The Hall of Fame Index [Paperback]

Scott Barzilla (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 17, 2010

Was Willie Mays better than Ty Cobb? Is Babe Ruth the best player all-time? For devoted baseball fans, the Baseball Hall of Fame is a sacred institution, as well as the subject of much debate. Who will and who won't get in? Who should be there, and who shouldn't? Every player who has been inducted into the Hall of Fame has been a lightning rod for fan debate.

The Hall of Fame Index offers a revolutionary compendium of statistics that rates a player's fitness for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Of course, baseball beat-writers will continue to vote for their guys and the Veterans' Committee will vote for their guys, but The Hall of Fame Index offers them critical information to consider when determining who should be considered for induction. Along the way, you will learn a great deal about the complex world of baseball statistics. Whether you agree or disagree, it is guaranteed to be a lot of fun.

Product Details

• Paperback: 292 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse.com (November 17, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1450272177
• ISBN-13: 978-1450272179
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 0.6 x 6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,131,006 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The book hits the mark February 24, 2011

By Patrick Hajovsky

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I'm not sure I've enjoyed a book as much as The Hall of Fame Index in quite awhile. The problem with statistical analysis is that context is often left out. That seems counterintuitive, of course, but it's so easy to get lost in the numbers that you can't see the overall analysis.

Barzilla carefully avoids that in this analysis. The Index breaks up players into position analysis. If one says (as many people do), "Hey, if Jim Rice is in, then (unnamed third baseman) should be in."; or, "If Bill Mazeroski is in the Hall of Fame, then Keith Hernandez definitely deserves a place.", then you know that the person really hasn't done very much research at all. Certainly, if Jim Rice is in the Hall of Fame, most players just saw their case get a boost, but only outfielders have a legitimate claim for comparison. The Index makes this point clear and concise, with excellent statistical analysis along the way.

As well, the reader is treated to a new understanding of just how great the "immortals" of the game truly are. Everyone knew that Lou Gehrig was probably one of the greatest players of all time. Now, Barzilla puts him the context of first basemen, and Gehrig's greatness is understood in the context of the game. From that standpoint, one truly understands that Gehrig and greatness are one and the same. Then, the current performance of Albert Pujols, given the fact that he alone comes close to Gehrig, even though NOT EVEN ALBERT beats him, is seen by the reader and is given a real appreciation for what is occurring in front of our eyes.

In all, Barzilla has done what many strive for but rarely achieve - produce what is in essence an historical analysis with current players mixed in.... As you gear up your Spring and Summer reading to coincide with the baseball season, you'll find The Hall of Fame Index an indispensable guide.

Patrick Hajovsky Read more ›