The Boss has passed.

[slotdirt]

Fact: Catfish Hunter played on a bunch of good teams, won some World Series, and didn't pitch a game past the age of 33. His best season - either '73 or '75, take your pick - is inferior to all but two of Halladay's total seasons since he became a full-time starter in 2002. I don't think Roy Halladay is necessarily a Hall of Famer, but if his career ended today, I think most knowledgeable baseball minds would say he was a better pitcher than Catfish Hunter.

Catfish Hunter is the worst pitcher currently in the Hall of Fame. His election to the Hall of Fame literally lowered the standard to the point where he is the minimum standard for which all other borderline pitchers are judged. His career ERA when compared to the average ERA during the seasons he pitched is eclipsed by only Rube Marquard in terms of futility by pitchers who are members of the Hall of Fame as of 2010. There is literally not a statistic on the wide spectrum of baseball numbers that can justify his inclusion in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Selectively remembering a couple fine seasons he had in the early 70's isn't going to change that.

Oh, and Phil Rizzuto is among the worst modern position player in the Hall of Fame, so at least the Yankees are covering all the bases in that respect.