Last month the Veteran’s Committee had their say, electing a trio of managers to baseball’s coveted Hall of Fame. This Wednesday, members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America have their say when the results of their yearly voting are announced. Last year, they famously elected no one, but this year brings a quality selection of newcomers including Greg Maddux, Frank Thomas, and Tom Glavine. For Hall of Fame collectors, none of these players are expected to particularly damage their wallet if elected.
that often bring eye-popping dollars.
, can now be had in PSA 10 for under $60 – no longer the big hurt on a collector’s wallet.
An interesting candidate on this year’s ballot will be Mike Mussina. Moose walked away with only 270 wins, just shy of the 300 win threshold that has resulted in automatic induction for those before him – aside from his infamous Yankees teammate, Roger Clemens, of course. His 2813 strikeouts if close to the attractive 3000 number that voters like, but not close enough. Mussina never won a World Series, arriving just after the great Yankees dynasty of the late 90s, and has no Cy Young award upon his mantle. Although a 5 time All-Star, the lack of milestone numbers and hardware will delay his entry to Cooperstown’s hallowed halls. Mussina is a strong candidate for later induction as the realization that 300 game winners are a species on the verge of extinction. Those collectors wanting to speculate on his induction can treat themselves to downright cheap examples of his rookie cards such as 1991 Bowman #97, 1991 Score #383, 1991 Ultra #4, and 1991 Upper Deck #65.
or 1989 ‘true’ rookie cards are the ones most deserving of a place in their collection.
Jack Morris gets his final shot at being voted in by the writers and other candidates this year include Mike Piazza, Tim Raines, Jeff Bagwell and, of course, the likes of Barry Bonds.
Finally – in the never too early to look ahead department – the 2015 ballot will include legends such as Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez, along with Maddux/Glavine teammate John Smoltz, and another tainted 500 home run club member – Gary Sheffield.
Fortunately for collectors, it will still be quite sometime before new members of the Hall arrive with limited production, autographed rookie cards that rival the prices of legendary vintage stars in pricing.