Rangers Reacts Results: Cole Hamels and the Hall

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rangers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Earlier this week, we asked if former Texas Rangers pitcher Cole Hamels should be in the Hall of Fame. Hamels is appearing on the BBWAA ballot for the first time this year.

The majority of you said…

“Nope.”

The 48% support that Hamels got from Rangers fans in this survey is higher than the amount of support he has received from publicly revealed and anonymous revealed ballots so far this year, with the HOF Tracker showing he has received 48 votes out of 144 ballots revealed, a 31.8% mark.

Cole Hamels is an interesting Hall of Fame candidate. He was generally considered to be a legitimate #1 starter for much of his career, but only got votes for the Cy Young Award four times, never finishing higher than fifth. He also had just four All Star appearances. He also had a relatively early end to his career, pitching just one game after his age 35 season. His starting pitcher JAWS score ranks him 72nd all time, between Johan Santana and Tim Hudson.

However, its worth noting that Hamels played in an era where the role of the starting pitcher has changed. In terms of contemporaries, only Justin Verlander, Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Max Scherzer, and Chris Sale are ahead of him in starting pitcher JAWS. The first four are locks to be in the Hall, and the fifth guy on that list has a pretty good chance of making it, as well.

I think it is likely that support for Hamels will grow over time. Andy Pettitte, for example, is now at 56.3%, per the Tracker, despite having acknowledged using PEDs. Pettitte had a longer career, but Hamels had a better sustained peak run, and his career bWAR of 57.9 is within spitting distance of Pettitte’s 60.7. Pettitte, for what it is worth, is 82nd on the starting pitcher JAWS list, 10 spots behind Hamels.

Thanks to all who voted in this SB Nation Reacts survey. This edition of SB Nation Reacts is sponsored by FanDuel.