Folks have this notion that failing short of the HoF is somehow a big negative. I understand "they" want to keep its exclusivity, but for players like Dale Murphy and Andruw Jones, it's a recurring question that has to make them feel bad. I've met both and listened to how they respond to such questions. Do these players "deserve better"? Maybe.
All the players who ever played MLB would not fill an MLB stadium. Just to play MLB is a thing.
I know Steve Avery pretty well. Before his injuries he was one of the best left handed pitchers in the game, but his arm gave out. He's a pretty neat guy, doesn't dwell on what might have been, he pitched in MLB with a lot of success.
There are myriad stories like these, players who had great careers cut short, or just didn't quite make the Hall. Remembering them is what should be done, not criticizing whatever for not getting top recognition.
But we humans have to have our "rankings" to argue about.
Incidentally, Dale Murphy is hilarious.
