Introduction

The recent induction of Jeff Kent into the Baseball Hall of Fame has stirred discussions regarding the worthiness of other candidates, particularly former New York Yankees first baseman Don Mattingly. Despite his on-field accomplishments, Mattingly's bid for induction fell short, leading to a deeper look at some of baseball's most notable first basemen still outside of Cooperstown.

The Vote Breakdown

With 12 votes required from the 16-member contemporary era committee, Don Mattingly received only six votes, while fellow first baseman Carlos Delgado garnered nine votes, making him the next highest after Kent among the eight candidates. This has sparked interest in where these players rank among the greatest first basemen not yet inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Top Snubbed First Basemen

In an effort to assess the rankings, we evaluated career statistics, peak performances, and accolades, focusing solely on on-field achievements without considering off-field controversies like PED usage. Below are our top choices:

• Miguel Cabrera (Eligible in 2029): Future first-ballot Hall of Famer, potentially achieving 100% voting support.
• Albert Pujols (Eligible in 2028): Also a strong candidate for first-ballot induction.
• Joey Votto (Eligible in 2029): Possible prolonged ballot presence, despite being a likely inductee.
• Anthony Rizzo (Eligible in 2030): Projects as a notable contributor but falls short of major milestones.
• John Olerud: Quietly had one of the best seasons in the decade, contributing significantly to his teams.
• Norm Cash: A consistent producer for the Tigers amidst overshadowing figures.
• Will Clark: A bright star of his era with impressive peak performances.
• Carlos Delgado: A player of immense talent, his career could have been even more remarkable without injuries.
• Steve Garvey: A franchise face for the Dodgers with numerous accolades though no World Series title.
• Don Mattingly: His prime years signify an elite career complicated by later decline.
• Keith Hernandez: A defensive standout and a figure often compared with Mattingly in discussion of snubs.
• Rafael Palmeiro and Mark McGwire: Both provide a complex narrative given their associations with the steroid era, but their performances are undeniable.

As the Hall of Fame discussions continue, the spotlight on the careers of Mattingly, Delgado, and others illustrates the intricate relationship between performance and the coveted honor of induction into baseball's most esteemed fraternity.