Phil Cavaretta

[bambambaseball]

Phil Cavaretta managed to get 129 HOF votes in 1975 for 35.6% of the balott. He was an MVP in 1945, a 4 time all star and was a great player in his day. Is he a HOFer?

[Domenic]

No.

A career line of .293/.372/.416 with an OPS+ of 118 is lacking for a corner-outfielder/first baseman, and I see nothing to suggest that he was anything better than average defensively. Further, his 1945 MVP was won in a very thinned league, and his best seasons came during WWII, to boot (three of four, so far as I can tell).

It also seems that most of his minimal power was a result of playing in Wrigley, which is another knock against his candidacy.

[Ace Venom]

Let me first say that as a Cubs fan, I appreciate Cavaretta's career. However, I feel that his teammate Stan Hack is more deserving of actual Hall of Fame discussion. Phil Cavaretta is certainly one of the great Cubs and if the Cubs ever have their own Hall of Fame, that's where he should be honored.

[SABR Matt]

One of the worst defensive first basemen of all time...when you're going up against such tight competition as exists at first base...you need to either be an overwhelmingly good hitter or be very good and bring the leather too.

[Cougar]

One of the 100 best first basemen of all time...but not in the top 50. Cubs HOFer, for sure.

[OleMissCub]

Let me first say that as a Cubs fan, I appreciate Cavaretta's career. However, I feel that his teammate Stan Hack is more deserving of actual Hall of Fame discussion. Phil Cavaretta is certainly one of the great Cubs and if the Cubs ever have their own Hall of Fame, that's where he should be honored.

Definitely agree with this post.

The order of Cubs players who should/could be in the HOF:

1. Ron Santo
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2. Lee Smith
3. Stan Hack

[Fuzzy Bear]

I was initially shocked that Cavaretta did as well as he did. After looking at his record a bit, I'm a little less shocked.

I don't support Cavaretta for the HOF, but if he had been the greatest defensive first baseman of all time, I would have supported him. His Offensive Winning Percentage was .615, better than I thought, and due to Cavaretta's excellent on-base skills. He was a patient hitter who drew a lot of walks, and he wasn't a power guy, so I'm not sure his totals were padded as much as some thing by his home field.

Cavaretta would be a terrible pick for the HOF, but he wouldn't be worse than George Kelly, unless you cut him a LOT for his wartime play.