Mike Piazza (.308/.377/.545, 427 HR’s, 1,335 RBI)
This one is strange to figure out. Mike Piazza is definitely the best-hitting catcher in MLB history. For some reason, though, this is his third shot on the ballot. Some things that are clear to some just aren’t to others.
It is amazing that Piazza was the 1,390th pick (62nd round) of the 1988 MLB draft only as a favor to Piazza’s father, Vince, who was a childhood friend of Tommy Lasorda.
The case for induction: In eighteen major league seasons, Piazza went to 12 All Star games, won 10 Silver Sluggers, and had 7 top-ten finishes for MVP voting. Of the 427 home runs hit slugged, 396 of them came as a catcher, which is the record for that position. He is also 21st all-time with 1,630 games caught.
The case against induction: Defense. Piazza was never one to be too concerned with his defense. His arm was never the greatest. Ten times in his career, he allowed the most stolen bases of any catcher in the National League.
Again, Piazza is another player who is penalized for playing during the Steroid era. He never flunked any test, and never found on any report, yet some want to use the flimsiest reason to use against him.
There is Murray Chass, a miserable fart who claimed that Piazza’s back acne is evidence of steroid use. He says that his name was not on the Proactiv Solution web site so of course he was on steroids. I guess the people I know that also have back acne are on steroids as well, right?
Decision: I am afraid that with the ballot being so packed this year, Piazza might be on the outside looking in once again. He may increase his percentage, and he may get in next year. It is a damn shame, however. He should already be in.
Next: Randy Johnson