The Walker Files: At the top of the Hall of Fame hopefuls
Maple Ridge, B.C., native Larry Walker is worthy of a plaque in Cooperstown. Photo Credit: BSN Denver
By Tracy Ringolsby
Larry Walker has never received as much as 25 percent support in his seven previous times on the Hall of Fame ballot. He, however, has the stats to support his case, both all-time and in comparison to others who are on the ballot this year. In looking at home runs, RBI, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and stolen bases Walker has the fourth highest point total out of the 19 hitters on the ballot this year, the highest among players whose career hasn’t been tainted by steroids.
Using a point system, 19 for having the top spot in the stat on down to one point for being 19th, Walker and Vladimir Guerrero are tied at 82 points, behind Barry Bonds (109), Manny Ramirez (89) and Gary Sheffield (84). After Walker and Guerrero are Jim Tjhome (72), Sammy Sosa (71), Edgar Martinez and Fred McGriff (62 each), Jeff Kent (59), and Chipper Jones (53). Following before 50 points are Scott Rolen and Carlos Lee (48 points each), Johnny Damon (46), Andrew Jones (41), Aubrey Huff and Hideki Matsui (27 points apiece), Omar Vizquel (26 points) and Orlando Hudson (19 points).
How the players rank in the six statistical categories