The Pecan Park Eagle

 

Nolan Ryan also holds the MLB record for most "noogies" dished out in a single game.

Top Twenty Career MLB Strikeout Pitchers:

(1) Nolan Ryan – 5,714

(2) Randy Johnson – 4,875

(3) Roger Clemens – 4,672

(4) Steve Carlton – 4,136

(5) Bert Blyleven – 3,701

(6) Tom Seaver – 3,640

(7) Don Sutton – 3,574

(8) Gaylord Perry – 3,534

(9) Walter Johnson – 3,509

(10) Greg Maddux – 3,371

(11) Phil Niekro – 3,342

(12) Ferguson Jenkins – 3,192

(13) Pedro Martínez – 3,154

(14) Bob Gibson – 3,117

(15) Curt Schilling – 3,116

(16) John Smoltz – 3,084

(17) Jim Bunning – 2,855

(18) Mickey Lolich – 2,832

(19) Mike Mussina – 2,813

(20) Cy Young – 2,803

Hall of Fame Members (11)): Nolan Ryan, Steve Carlton, Tom Seaver, Don Sutton, Gaylord Perry, Walter Johnson, Phil Niekro, Ferguson Jenkins, Bob Gibson, Jim Bunning, & Cy Young.

HOF Eligible, But Not a Member (2): Bert Blyleven & Mickey Lolich.

Recently Retired, Not Yet Eligible for HOF (6): Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux, Curt Schilling, John Smoltz. & Mike Mussina.

Still an Active Player (1): Pedro Martinez.

Throwing strikeouts over time probably gets you in the Hall of Fame, unless your name is Bert Blyleven or Mickey Lolich – or you’ve had your reputation stained by redundant accusations and hard evidence of steroid use and had your reputation for natural greatness burned beyond recognition by guys hiding in gyms who are ready to testify against you in exchange for witness protection guarantees.

Look for Bert Blyleven to finally get the votes he needs to make it into the HOF in 2011. He’s been building in support for a while now and came fairly close in 2010. He should have been there years ago, but late is better than never – or far superior to induction after a guy dies and can’t be there to see it happen.

I look for Randy Johnson and Greg Maddux to make it into the HOF in their first years of eligibility, but I’m not that high on the early, if ever, chances for John Smoltz, Curt Schilling, or Mike Mussina. I’m not saying an induction case could not be made for all three, I just don’t think that any of them performed on the consistent blue chip level that we associate with Randy Johnson and Greg Maddux – nor will the former three possess the popular support among voters that belongs to Johnson and Maddux on a first ballot.

As for Roger Clemens, I’m afraid his steroids stain is going to be an obstacle to the HOF for years to come, if not forever. The shame of it is that we all know that Roger Clemens had a major talent and incredible work ethic that carried him to great accomplishments. He didn’t need steroids to have a HOF career and he is really innocent of using the stuff unless he’s ever proven guilty.

The problem is two-fold: The “denial politics” of baseball may impede the issue from ever getting settled in court, but the public conviction of abuse in the minds of fans may be all that’s needed to keep Roger Clemens from receiving the kind of post-career recognition that he deserves for his natural ability and highest level baseball accomplishments.