Omar Vizquel – third year on ballot (42.8% in 2019)
Omar Vizquel is considered to be one of the best defensive shortstops in MLB history. But he made himself more than just a defensive star.
At the beginning of his career, Vizquel was the epitome of the good glove-no bat middle infielders that were so prevalent in the 1980s and into the early 1990s. However, as the position evolved, and offensive production was demanded from short, Vizquel changed as well. While he was never a star with the bat, he did manage to be a respectable hitter, and even became one of four players in MLB history to hit a home run in four different decades.
Vizquel was a three time All Star by virtue of his improved hitting and stellar glove. Overall, he posted a .272/.336/.352 batting line, hitting 456 doubles and stealing 404 bases. He also ended his career with 2877 hits, the sixth highest total of any player that has not been inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame. He was also brilliant defensively, winning 11 Gold Glove awards and ranking fifth all time with 130 runs saved at short.
There is certainly a case for Vizquel to be enshrined. The likes of Ozzie Smith and Bill Mazeroski were inducted, in large part, for their defensive capabilities. Vizquel was every bit as valuable with the glove, and with the bat.
It may take some time for Omar Vizquel to be inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame. But it will not be a surprise if that day comes.