Roger Mooney covers the Tampa Bay Rays for The Tampa Tribune, TBO.com and News Channel 8. He has covered the Rays since their first season in 1998, including 11 years for the Bradenton Herald. Roger has also covered Florida, South Florida and Florida State football, the Bucs and the Lightning.
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Posted Jan 9, 2012 by Roger Mooney
Updated Jan 9, 2012 at 11:35 AM
ROGER MOONEY
I base my Hall of Fame vote on a number of criteria. Statistic, sure, and also the formula that asks, Can you write the history of that era without including that player?
If the answer is no, well, he needs to be considered for the Hall.
I take into consideration the steroid mess, which is why I won’t vote for Mark McGwire or any player who failed a test or was mentioned in the Mitchell Report. I’m sorry. I like my Hall of Fame clean. Or, as clean as it can be.
I know rumors surround many players, including one whom I voted for this year. But with no proof, you have to make a decision. I decided Jeff Bagwell belongs in the Hall.
Yes, I know there are a lot of crumbs enshrined in Cooperstown, but I have only been voting for four years.
The players on my ballot are players whom I thought were having Hall of Fame careers while I watched them play, that they were among the class of their generation.
It’s not an easy task.
I look at the numbers, talk to other voters, talk to friends whose opinion on the game I value. I’ve even asked some former players for input.
I’m not saying I got it right. I’m not saying your opinion is wrong.
All I’m saying is I am one of the privileged to have a vote and this is how I voted:
Jeff Bagwell
Barry Larkin
Edgar Martinez
Fred McGriff
Jack Morris
Tim Raines
Lee Smith
Alan Trammell
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