Is Moyer a Hall of Famer?

In case you didn't notice, Colorado LHP Jamie Moyer became the oldest pitcher to ever record a win in Major League history earlier this week at the age of 49, and after the game he donated the hat and glove that he wore throughout the contest to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.  After the game he was offered a spot in the Museum's Steele Internship Program, but he would have to retire to be eligible for that program.  But all of this talk is for naught.

With the win this week Moyer added just another record to his personal sheet of accomplishments, which begs the question, is Jamie Moyer a Hall of Famer?  There's a lot of evidence in his favor.  The win earlier this week made him the oldest player ever to win a game, and most of his records are associated with age.  But it also marked win number 268 in his career.

Think about these things:  Over 250 wins, and approaching 275 at an acceptable rate.  A good win-loss record.  A respectable career ERA.  All-Star game appearances.  20-win seasons.  World Series rings (just one but we'll take it).  A gazillion records, and important records at that.  Years upon years of Major League service.  A huge amount of innings pitched and games started.  The status of a folk hero among the populace.  Huge amounts of respect from the media and - more importantly - from the BBWAA.  The favorite player of the one-and-only Dr. Sean Nice.

What does all that add up to?  A very good player with a compelling argument for the Hall of Fame.  But is Jamie Moyer a Hall of Famer?  LeRoy doesn't think so, not yet at least.  Rickey Henderson and Randy Johnson had to play well into their 40s to record 3,000 hits and 300 wins, respectively, so maybe Moyer will have to play into his 50s to get number 300.  What then?  We don't know, except to say that LeRoy would support Moyer's Hall of Fame candidacy at that point in time.

But now?  No.  Sorry Jamie, but you're not a Hall of Famer yet.  Not in our book at least.  And all that means is that we won't support your candidacy.  But look at two paragraphs above, loyal blog reader, and you'll see a long list of accomplishments.  And that list means that Moyer will have a lot of support when he finally washes out of the game (we kinda doubt that he'll retire voluntarily) and will get enough votes to consistently stay on the ballot.  And that's the biggest battle if you're not going to get elected on the first ballot. 

And if he stays on the ballot long enough?  Who knows?  Certainly lesser pitchers have been elected to the Hall of Fame.  Will Jamie Moyer one day get a plaque in Cooperstown?  It's a distinct possibility.