Campy's Reds Page Special Edition
A Case for Concepcion
April 6, 2001
With the 2001 Baseball Season in full swing, we are able to turn our attentions to some other pressing matters here in Redsland, most notably the disgraceful treatment by Major League Baseball of the City of Cincinnati and our heroes from the "Big Red Machine" teams of the 70's. Instantly, I know everyone in Cincinnati is thinking about Pete Rose (see our Pete Rose Tribute Page for more), but there is another member of this great team who so far has been unjustly left out of the Hall of Fame, perennial All-Star shortstop Davey Concepcion.
Every truly great team needs a great shortstop, and the Reds had a gem in Concepcion. Shortstops field more ground balls, start more double plays, and make more amazing throws than any other position player, and only a centerfielder covers more ground. Davey did all of that and more. He revolutionized the way the position was played, becoming the first player to perfect the "astro-turf bounce" to first base when throws were difficult or out of range. He was a nine time All-Star (1973, 1975-82) and won five Gold Gloves (1974-77, 1979). His only problem has been being overshadowed on The Big Red Machine by the likes of Rose, Johnny Bench, Tony Perez and Joe Morgan.
Of current Hall of Fame shortstops (and there aren't that many to begin with), Davey's numbers compare very favorably. One must wonder how guys like Luis Aparicio, Rabbit Maranville or even Lou Boudreau, all good but not really great shortstops, can be voted into the Hall and Concepcion cannot. We here at Campanello's hope you will join us in supporting Davey Concepcion's bid for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Please visit
and voice your support. Thank you, and as always
Davey's numbers
Legend * Ernie Banks stats reflect a career spent primarily as a first baseman, not a shortstop INC: Statistics incomplete for 19th Century player F%: Fielding
Percentage
BBWAA:
Baseball Writers Association
of America |
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For previous editions of "Campy's Reds Page"
Other Reds Sites
· www.cincinnatireds.com
· The Sporting News
· Cincinnati Enquirer
· Cincinnati Post
· majorleaguebaseball.com
· ESPN.com
· Fastball
· USA Today
· Minor league affiliates
Click on Mr. Red for the latest information on the 2000 season, and as always.........
