Blue Jays: Fred McGriff getting raw deal from BBWAA voters once again

Former Toronto Blue Jays slugger Fred McGriff is once again getting a raw deal from the Baseball Writers Association of America in his 9th attempt at Cooperstown.

According to Hall of Fame ballot tracker Ryan Thibodaux the Crime Dog’ Fred McGriff has just over 17% of the vote in his quest for Cooperstown justice. During his nine years on the ballot, McGriff has never received more than 23.9 percent of the votes from the writers.

In his 19 major league career, McGriff put up Hall of Fame worthy numbers slashing .284/.377/.509 with 493 home runs and a 52.4 WAR in 2460 games. The first baseman was a 5-time All-Star while taking home the Silver Slugger award on 3 occasions. David Ortiz is sure to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he hits the ballot and his 55.4 WAR is nearly identical to that of McGriff who also had to grind every day at a defensive position.

McGriff made his debut on the ballot in 2010 securing 21.5% of the votes in his first attempt. He appeared to peak in 2012 where he accumulated a personal best 23.9% of the votes however still way off the minimum 75% needed for election. This is how the rest of the year’s played out for McGriff.

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21.7 %  in 2017

20.9% in 2016

12.9% in 2015

11.7% in 2014

20.7% in 2013

23.9% in 2012

17.9% in 2011

21.5% in 2010

There is 23 elected first baseman in Cooperstown with Frank Thomas being the last at that position to be elected in 2014.

McGriff spent five seasons north of the border with the Blue Jays and was arguably part of one of the most historic trades in franchise history when he and Tony Fernandez were shipped to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar and Joe Carter.

During his time in Toronto, McGriff hit .278/.389/.530 with 125 round trippers in 578 games. The only other team he hit more homers for was the Atlanta Braves where he connected for 130 round trippers during those five seasons.

Next: Blue Jays: Five under the radar prospects for 2018

The Crime Dog will never be elected by the writers however the Veterans committee may see things differently when the time finally comes. The former slugger nearly hit 500 home runs including 10 seasons with 30 or more throughout his 19-year career. Mr. Consistently is definitely worthy of the Hall in my humble opinion.