Class of One – Big Unit Joins NASBL HOF in 2013

The famously well-guarded gates of the NASBL Hall of Fame opened briefly today to a man bearing an unmatched 5 NASBL Cy Young awards and an undeniable “Admit One” ticket.

6’10” power pitcher Randy “Big Unit” Johnson punched his HOF ticket in no small part due to his ability to consistently punch out NASBL hitters. On his way to accumulating a league record 3156 strikeouts (800 more than 2^nd place K-artist / fellow HOF’er Pedro Martinez,) Unit posted each of the 5 highest single-season strikeout totals ever recorded.

Johnson also retired as the winningest pitcher in NASBL history, both for his career (189 Ws, and for a single season (27 in 2003.)

Completing his similarities to MLB’s Walter “Big Train” Johnson, Big Unit wasn’t just the most dominant and winningest pitcher of his era, he was also the most durable. Randy Johnson retired as the all-time leader in innings pitched (2783,) complete games (162) and shutouts (20.)

Others Receiving Votes:

-Jeff Bagwell, 68.75%. The 2000 MVP gained from his 2012 total of 62.50%, but the career-long Texas Thunderbird still fell one vote short of induction.

-Sammy Sosa, 50%. Fighting Sioux slugger peaked in HRs with 73 in 2002, and may have peaked in HOF vote% with 62.50% in 2012.

-Greg Maddux, 50%. The 2-time Cy Young award winner for the Georgia Roadkill debuted strong in his first year of eligibility.

-Roberto Alomar, 31.25%. On the ballot for 4 years, the slick-fielding Robby hasn’t yet come within spitting distance of induction. His support dropped from 37.50% in 2012.

-Carlos Delgado, 31.25%. Roadkill and Sioux compiler (397 HR, 1090 RBI) still needs to compile a lot more votes to attain entry to the Hall.

-Roger Clemens, 25.00%. Looking for a new injection of votes after his 43.75% showing in 2012, the 2-time Cy Young award winner instead saw his HOF chances burst like an inflated balloon jabbed with a needle.

- John Smoltz, 18.75%. The 2-time Cy Young / 1-time Fireman of the Year winner with Pocono was perhaps harmed by his own versatility?

-Jeff Kent, 18.75%. 2003 MVP with the Canyon Country Cannons swung a heavy bat, and an even heavier glove.

-Larry Walker, 18.75%. One of the greatest players ever to sometimes play the game, the man who once hit .383 over a (sort of) full season saw his vote count triple from 2012’s 6.25%.

-Edgar Martinez, 18.75%. Hampered by his relatively short career and less than sterling defensive reputation, Edgar extends his modest hit streak with NASBL HOF voters.

-Frank Thomas, 12.50%. The Big Hurt saw his vote total double from 2012, but still has a Big Climb ahead of him.

Players receiving 1 vote (6.25%) included: Mike Mussina (2002 Cy Young), Moises Alou (.302 career BA, 209 HR), Nomar Garciaparra (1998 ROY, .297 career BA), Bret Boone (186HR), Rafael Palmeiro (2000 MVP), Mark McGwire (70HR / 164 RBI in 1999, .647 career SLG), Cliff Floyd (213HR), Brian Giles (.391 OBA / .511 SLG), and Ray Durham (209 SB, scored 100 runs 3 times).

Lofton Drops Off the Ballot

Perhaps overshadowed by the arrival of the PED power crowd, OJW speedster Kenny Lofton (.306 career BA, 250 SB, 100 runs scored 3 times) dropped from 18.75% in 2012 down to zero votes, and will not appear on future ballots.