Vada Pinson for the HOF?

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I'll agree heartily with that. I've not seen many better presented arguments here at the 'Shrine.

[Fuzzy Bear]

Originally posted by Rinkster


Pinson has always been recognized as being born in August, 1938. The first place I have ever seen that stated Pinson was born in 1936 rather than 1938 was Bill James' New Historical Abstract. I was shocked.

Now, I've seen it in a couple of other places since then. One person who posted on this thread advised he has seen where Pinson may even have been born in 1934. But I have yet to see the source where this information came from, including in James' book.

I HAVE seen a reason why Vada Pinson could have fudged about his date of birth, and it's the same reason it's in the news today regarding players such as Neifi Perez and Bartlo Colon. I even know that Rob Neyer believed this is why Vada Pinson may have fudged his date of birth.

Actually, I can't remember where I read that his actual birthdate may have been in 1934. I tend not to believe that, although "baseball ages" have been a tradition throughout baseball, and especially in the years prior to birth certificates and social security cards being necessary to obtain employment.

"Baseball ages" are common to players of all races and ethnic backgrounds. It's just harder for Americans to fake it these days, due to changes in the law over the last 20 years.

Anyway, take a look at Pinson's career progression, you see peaks in 1959, 1961, 1963, and 1965. If we accept that Pinson was born in 1938, it means that he peaked at age 25, and may have had his best season at age 21. Most players have their best years at age 27. Given the normal progression of a player's career, Pinson had an extremely early peak, if you believe he was born in 1938. His progression of outstanding early seasons, couples with a seemingly early decline argue for an earlier birthdate.

This is not to denigrate Pinson. I don't really care about his birthdate. (I do believe he was really born in 1936, but he's not on trial.)

I WOULD say, however, that, traditionally, players with early peaks who have faded, but hung on, have not been elected to the HOF. (Al Kaline is something of an exception, but he DID get 3,000 hits, and DID hit for a higher average with more power.)

So I don't know. I like Pinson, but why Vada and not Andre Dawson? (I'm coming around to rating Pinson ahead of Fred Lynn, although it is not obvious, in my opinion.) I'm still not sold, but I'm still open-minded.