Lankford and Tudor Endorsed in Cardinals Hall of Fame Fan Vote

In two recent articles*, I summarized the careers of the seven 2018 Hall of Fame candidates to be voted on by fans – starting Thursday, March 1 – for induction into the St. Louis Cardinals team Hall of Fame. Each candidate is a “Modern Era” player, having retired from the game within the past 40 years.  The top two vote-getters will be enshrined at the 2018 induction ceremonies on August 19th at Ballpark Village.

* St. Louis Cardinals Returning Hall of Fame Candidates
St. Louis Cardinals First Time Hall of Fame Candidates

There will be about as many answers as voters to the question, “Who is most deserving of induction?” from the 2018 candidate list. Choosing the “Best of the Best” in any endeavor is never an easy process, and this year’s slate – a rich sampling of baseball talent – presents a challenge to voters.

Ray Lankford (Getty Images)

Of this class of seven who made their mark in Cardinal lore, John Tudor and Ray Lankford stand out as most deserving for Hall of Fame honors, in my view.

Let’s briefly review the seven players, starting with the five who I believe should remain outside the Cardinals hallowed halls – but only for the time being.

Two closers made the list this year, first-time ballot member Lee Smith and returning candidate Jason Isringhausen. Bruce Sutter is the only closer currently enshrined in the St. Louis Hall. Sutter is also a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and thus was automatically added to the Cardinals’ Hall when it opened in 2014.

Isringhausen spent more time as a Cardinal than either Sutter or Smith, and is the club’s all-time saves leader. He is the franchise leader in games finished and is sixth in appearances. Smith is second on the club’s save list, and is third all-time in major league history. Isringhausen is certainly worthy of recognition to the Cardinals Hall and will undoubtedly receive a lot of support. Smith is as deserving as Sutter, but his enshrinement should be contingent on Izzy getting in first.

Keith Hernandez and Scott Rolen were both excellent players for the Cardinals, on defense as well as offense. In my opinion, Hernandez should have been voted in last year ahead of Mark McGwire. As Cardinals, Hernandez was far more valuable with a 33.9 fWAR compared to McGwire’s 21.9.  Rolen’s St. Louis career fWAR is 27.1.  Hernandez is at #16 on the team’s all-time list in fWAR, with Rolen at #21 and McGwire 28th.  Both Hernandez and Rolen are worthy of recognition, but the strength of the new additions to the 2018 class keeps them on the bench.

Vince Coleman’s star shined brightest during most of his six years as St. Louis’ left fielder and illustrates a unique case.  His game was speed, specifically base stealing speed, and base stealing is not highly valued in today’s metrics.  But I contend that Coleman’s speed was as valuable to his teams, two of which won pennants, as McGwire’s power was to his clubs a decade later.

John Tudor (Getty Images)

This brings us to the cream of this year’s crop. John Tudor’s historical stature in Cardinal lore is like his pitching style. He quietly sneaks in as the club’s all-time leader in winning percentage, ERA (for pitchers with a minimum of 750 innings pitched) and WHIP.  Every fifth day he simply went out and excelled at his job. He did not have the exploding fast ball of Roger Clemens or Doc Gooden, nor the swagger of Joaquin Andujar. He just got hitters out.  A stalwart of the pennant winning teams in 1985 and 1987, Tudor took his game to the next level in St. Louis and his legacy is cemented in the numbers. If elected, Tudor will be the first left-handed pitcher enshrined in the Redbirds Hall of Fame.

Ray Lankford is similar to Tudor in that he is not often thought of being among the best players in St. Louis history.  The outfielder’s career was steady.  He never hit more than 31 home runs, but collected between 20 and 31 six times. Likewise, Lankford never stole 50 bases, but swiped between 20 and 44 six times.  He struck out more than all but one Cardinal in team history, which seems to be a dubious distinction – until looking at the names on the list. The player ahead of him is Hall of Famer Lou Brock, and the next three after Ray are all team Hall of Famers (Jim Edmonds, Willie McGee and Ken Boyer).

The former third round pick (1987) combined power and speed better than any St. Louis Cardinal in history. Now is the time to recognize Ray Lankford’s career, and induct him into the team’s Hall of Fame.

As Cardinals fans, we are fortunate to have watched so many great players on the Busch Stadium fields. The exploits of men who are not going to be honored as Cardinals Hall of Famers this year would be at the top of the list for many organizations.  This further emphasizes the greatness of the two stars who should be honored this year.  John Tudor and Ray Lankford stand tall as Hall of Fame-worthy players for a proud and successful franchise, your St. Louis Cardinals.

Agree or disagree?

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What is next

St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame voting begins Thursday, March 1 here.

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