After an iconic career in Minnesota, is Joe Mauer a Hall of Famer?

MINNEAPOLIS, MN-SEPTEMBER 11: Joe Mauer #7 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates following the game against the New York Yankees on September 11, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Yankees 10-5. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 26: Joe Mauer #7 of the Minnesota Twins stands at first base during the game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, April 26, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

The Verdict

Even while writing this I went back and forth on my decision. It shows you how truly difficult this one is and how his case is one of the more confusing ones in Major League history.

Yet, to me, the good outweighs the bad when it comes to Joe Mauer. If I had a vote in the Hall of Fame voting, I would check off Joe’s name the first time he’s eligible. To play in the league for 15 years and hit over .300 is an impressive feat.

If you win not one, not two, but three batting titles as a catcher that has to go noticed. Johnny Bench and Mike Piazza, two of the best hitting catchers of all-time never won a single batting title.

Plus, Mauer was extremely effective defensively as well in the ten years he played the position. He had three gold gloves in a row from 2008-2010.

When I think of the best players from the 2000’s Joe Mauer’s name absolutely comes to mind. In a time where it feels like voters are being pickier, Mauer to me is a no-brainer. For someone to do what he did (while doing it clean!) in this era is something special.

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It should be remembered forever even if he switched positions in the back third of his career. Anything less than a trip to Cooperstown is a slap in the face to the impressive career of Joe Mauer.

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