injury. Basically, he was also voted in because of what could have happened, such as Addie Joss (imagine the number he could have put up...).
Foster, on the other hand, continued his career for quite a while after his monster run - much of it being injury free, I believe, though the '81 strike did rob him of potentially another large year.
Foster's number decline came mostly due to age (his numbers drop off significantly after 33), and arguably a departure from Cincinnati and appearance with the Mets.
Baseball reference compares his stats to Gil Hodges, Willy Horton, Tino Martinez, Jack Clark and Del Ennis. Five very good players, but none are quite HOF caliber.

[Always Red]

Somewhat true.
The only reason Koufax's run did not extend further is that he retired young (30) due to injury. Basically, he was also voted in because of what could have happened, such as Addie Joss (imagine the number he could have put up...).
Foster, on the other hand, continued his career for quite a while after his monster run - much of it being injury free, I believe, though the '81 strike did rob him of potentially another large year.
Foster's number decline came mostly due to age (his numbers drop off significantly after 33), and arguably a departure from Cincinnati and appearance with the Mets.
Baseball reference compares his stats to Gil Hodges, Willy Horton, Tino Martinez, Jack Clark and Del Ennis. Five very good players, but none are quite HOF caliber.

I was just pointing out that on a rare occasion, 4 great years in a row can lead one to a HoF.

I was never intending to compare Foster and Koufax's careers; obviously George had a lot more time (ultimately, to cool off) than Sandy K did.

[George Anderson]

The highest vote total Foster received for HOF induction was 6.9% , a far cry from the needed 75%.

http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/pl...layerId=114333

[WMR]

In 1977, Foster hit 52 home runs, making him the only major league player to belt 50 or more homers in a single season during a 25-year period (between Willie Mays with 52 in 1965 and Cecil Fielder with 51 in 1990). The next batters to hit 50 HRs in the National League were Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa in 1998. He also batted in an NL leading 149 runs. In recognition of his accomplishment, Foster received the NL's MVP award by a unanimous vote.

You may be right, MrC, but the above passage screams HoF to me. Again, JMO.

[Always Red]

You may be right, MrC, but the above passage screams HoF to me. Again, JMO.

Using that reasoning, Roger Maris should be in the HoF, too.

[RedsBaron]

Using that reasoning, Roger Maris should be in the HoF, too.

Very true. I've often thought of Foster when I have heard/read others advocate the HOF selection of Maris. I wouldn't vote for either Maris or Foster as a Hall of Famer, but George's career stacks up well with that of Maris.