Cleveland, Ohio - This year none of the 25 candidates eligible for election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the Committee on Baseball Veterans were voted in.  Despite being one of the top vote-getters, Gil Hodges narrowly missed being elected by eight votes. 

In his 2003 Baseball Research Journal article, “Why Isn’t Gil Hodges in the Hall of Fame?,” SABR member John  T. Saccoman used a technique developed by sabermetrician Bill James in his book, The Politics of Glory to explore this issue.  This technique is a 15-point list of arguments about which players might or might not merit selection into the HOF.

In making his case for Hodges, Saccoman addresses the six criteria HOF voters are asked to consider as a candidate’s worthiness for enshrinement:  record, ability, character, sportsmanship, integrity, and contribution to the game.  Saccoman admits that no one argument makes an entire case, but suggests that James’ criteria produces many favorable results in Hodges’ favor.

Saccoman’s article is available in the Baseball Research Journal #31 available through SABR’s publication distributor University of Nebraska.  For ordering information, visit UNP at http://unp.unl.edu/ or call 1-800-755-1105.

Since its inception, SABR has produced memorable and insightful baseball research featuring many of the players who were considered for election by the Veterans Committee this year.   Below is a list of articles published by SABR featuring the this year's candidates.
 

Becoming a SABR member is easy and there are several ways to join. The easiest is probably using our online SABR Store and purchasing the appropriate level of membership. You can also call 800.969.7227 and a representative in our administrative office can set it up over the phone with you.  If you prefer regular mail, we can send a membership application for you to fill out and return with payment.  Email us at info@sabr.org with your mailing address and we'll promptly send you a membership application and information on becoming a SABR member.

ALLEN, DICK
Center field homer-Comiskey Park	BRJ 97: 70
Memorable 1972 season	TNPS 85: 42-44
Proposed for Hall of Fame	TNPW 85: 14-27
Review of playing career	BRJ 95: 2-14 BRJ 98: 74-75
Tiger Stadium mammoth homer	BRJ 97: 73
BONDS, BOBBY
Power-speed combination	BRJ 74: 36-39
BOYER, KEN
All-time Kansas City area third baseman	SABR 26 CP: 24
COLAVITO, ROCKY
And the Harvey Kuenn trade	SABR 20 CP: 8-10
FERRELL BROTHERS (WES AND RICK)
Rick almost spoiled Wes’ no-hitter	BRJ 88: 64
Werber’s recollections	MB:  27-34
FERRELL, WES
Biographical article	TNP 01: 96-124
Career record	MLBS III: 73
Compared with Grove	TNP 01: 96-124
A hitting pitcher	GHP: 13-14
GORDON, JOE
Analysis by Tom Henrich	BRJ 99: 41-43
HODGES, GIL
4-homer game at Ebbets Field	BRJ 97: 70
Should be in Hall of Fame	BRJ 02: 118-122
KAAT, JIM
Proficiency as a fielder	TNPW 87: 43
Recap of pitching career	BRJ 82: 68
LOLICH, MICKEY
Dominant in 60s and 70s	BRJ 99: 69-73
MARIS, ROGER
Allen book reviewed - A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS	SRB 87: 82-84
Compared to Hack Wilson	TNP 82: 32-33
Heroics in 1956 Junior World Series	BRJ 00: 22
How he was pitched to in 1961	BRJ 98: 25
Review of 1961 season	BRJ 88: 65-72
61st homer  --  at Yankee Stadium	BRJ 97:  73
MAYS, CARL
All-Time Kentucky All-Stars	SABR 27 CP:19-22
Analysis of career	BRJ 01: 122-126
Beaning of Ray Chapman	BRJ 84: 12-13 SABR 27 CP:37-39 TNP 98:103-106
Dominated Philadelphia Athletics	BRJ 99: 67-68
MINOSO, MINNIE
Biographical article	TNP 92: 55-57
Compared to Pete Rose	BRJ 00: 92-95
MUNSON, THURMAN
Assists easy to come by	BRJ 84: 75
Liked to hit in October	BRJ 95: 142-143
NEWCOMBE, DON
Biographical sketch of a clutch pitcher	BRJ 94: 27-31
First year in Organized Ball	TNP 00: 64
A hitting pitcher	GHP: 15-16
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