View Full Version : Wally Pipp
Cowtipper
08-03-2009, 10:20 PM
Wally Pipp - you know, the guy Lou Gehrig took first base from on the Yankees - played 15 years in the big leagues, hitting .281 with 1941 hits, 148 of which were triples. He led the league in triples in 1924 and is 54th all-time in that category, and he led the league in home runs in 1916 and 1917. He also had the best power/speed number and AB/HR ratio in 1916 as well. He was a solid defender, as well.
According to Baseball Reference, he is most statistically similar to the following players: Harry Davis, Ed Konetchy, Phil Cavarretta, Hal Chase, Charlie Grimm, Frank Schulte, George Burns, John Anderson, Tommy Tucker and Sam West.
What do you think about Wally Pipp? Should he be in the Hall of Fame?
jjpm74
08-03-2009, 11:11 PM
Long before the legendary Gehrig replaced Pipp in the lineup, Pipp showed that he was just a solid player. By 1919, he was in his decline phase. What doesn't help is that he has a low OPS+ as a 1st baseman. He did show flashes of brilliance, but when Gehrig replaced him in the lineup, he was pretty much washed up.
Cougar
08-03-2009, 11:26 PM
At his best, a fine player. But many have been better. The ingredients are not there for a compelling HOF argument, not when there are 100 better players not enshrined. (At least.)
Brad Harris
08-03-2009, 11:28 PM
Gehrig got a disease named after him. Surprised some enterprising chemist didn't name a new asprin "the Pipp."
KCGHOST
08-04-2009, 07:28 AM
Wally had a nice career that surprisingly featured more power in the Dead Ball Era than in the Live Ball Era. But a nice career does not make you an HoFer.
Second Base Coach
08-04-2009, 10:59 AM
I am still waiting for the Terry Puhl poll.
nerfan
08-04-2009, 11:15 AM
I'm waiting for the Bill Burgess poll.
Bill Burgess, BBF 2004-
2004-2009 TCSY (Ty Cobb Supporter of the Year)
Loved Ty Cobb and other old players
It actually got sort of annoying
Gee Walker
08-04-2009, 11:22 AM
If Wally Pipp made the Hall of Fame it would least take away the argument that George Kelly was the worst first baseman in Cooperstown...
nerfan
08-04-2009, 12:07 PM
If Wally Pipp made the Hall of Fame it would least take away the argument that George Kelly was the worst first baseman in Cooperstown...
The worst first baseman in Cooperstown is Walter Alston. :D
Fuzzy Bear
08-18-2009, 06:55 PM
Pipp was not as good as George Kelly.
More significantly, Pipp was not as good as Gavvy Cravath and Lefty O'Doul, guys who really do have HOF cases. (We won't even mention Will Clark.)