Gary Sheffield HOF odds?
ndleo
Posts: 4,136 ✭✭✭✭✭
Does the board think Gary has a shot at the HOF next year? He hit 55% last year and this is his last year on the ballot. He was one of my favorite Junk Wax era rookies, mainly because his 1989 UD and 1990 Leaf cards were the first hoard that actually made me a few bucks as a young collector (thank you 1992 Padres). I used to copy his bat waggle playing ball but not his hitting ability 
. I still have his 1989 Topps and Bowman Tiffany cards in my PC. I know he has baggage, below is a good summary of his case. If he doesn't get in this year, it looks like 2026 will be his next shot with Era committee.
https://cooperstowncred.com/why-gary-sheffield-remains-far-outside-the-hall-of-fame/
Mike
2
Comments
At this point with the HOF anyone with a recognizable name with decent numbers. Let alone 500 HR's has a good shot.
I'd not be a bit surprised if Sheffield made it in
I don’t think he will get it, but as a Brewers fan I hope he does! Went up 14.4% this past vote, but still needs 20% more…
Nic
Guides Authored - Graded Card Scanning Guide PDF | History of the PSA Label PDF
Aren't his numbers a lot better than decent?
Yes, when I looked him up i forgot he was actually a 500 HR club member
My decent number comment is a reference to anyone though, once Harold Baines got in I think anyone "With Decent" numbers has a shot.
I can't remember if Sheffield was linked to PEDS or not, if so that might hold him back idk
He admitted to using them unknowingly before the 2002 season while working out with Bonds. Also named in the Mitchell report in 2007 due to his ties with BALCO.
So, I think that is what is holding him back now. That and not always being the best with the media.
Nic
Guides Authored - Graded Card Scanning Guide PDF | History of the PSA Label PDF
This is why I think he becomes a guy who doesn’t get in now but does later when the veteran’s committee votes.
Bagwell and Piazza admitted to taking steroids and they're in.
Ortiz and Palmiero both tested positive, claiming it was a vitamin supplement. Ortiz in. Palmiero is a pariah. Go figure.
The cheaters like Sheffield will eventually get in by Veterans Committee. (Bagwell says Bonds and Clemens should both be in)
It'll take longer for the big names Bonds, Clemens, Mcgwire, ARod, but all the PED cheaters will get in.
Just don't gamble.
I remember when Gary got REALLY hot once he went to the Padres. He had a really nice career. If he had about another 300 hits, this wouldn't even be a discussion. How silly is that? I met him back in late 2019 and he was kind enough to sign two cards for me.
One was the 1989 Upperdeck and the other was this one.
The definition of a feared hitter, and even with the big swing and 500+ homeruns, rarely struck out. He topped out at 83 Ks twice in the latter part of his career, but averaged less than 60 a season.
If you're collecting the 500 HR club you're buying him anyway. He should probably be in every baseball card collection even without the HOF. He's a staple with upside potential.
Don't think he gets in. But Sheffield, Palmiero, McGwire and Sosa all performed very well on the selling block after/during the Home Run chase documentary.
Not getting in. He is in the category with Bonds, Clemens, McGwire etc... Difference is Bonds and Clemens are more elite than Sheffield and they still are waiting. Veterans committee didn't even put them in( which many thought they would put them in).
They should probably boot the steroid guys who are in the hall if that's going to be the standard.
This stuff gets talked about here all the time. It's like the #1 baseball conversation. A lot of the stories that keep these guys out aren't very convincing.
I personally think he should be in. But so should many others including Bonds, one of the top 5 greatest hitters, and Clemens, one of the top 5 greatest pitchers, in MLB history, Just my opinion. There are likely many players from that era who were on the juice who got in.
IMHO here's the thing if PED users are going to get in Clemens, Bonds, McGuire, Ramirez, Sosa are probably ahead of Sheffield.
The other route for a PED user (aka cheater) is to meet following criteria; friendly with media for most of career, big smile, philanthropy, and this part is key - get shot in an assassination attempt.
It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
I think playing for so many teams has hurt his chances. Looking at his stats he finished 2nd in MVP voting once and 3rd Place twice. HIs best three years were one year with the Padres, one year with the Braves and One year with the Yankees. He is also 21st all time in walks which I think is an underrated stat. He didn't play with many other great players during his career that would have given him protection in the batting order. He also wasn't very friendly or charismatic and always seemed to be complaining. i think he wore out his welcome on many teams he played for and they wanted to get rid of him to improve locker room relations.
Sheffield went from 40% of the votes in 2022 to 55% in 2023. While that's a good jump, he only has 1 year of modern eligibility left. After next year, he'll be lumped in with the other (suspected) PED users, so he'll likely have a longer wait. I do think he'll get in at some point. Maybe 5 years?
I dont think he can make a 20% jump in one year to get in. It is a shame, because he is certainly a hall of fame player.
George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.