when i was around 8, i got to meet kenny lofton, and he helped teach my little league team about mental hitting approach + baserunning. he even signed autographs for my whole team, and answered all our questions personally. kenny lofton is a large part of why i fell in love with baseball, and he belongs in the hall, truly great on and off the field!!!!
What's crazy is that he wasn't even a top 10 finalist for the veteran's committee this past year, but Rafael Palmeiro was. I mean, Palmeiro was a great player, but he wasn't the best like Barry Bonds but still did steroids. How could Rafael Palmeiro, who was a lousy fielder and only had good total stats, get nominated and Lofton not even given the chance? You'd think so many players and executives who despise the steroid guys would have really pushed for him. And same goes for Curt Schilling, who while has some certified crazy political views, never cheated and was outspoken against the steroid guys. I wish they'd elect a bunch of players, like dozens more, from the steroid era who never were accused of cheating and elect all them as a thank you for playing clean. Elect Jim Edmonds, Lance Berkman, Carlos Delgado, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, Nomar Garciaparra, Orel Hershiser, Doc Gooden, Daryl Strawberry, Howard Johnson, John Franco, Johnny Damon, plus all the non-cheaters on the ballot currently. Just elect them all next year. The fans would go nuts and the ceremony could be a huge celebration of good role models.
@@AnimeBronx that;s one stat. He also was a 6x all star, was one of the greatest base stealers of all time and the best since Rickey Henderson, and an incredible fielder. If we're going with one stat, at least go by the most balanced one, WAR. Lofton and Palmiero have pretty much the same WAR, which Lofton didn't spend 20 years and being one of the first 4 caught juicing on anything other than kale juice.
Kenny Lofton reminds me of Tim Raines, another god-tier leadoff hitter with a nearly identical WAR (69.4 for Raines, 68.4 for Lofton) who was also initially overlooked by Hall of Fame voters. But Raines managed to stay on the ballot and, eventually, people argued his case for long enough that he was rightfully elected. Lofton dropping off the first ballot with 3 percent of the vote is just inexcusable.
The comparison between Raines and Lofton is precisely why Lofton's snub is an egregious stain on the legacy of BBWAA and how players are voted in. Tim Raines, probs did coke in the '80s when he played in Montreal, BUT, he played the later stages of his career in Chicago and New York. The writers in those markets alone can account for enough votes that Raines was able to stay on the ballot long enough for the nostalgic old folks to come around to the idea of electing a scrappy old school 80's leadoff hitter in 2017.
Only people who had the right to not vote for him are the few who only vote for the extremely small hall. No excuse for the rest of the writers. Lofton had no excuse not to be elected by his 2nd or 3rd year on the ballot, let alone falling off.
My favorite player of all time. He inspired kids like me who didn't hit for a lot of power that their speed could still be impactful. His reach went far beyond just the MLB.
I'm from Cleveland and Lofton was and is one of the most Underrated and most beloved Indians of All Time... when he was traded to the Giants it was a sad day but few yrs later he was back in CF an awesome for him to finish his career at home
If Ozzie Smith got to the Hall of Fame, so can Kenny. Yes shortstops historically are looked past lack of offensive power but Kenny is a beast on what he is capable of doing on defense and tablesetting for teammates.
Not a valid comparison. Ozzie is a LEGEND. He did things no, one before him did. Kenny really didn't. Not saying he doesn't belong in the Hall. He definitely does. But not because Ozzie made it. Or whatever. Saying he can make it if Ozzie did isn't valid. Two totally different types of players.
@@jamman950 Also the greatest defense ever at his position. The only other guy who has a better glove IMO is Mark Belanger and he was a dreadful hitter with terrible OBP numbers and no speed that made Ozzie look like Ernie Banks by comparison. I think people forget that Ozzie was a lot better of an offensive ballplayer then he is credited because they don't look past his batting average and few homers. If they did, they'd notice that he actually was pretty solid at getting on base, drawing walks, stealing bases, and about league average overall at the plate going by OPS+/wRC+ during his prime years in St. Louis.
YES! THANK YOU! Lofton is BY FAR my favorite player of all time. I am a lifelong Indians fan and I loved watching him through the 90s and with his return before he retired. Speedsters are very much underappreciated in the Hall unfortunately
If he doesn't get in on a veteran's committee like McGriff, I would be shocked. He's got numbers that are better than so many CF's in the Hall already. Just got tragically overlooked because of his era. Dude was a BEAST!
Kenny was a masterclass in playing to your strengths, his approach to the plate was 100% tailored around his exceptional speed. Gotta give credit where it's due there.
Kenny was AWESOME at U of A and has some legit highlight dunks. My dad took me to so many Wildcat games and Kenny was a highlight alongside future legend Steve Kerr. This is pure nostalgia for me.
Totally. The 2013 ballot on a side note is arguably one of the most crowded ballots in recent decades, if not all time. Nine players who are in now, and not to mention the steroid guys who would likely be in now with their numbers if they hadn’t juiced. Too bad the TH-cam channels like Foolish Bailey who break down the ballots weren’t really around to break that one down when it was released, it’d have been interesting to hear everything they’d say.
Kenny Lofton was sneaky good at the plate. You worry about so many other guys on those Indians teams but Lofton set the tone. I was talking to my cousin who knows baseball better than anybody I know. He was surprised when I told him Lofton had a .299 average lifetime.
I was obsessed with baseball as a kid in the 90's. I had like 6 Kenny Lofton cards, he was SO good! I came back to baseball 20 years later and was SHOCKED to find out he's not in the hall!
He's one of those guys that maybe if the strike didn't happen in 94, maybe he'd have gotten one more chance to get a ring, making some voters instantly vote for him. I wonder which players of this era will be like Lofton and face similar Hall results because of Covid and not getting quite enough hits, RBI's, HR's, etc. "Well Giancarlo Stanton only had 491 HR's, so he gets a no vote from me". Bet that gets said more than once by a voter because they like exact numbers. Look at Fred McGriff. 493 HR's, while also losing out on getting that 1994 season, almost certainly which would have gotten 7 HRs in his prime years.
Baseball players, such as Kenny Loften are absolutely necessary for the success of any team regardless of if they win a World Series or not. He should be remembered in perpetuity.
The fact he isn't in is *CRIMINAL* . I may be a bit biased, because I got to watch him everyday, and saw him play live more times than I can count, but to this day I haven't seen a better Lead Off/Defense Centerfielder. He did EVERYTHING well beyond average.
To be honest, Im one of those that in the 90s watched him play everyday. At the time I didn't think he was HOF material. But going back and looking at the numbers and the accomplishments hell yeh he is.
Bunting safely for a single against The Big Unit is impressive enough... but then to steal second and to finish it off by scoring from second on a passed ball is a massively underrated sequence. 5:00
@@JL-ec1by it was insane... I still remember most of that lineup and I'm a Reds fan. Hahaha. Thome, Omar, Baerga, Alomar, Manny, Kenny, Belle, Sorrento, Julio...
That season, Randy Johnson was DOMINANT. No left-handed hitters would dare to even face him. Certainly not slugger Jim Thome, relegated to the bench. But in the Big Unit's 2 starts against the Tribe in the '95 ALCS, here is what Lofton did: Game 3, Series Tied 1-1: Triples and scores in the 4th, then hits a game-tying RBI single in the 8th. The Tribe lose 5-2 in extra innings. Game 6, Tribe up 3-2: Hits a 2 out RBI single in the 5th for a 1-0 lead, then finishes it off with what you mention in your comment. I believe Lofton hit like .458 for the series, yet Orel Hershiser ended up winning the ALCS MVP. Just another in the list of snubs for Lofton (he also got 2nd in the 1992 AL Rookie of the Year to Pat Listach)
I don't know why he hasn't gotten a Hall of Fame vote. He might not have been the flashiest to a lot of people, but he did his job when it mattered. Him not getting into the Cooperstown is one of the reasons why I despise the steroid era, besides the Diamondbacks World Series being forgotten because of Barry Bonds...
Holy Sh*t I LOVE this video! I remember that game you detailed in 2000 like it was yesterday. He scored in 18 consecutive games, coming off the DL in the middle of a pennant race. Unfortunately, people didn't care about WAR in the 90's ... How can you argue with 7.2 WAR in 112 games in 1994, but you covered the numbers already. Kenny seemingly always got shafted, and was never hesitant to tell anyone that he did. IF the plate weren't 22 inches wide during the 1995 World Series for Maddux and Glavine, that series goes much differently. Lofton then was traded to those same Atlanta Braves for Justice and Grissom before the 1997 season, which severely disrupted the chemistry in both clubhouses, which Kenny also wasn't shy about, and likely kept either club from beating the Marlins in the postseason that year. Kenny always did, and still does, call it like he sees it. The baseball writers have never really liked that component. Secondly, the Indians of the '90s had a swagger and cockiness, while being led by three Black players, Murray, Belle, and Lofton who the writers viewed as standoffish if not hostile. Becoming a journeyman at the later stages of his career then is of no benefit to a player who was already disrespected by the writers, and didn't stay with one organization other than Cleveland long enough to garner votes to stay on the ballot. Other than WAR, which is another obvious qualification for Lofton's overall career, I want to consider something else in terms of Lofton's impact on the game... Roberto Alomar, with less career WAR than Lofton, drove in 309 runs in 3 years batting 3rd behind Lofton, and is in the Hall of Fame. This is no disrespect to Robbie at all, but 30 % of his RBIs and 27% of his career WAR occurred batting behind and playing in front of the best leadoff hitter and second best defensive center fielder of that decade. BR wants to compare Lofton to Tim Raines, but this comparison speaks volumes as to the impact one hall of fame caliber player has on another, and if Robbie is in, then the Era's committee absolutely needs to put Kenny in also!
Kenny Lofton was dangerous, plain and simple. Every team wanted him for their playoff push. He definitely doesn't get enough credit. A .299 batting average also. He could flat out hit.
This guy was a nightmare if he got on. And he always got on. They don't make like this anymore. Guy was a hitter too. Could hit oppo or drop a bunt for a base hit which is a lost art in the mlb. He also had the arm and glove to play elite defense for long time. Gotta be one of the best leadoff men, for sure top 5
I have to agree with Kenny in regards to the umpires favoring Maddux and Glavine. It was well know at the time and was obvious that they were given strikes off of the plate.
There is zero doubt that Lofton belongs in the HoF. He was dominant, and whenever he was on base he wreaked utter havoc. Just his dancing around on 2B was enough to force a pitcher into walking the batter no matter who was at the plate. Not only did he steal bases but he had a batting average over .300 every year during his prime and his OBP was insane. Oh and by the way, the man was an absolutely elite defender who would have had several more gold gloves if not for Ken Griffey Jr. and his reputation
Indians fan here. Wasn’t alive but my dads favorite player is Kenny lofton. I’ve heard so many stories about the defense, the base running, etc. soon, Ill get to tell my kids about Myles straw ! (I’m dying on the inside)
An absolute banger of a video (who expected anything less?) and I absolutely agree. There's a short list of players who seem to have been overlooked when it comes to the Hall and that includes Lofton and Lou Whitaker. I might also make arguments for Reuschel and Steve Finley; okay that last one might just be a personal bias.
I got to see Kenny Lofton play IRL in 1997 a couple of times at Turner Field for the Braves. I was 20 years old and the girl I was dating's mother was a huge Braves fan. She took us to a couple of games and Braves were a special team that year. Braves had Prime Kenny Lofton, Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones, Fred McGriff, Jeff Blauser, Ryan Klesko and Javy Lopez! That's a hell of a batting lineup! Pitching staff had John Smoltz, Tom Glavin and Greg Maddox and All Star Closer Mark Wohlers. That might be the greatest baseball team ever put together. Managed by the great Bobby Cox. Braves finished the Season with 101 wins.
Rumor has it he's really bitter about his one and done candidacy. If I was Kenny Lofton, I'd be bitter too. He's probably the greatest one-and-done player ever. In fact, he's probably in the top 5 all time not in the hall who didn't do steroids. He played clean in an era of rampant steroids, he always played hard, and was a nice guy who never let fame go to his head, yet the writers screwed him. Kenny in my book is a first ballot, second year hall material. He wasn't the best of his generation like a Jeter, Ichiro, Pujols, or Griffey, but he's in the top 1% for sure. It didn't help that he played all over the place, which in my book is a plus because he played as well as he did without having a "real home" ballpark. PLUS he appeared on George Lopez's show back in the day.
I jumped on the Indians bandwagon in 1995, and the Game 6 play where he scored from second on a passed ball really stuck with me. I was all in on Kenny Lofton getting into the Hall of Fame when he appeared on the ballot, but unfortunately that ballot was so stacked I had the feeling that he'd be one and done, and I wasn't surprised when that exactly happened. Here's hoping Ted Simmons can help Lofton with him getting in via the Eras Committee despite being one and done.
I absolutely agree 1000% I have 3 shirts. #7. Lofton. He's my all-time favorite player ever. The steroid era overshadowed his awesomeness as he wasn't a big homerun hitter. His homers were a single, two stolen bases and someone sac fly him in.
He definitely does! I'm a life long M's fan since a kid in the 80's. It's my home team. But Lofton was always great to watch. A really good all around player. And was/is one of my all-time favorite players. Despite what he did to the Mariners mid 90's, haha...Gotta respect his skills and hustle.
When Kenny Lofton was in MLB the Show he was always on my team and at the top of my lineup I even had Ricky Henderson those lineups were so much fun anyway loved watching Lofton play
As a Yankees fan, I was ALWAYS terrifies when Lofton came to the plate. When he got on, (which always felt like every single time he batted) he just recked havoc. You knew he was gonna run, and you knew you probably wasn't gonna be able to do a damn thing about it! Overall, probably hated seeing him come to the plate more than Manny, Thomas, Belle or Murray. For my 2 cents, I can give someone no bigger compliment than to say he was so good that even though he ripped your heart out a few times you ended up loving watch the guy play ball. And, was damn glad when the Yanks didn't have to play against him. First Ballot HOF. And I can tell you that people who actually watch the games (and don't just say they do, like H'mm sports writers!!) Lofton would've been a first ballot, no brainer 97-98% Yes vote for the HOF. It's a shame that people who love to write things that help destroy the game have control over the fans Hall Of Fame!!!!! I guess the way to look at it is, if someone walked into the HoF right now, and seen Loftons plaque on the wall, they'd be like, ya, Lofton belongs in here. He's a true HoF compared to a few other cupcake guys that have gotten in in the last few years.
Thank you as always for the excellent video and statistical breakdown. I was a little surprised to realize how good lofton was, especially when you mentioned that his WAR is higher than Andre Dawson. I really wish baseball had more speed in general and players like Rickey Henderson and Kenny lofton just don't exist anymore. I'm a long time Seattle Mariners fan who had the misfortune of watching lofton destroy Seattle in the playoffs in 1995...
How bout one of the most underrated players in Steve Finley. Over 2500 hits over 300 home runs 5 gold gloves. Lofton is definitely up there too but most fans don’t even remember Finley
He basically is a career .300 hitter and only had one year batting below .250 and it wasn’t even a full season with the astros at .203. So if he won a ring would that have solidified him a HOF?
The thing about that Cleveland team was they made pitchers throw alot of pitches. They defended the plate so well. They wore opposition pitching down. All the way down. Then they beat them up with power and speed, Lofton's speed.
Not sure what Lofton's issue was, on the surface he was a textbook leadoff guy , solid defense, you would think his ability would make him a valuable commodity, so why did he get bounced around so much?
I swear it seemed like he would either hit a leadoff home run or steal a home run in center field every time he played my Mariners. He does belong in the Hall of Fame
He's one of my favorite players of all time and so underrated. Also it's great he was born where I live. Lofton the 🐐 Also has a j cole song named after him so that's proof he should he in the HOF
Lofton was the gold standard for leadoff in that generation. It's an embarrassment that he's not in the Hall. The fact that Jeter was a first ballot guy and Lofton hasn't gotten any traction is a grievous error.
I really liked Kenny Lofton’s game. I think the fact that he helped many different teams get deep into the playoffs isn’t a coincidence. I think he just is in that class of players who is just a hair below being a hall of famer though.
In time, a .299 average with 2500 hits will look impressive enough against others getting in. The 3000 hit barrier, a former prerequisite, is becoming rarer. Throw in the 6x All-Star games, 4x Golden Glove, and 5x stolen base titles, plus the deep playoff runs he had, and he's there. If Raines is there, then Lofton will be there.
@@JL-ec1by Raines was better than Lofton. Lofton was never dominant. Raines was close, if he wasn’t actually dominant. I don’t really care about all star games, that’s a popularity contest. Gold gloves don’t mean much either. Palmiero won a GG as a DH
@TheGodYouWishYouKnew LOL! Their statistics are virtually identical, but Raines played 400 more games. Define dominant. A ton of empty stolen base stats on crappy teams isn't "dominant." And defense matters. You're crazy. 🤪
@@JL-ec1by I didn’t say that defense doesn’t matter. I said that gold gloves don’t matter very much. Raines played in a more pitcher-friendly era and was considered one of the top 3 players in the national league. Lofton was only in the top 3 on his own teams.
@TheGodYouWishYouKnew Raines had a Wins Above Replacement (WAR) over five games on six occasions. Lofton had 7. Raines was over 7 games once. Lofton, twice. We just don't agree.
Lofton was an absolute beast. I lived watching him hit in a time where everyone was foaming for the long ball, Lofton took the open field and a hit and then let his speed take over. 1 WS win and he would've been voted in already
I watched Kenny Lofton homer at Shea Stadium when with the Phillies in 2005 at age 36 or 37. Had 3 hits that game, a double as well. He’s a Hall of Famer 10000000%.
As I hit play, I said to myself "Kenny Lofton"?. right as the video started "Kenny Lofton" LOL. I agree, he should be in the HOF. His numbers compare with quite a few peeps in the Hall, but lack of a ring probably hurts him, as does the whole steroid era crap. He wasnt on my team, but I knew and respected Kenny Lofton. Hats off!
I'm convinced people just misread his name or sumn, no way you'll ever convince me Lofton isn't a HOFer. Hopefully the veterans committee makes it right
Kenny Lofton hit the pennant winning hit in game 5 of the 2002 NLCS vs the Cardinals at Pacific Bell Park that scored David Bell from 2nd base. I absolutely loved Lofton on the Giants and was super disappointed the team didn't bring him back in 2003. They decided to sign Marquis Grissom who was good and almost the same player as Lofton, but in my eyes, I always thought Lofton was better. 100% Kenny Lofton should be in the Hall of Fame.
You forgot to mention an important detail. In Game 7 against the Red Sox, at the age of 40 years old, the Tribe is trailing 3-2 with 1 out in the 6th? inning after being behind 3-0 earlier in the game. Lofton is on 2nd base. The guy hits a base hit to left field, where it is played by the lackadaisacal fielder / hitting savant Manuel Aristedes Ramirez. For some insane reason, third base coach Joel Skinner holds up Lofton at 3rd base. The next guy, Casey at the Blake, grounds into an inning ending double play. That's how his career ended. Being HELD UP. A career built on speed, on scoring from 2nd against Randy Johnson, ends on being held up.
Lofton is my absolutely favorite baseball player and I love that anyone is making a video arguing for his HOF status. I sure hope he gets there one day.
Edmonds suffered a similar fate, but definitely should have been given serious consideration. His biggest issue was being seen as "decent" because he played on the same team as Pujols in his prime and Rolen. But he was part of the MV3.
@@AnimeBronx 10 seasons of 25+ HRs, 5 of them being 30+ homer seasons, 4x All Star, 8x Gold Glove. Career 60.4 WAR. Homie just got plagued by injuries but he’s right there in the conversation of great players
@@bofameeksnuts1387 this disney vasquez dude is just some troll clearly. He's responded to like every single comment in a negative way. He probably thinks Mark McWire is the greatest player ever. Big OPS, if I can recall, because apparently no other stats matter, like his 260 something batting average or lower WAR than Kenny Lofton.
![เปิดใจ "อาจารย์เบียร์ คนตื่นธรรม" อดีตเคยสุดทุกทาง ถ้าใช้หนี้หมดไปบวชแน่ l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IxeE0xVhy08/mqdefault.jpg)
when i was around 8, i got to meet kenny lofton, and he helped teach my little league team about mental hitting approach + baserunning. he even signed autographs for my whole team, and answered all our questions personally. kenny lofton is a large part of why i fell in love with baseball, and he belongs in the hall, truly great on and off the field!!!!
What's crazy is that he wasn't even a top 10 finalist for the veteran's committee this past year, but Rafael Palmeiro was. I mean, Palmeiro was a great player, but he wasn't the best like Barry Bonds but still did steroids. How could Rafael Palmeiro, who was a lousy fielder and only had good total stats, get nominated and Lofton not even given the chance? You'd think so many players and executives who despise the steroid guys would have really pushed for him. And same goes for Curt Schilling, who while has some certified crazy political views, never cheated and was outspoken against the steroid guys. I wish they'd elect a bunch of players, like dozens more, from the steroid era who never were accused of cheating and elect all them as a thank you for playing clean. Elect Jim Edmonds, Lance Berkman, Carlos Delgado, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, Nomar Garciaparra, Orel Hershiser, Doc Gooden, Daryl Strawberry, Howard Johnson, John Franco, Johnny Damon, plus all the non-cheaters on the ballot currently. Just elect them all next year. The fans would go nuts and the ceremony could be a huge celebration of good role models.
🧢
107 OPS+... nope.
@@AnimeBronx that;s one stat. He also was a 6x all star, was one of the greatest base stealers of all time and the best since Rickey Henderson, and an incredible fielder. If we're going with one stat, at least go by the most balanced one, WAR. Lofton and Palmiero have pretty much the same WAR, which Lofton didn't spend 20 years and being one of the first 4 caught juicing on anything other than kale juice.
@@mangum766539333 Mad you never got to experience that
Kenny Lofton reminds me of Tim Raines, another god-tier leadoff hitter with a nearly identical WAR (69.4 for Raines, 68.4 for Lofton) who was also initially overlooked by Hall of Fame voters. But Raines managed to stay on the ballot and, eventually, people argued his case for long enough that he was rightfully elected. Lofton dropping off the first ballot with 3 percent of the vote is just inexcusable.
The comparison between Raines and Lofton is precisely why Lofton's snub is an egregious stain on the legacy of BBWAA and how players are voted in. Tim Raines, probs did coke in the '80s when he played in Montreal, BUT, he played the later stages of his career in Chicago and New York. The writers in those markets alone can account for enough votes that Raines was able to stay on the ballot long enough for the nostalgic old folks to come around to the idea of electing a scrappy old school 80's leadoff hitter in 2017.
Raines was definitely ahead of Lofton, though with a pretty high similarity index.
Just proves there is something intrinsically wrong with the HOF ballot process.
Agreed 100% Back when we had real leadoff men who got on base and ran the bases well. Both Raines and Loften are 2 of the best leadoff guys ever
One of my favorite players ever. Absolutely criminal what the HOF committee did to him. He is a sure fire HOFer
Now this is the video we've been waiting for. Lofton not only not being in the hall of fame, but hardly even being on the ballot, is a travesty
hall of fame is just more than stats. its the impact and also a household name. Lofton had all those. if Rolen and Harold Baines are HOF'ers Lofton is
@@Clementeburke well said great take
Only people who had the right to not vote for him are the few who only vote for the extremely small hall. No excuse for the rest of the writers. Lofton had no excuse not to be elected by his 2nd or 3rd year on the ballot, let alone falling off.
107 OPS+... nope.
@@AnimeBronx you don’t have a vote for a reason
My favorite player of all time. He inspired kids like me who didn't hit for a lot of power that their speed could still be impactful. His reach went far beyond just the MLB.
I'm from Cleveland and Lofton was and is one of the most Underrated and most beloved Indians of All Time... when he was traded to the Giants it was a sad day but few yrs later he was back in CF an awesome for him to finish his career at home
M’s fan, and he was one of my favorite players on Cleveland in those years.
If Ozzie Smith got to the Hall of Fame, so can Kenny. Yes shortstops historically are looked past lack of offensive power but Kenny is a beast on what he is capable of doing on defense and tablesetting for teammates.
Well I mean Ozzie has 13 gold gloves and a ring
Not a valid comparison. Ozzie is a LEGEND. He did things no, one before him did. Kenny really didn't. Not saying he doesn't belong in the Hall. He definitely does. But not because Ozzie made it. Or whatever. Saying he can make it if Ozzie did isn't valid. Two totally different types of players.
@@jamman950 Also the greatest defense ever at his position. The only other guy who has a better glove IMO is Mark Belanger and he was a dreadful hitter with terrible OBP numbers and no speed that made Ozzie look like Ernie Banks by comparison. I think people forget that Ozzie was a lot better of an offensive ballplayer then he is credited because they don't look past his batting average and few homers. If they did, they'd notice that he actually was pretty solid at getting on base, drawing walks, stealing bases, and about league average overall at the plate going by OPS+/wRC+ during his prime years in St. Louis.
Dude, what you said makes no effin' sense.
They played in different eras. Kenny played when everyone had inflated offensive numbers.
@@J.C... If Ozzie is in Vizquel should be in. Better offensive stats and fielding
YES! THANK YOU! Lofton is BY FAR my favorite player of all time. I am a lifelong Indians fan and I loved watching him through the 90s and with his return before he retired. Speedsters are very much underappreciated in the Hall unfortunately
Do you remember him on George Lopez's show? He was even a good actor.
Kenny was so dope
If he doesn't get in on a veteran's committee like McGriff, I would be shocked. He's got numbers that are better than so many CF's in the Hall already. Just got tragically overlooked because of his era. Dude was a BEAST!
He should’ve been on the era committee ballot
Kenny was a masterclass in playing to your strengths, his approach to the plate was 100% tailored around his exceptional speed. Gotta give credit where it's due there.
Kenny was AWESOME at U of A and has some legit highlight dunks. My dad took me to so many Wildcat games and Kenny was a highlight alongside future legend Steve Kerr.
This is pure nostalgia for me.
Dude... That bunt at 2:36... Full on leg kick and bat load before laying it down... Holy shnikes!!!
I still have his rookie card I got signed by him at a luncheon when I was a kid! Dude was amazing and deserves to be in the hall for sure!
Lofton probably would've gotten more recognition on the ballot if it didn't have Bonds, Clemens, Sosa, Piazza, and Biggio on his only one
and if he didn't bounce around so much
Totally.
The 2013 ballot on a side note is arguably one of the most crowded ballots in recent decades, if not all time.
Nine players who are in now, and not to mention the steroid guys who would likely be in now with their numbers if they hadn’t juiced.
Too bad the TH-cam channels like Foolish Bailey who break down the ballots weren’t really around to break that one down when it was released, it’d have been interesting to hear everything they’d say.
Such a great player I simply don’t get how he isn’t a Hall of Famer. Great video as always jolly. Let’s hope he gets there one day.
Kenny Lofton was sneaky good at the plate. You worry about so many other guys on those Indians teams but Lofton set the tone. I was talking to my cousin who knows baseball better than anybody I know. He was surprised when I told him Lofton had a .299 average lifetime.
Have no started seeing it and YES! Kenny Lofton needs to be HOF
Him and Devon White were my fantasy go-to's for years in the 90's
I was obsessed with baseball as a kid in the 90's. I had like 6 Kenny Lofton cards, he was SO good! I came back to baseball 20 years later and was SHOCKED to find out he's not in the hall!
He's one of those guys that maybe if the strike didn't happen in 94, maybe he'd have gotten one more chance to get a ring, making some voters instantly vote for him. I wonder which players of this era will be like Lofton and face similar Hall results because of Covid and not getting quite enough hits, RBI's, HR's, etc. "Well Giancarlo Stanton only had 491 HR's, so he gets a no vote from me". Bet that gets said more than once by a voter because they like exact numbers. Look at Fred McGriff. 493 HR's, while also losing out on getting that 1994 season, almost certainly which would have gotten 7 HRs in his prime years.
Baseball players, such as Kenny Loften are absolutely necessary for the success of any team regardless of if they win a World Series or not. He should be remembered in perpetuity.
The media is the reason. When they hold a grudge they don’t let it go. Lofton should be & hope will be in the HOF.
The fact he isn't in is *CRIMINAL* . I may be a bit biased, because I got to watch him everyday, and saw him play live more times than I can count, but to this day I haven't seen a better Lead Off/Defense Centerfielder. He did EVERYTHING well beyond average.
To be honest, Im one of those that in the 90s watched him play everyday. At the time I didn't think he was HOF material. But going back and looking at the numbers and the accomplishments hell yeh he is.
My favorite player of the 1990s. I saw every bit of it. He was awesome! ⚾️
Kenny Lofton
.299 BA
130 HRs
2,428 Hits
622 SBs
781 RBIs
And not in the hall of fame!? They treating him as if he took steroids 💉
Bunting safely for a single against The Big Unit is impressive enough... but then to steal second and to finish it off by scoring from second on a passed ball is a massively underrated sequence. 5:00
I remember that game. Those Indians had so many elite players.
@@JL-ec1by it was insane... I still remember most of that lineup and I'm a Reds fan. Hahaha. Thome, Omar, Baerga, Alomar, Manny, Kenny, Belle, Sorrento, Julio...
That season, Randy Johnson was DOMINANT. No left-handed hitters would dare to even face him. Certainly not slugger Jim Thome, relegated to the bench.
But in the Big Unit's 2 starts against the Tribe in the '95 ALCS, here is what Lofton did:
Game 3, Series Tied 1-1: Triples and scores in the 4th, then hits a game-tying RBI single in the 8th. The Tribe lose 5-2 in extra innings.
Game 6, Tribe up 3-2: Hits a 2 out RBI single in the 5th for a 1-0 lead, then finishes it off with what you mention in your comment.
I believe Lofton hit like .458 for the series, yet Orel Hershiser ended up winning the ALCS MVP. Just another in the list of snubs for Lofton (he also got 2nd in the 1992 AL Rookie of the Year to Pat Listach)
For that game, Johnson was on short rest..even the Big Unit can run out of gas..😊
I thought he was in! Wow! That's a shocker! Hopefully they'll come to their senses one day and put him in. He deserves it!
I know you literally told us what Kenny did in that first game, but you giving us the stats after was still mindblowing.
I don't know why he hasn't gotten a Hall of Fame vote. He might not have been the flashiest to a lot of people, but he did his job when it mattered. Him not getting into the Cooperstown is one of the reasons why I despise the steroid era, besides the Diamondbacks World Series being forgotten because of Barry Bonds...
BARrY BIG BOY BOnDS
I will never forget, F NY Y
0:12 I’ll always remember that game winning slide. I saw it live.
Holy Sh*t I LOVE this video! I remember that game you detailed in 2000 like it was yesterday. He scored in 18 consecutive games, coming off the DL in the middle of a pennant race. Unfortunately, people didn't care about WAR in the 90's ... How can you argue with 7.2 WAR in 112 games in 1994, but you covered the numbers already. Kenny seemingly always got shafted, and was never hesitant to tell anyone that he did. IF the plate weren't 22 inches wide during the 1995 World Series for Maddux and Glavine, that series goes much differently. Lofton then was traded to those same Atlanta Braves for Justice and Grissom before the 1997 season, which severely disrupted the chemistry in both clubhouses, which Kenny also wasn't shy about, and likely kept either club from beating the Marlins in the postseason that year.
Kenny always did, and still does, call it like he sees it. The baseball writers have never really liked that component. Secondly, the Indians of the '90s had a swagger and cockiness, while being led by three Black players, Murray, Belle, and Lofton who the writers viewed as standoffish if not hostile. Becoming a journeyman at the later stages of his career then is of no benefit to a player who was already disrespected by the writers, and didn't stay with one organization other than Cleveland long enough to garner votes to stay on the ballot.
Other than WAR, which is another obvious qualification for Lofton's overall career, I want to consider something else in terms of Lofton's impact on the game... Roberto Alomar, with less career WAR than Lofton, drove in 309 runs in 3 years batting 3rd behind Lofton, and is in the Hall of Fame. This is no disrespect to Robbie at all, but 30 % of his RBIs and 27% of his career WAR occurred batting behind and playing in front of the best leadoff hitter and second best defensive center fielder of that decade. BR wants to compare Lofton to Tim Raines, but this comparison speaks volumes as to the impact one hall of fame caliber player has on another, and if Robbie is in, then the Era's committee absolutely needs to put Kenny in also!
Lofton was fun to watch. His swing always cracked me up, looked like he was surprised he made contact every time he got a hit.
Kenny Lofton was dangerous, plain and simple. Every team wanted him for their playoff push. He definitely doesn't get enough credit. A .299 batting average also. He could flat out hit.
This guy was a nightmare if he got on. And he always got on. They don't make like this anymore. Guy was a hitter too. Could hit oppo or drop a bunt for a base hit which is a lost art in the mlb. He also had the arm and glove to play elite defense for long time. Gotta be one of the best leadoff men, for sure top 5
I loved watching lofton batting in the leadoff spot. Amazing talent!
U forgot Omar and Baerga and alomar. Even Giles. Whole lineup was insane.
I have to agree with Kenny in regards to the umpires favoring Maddux and Glavine. It was well know at the time and was obvious that they were given strikes off of the plate.
they got theirs in '97
There is zero doubt that Lofton belongs in the HoF. He was dominant, and whenever he was on base he wreaked utter havoc. Just his dancing around on 2B was enough to force a pitcher into walking the batter no matter who was at the plate. Not only did he steal bases but he had a batting average over .300 every year during his prime and his OBP was insane. Oh and by the way, the man was an absolutely elite defender who would have had several more gold gloves if not for Ken Griffey Jr. and his reputation
Not only should Kenny Lofton get into the Baseball HOF, but also two of his former teammates Albert Belle and Omar Vizquel.
I'd vote for him for sure. Amazing ballplayer and he seems like a great guy too.
Indians fan here. Wasn’t alive but my dads favorite player is Kenny lofton. I’ve heard so many stories about the defense, the base running, etc. soon, Ill get to tell my kids about Myles straw ! (I’m dying on the inside)
Kenny Lofton, Rafael Furcal and Juan Pierre
some of my favorite leadoff hitters of all time
I've been saying for years that the HOF voting had a huge blind spot for Kenny Lofton and Kevin Brown (and a few others). Thanks for the video.
He was great as a Cub in his short time here. Amazing contact hitter and obp skills. I always heard he was the nicest guy too.
An absolute banger of a video (who expected anything less?) and I absolutely agree. There's a short list of players who seem to have been overlooked when it comes to the Hall and that includes Lofton and Lou Whitaker. I might also make arguments for Reuschel and Steve Finley; okay that last one might just be a personal bias.
I got to see Kenny Lofton play IRL in 1997 a couple of times at Turner Field for the Braves. I was 20 years old and the girl I was dating's mother was a huge Braves fan. She took us to a couple of games and Braves were a special team that year. Braves had Prime Kenny Lofton, Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones, Fred McGriff, Jeff Blauser, Ryan Klesko and Javy Lopez! That's a hell of a batting lineup! Pitching staff had John Smoltz, Tom Glavin and Greg Maddox and All Star Closer Mark Wohlers. That might be the greatest baseball team ever put together. Managed by the great Bobby Cox. Braves finished the Season with 101 wins.
Rumor has it he's really bitter about his one and done candidacy. If I was Kenny Lofton, I'd be bitter too. He's probably the greatest one-and-done player ever. In fact, he's probably in the top 5 all time not in the hall who didn't do steroids. He played clean in an era of rampant steroids, he always played hard, and was a nice guy who never let fame go to his head, yet the writers screwed him. Kenny in my book is a first ballot, second year hall material. He wasn't the best of his generation like a Jeter, Ichiro, Pujols, or Griffey, but he's in the top 1% for sure. It didn't help that he played all over the place, which in my book is a plus because he played as well as he did without having a "real home" ballpark. PLUS he appeared on George Lopez's show back in the day.
jeter ? now you're reaching.. that overrated yankee was never the best player in their own lineup let alone of their generation
It was impossible not to love him. He was so fun to watch
I jumped on the Indians bandwagon in 1995, and the Game 6 play where he scored from second on a passed ball really stuck with me. I was all in on Kenny Lofton getting into the Hall of Fame when he appeared on the ballot, but unfortunately that ballot was so stacked I had the feeling that he'd be one and done, and I wasn't surprised when that exactly happened. Here's hoping Ted Simmons can help Lofton with him getting in via the Eras Committee despite being one and done.
It's a disgrace Lofton isn't in the Hall . The sportswriters should never vote for players to get in give it to the players, managers, and gm.
Kenny was the man. He was my second favorite of all time next to Rickey.
Kenny was a very good player and was on a lot playoff teams. Always stepped his game up in the playoffs.
I grew up in Cleveland in the 90s. Kenny Lofton was my favorite because of how crazy electric he was. I still use his stance when playing The Show.
Thank you ! Lofton is my all time favorite as he is many of ours.
Another guy I think should get more love is Carlos Delgado dude was a terror
I absolutely agree 1000% I have 3 shirts. #7. Lofton. He's my all-time favorite player ever.
The steroid era overshadowed his awesomeness as he wasn't a big homerun hitter. His homers were a single, two stolen bases and someone sac fly him in.
He definitely does! I'm a life long M's fan since a kid in the 80's. It's my home team. But Lofton was always great to watch. A really good all around player. And was/is one of my all-time favorite players. Despite what he did to the Mariners mid 90's, haha...Gotta respect his skills and hustle.
I looked up the word UNDER RATED BASEBALL player. And a headshot of Kenny Lofton appeared.
As a middle school aged baseball fanatic in the 90s I loved watching him. He deserves to be there, he’s a gamer.
Lofton was a beast for the Indians. One of my favorite players
If he played with the clock and new rules he’d have ridiculous numbers
Kenny Lofton is my favorite player of all time. I have a blue Indians jersey and I got to see him play in 2007 with the Texas Rangers.
When Kenny Lofton was in MLB the Show he was always on my team and at the top of my lineup I even had Ricky Henderson those lineups were so much fun anyway loved watching Lofton play
As a Yankees fan, I was ALWAYS terrifies when Lofton came to the plate. When he got on, (which always felt like every single time he batted) he just recked havoc. You knew he was gonna run, and you knew you probably wasn't gonna be able to do a damn thing about it! Overall, probably hated seeing him come to the plate more than Manny, Thomas, Belle or Murray. For my 2 cents, I can give someone no bigger compliment than to say he was so good that even though he ripped your heart out a few times you ended up loving watch the guy play ball. And, was damn glad when the Yanks didn't have to play against him. First Ballot HOF. And I can tell you that people who actually watch the games (and don't just say they do, like H'mm sports writers!!) Lofton would've been a first ballot, no brainer 97-98% Yes vote for the HOF. It's a shame that people who love to write things that help destroy the game have control over the fans Hall Of Fame!!!!! I guess the way to look at it is, if someone walked into the HoF right now, and seen Loftons plaque on the wall, they'd be like, ya, Lofton belongs in here. He's a true HoF compared to a few other cupcake guys that have gotten in in the last few years.
I feel the same. Sincerely, a twins fan.
Thank you as always for the excellent video and statistical breakdown. I was a little surprised to realize how good lofton was, especially when you mentioned that his WAR is higher than Andre Dawson. I really wish baseball had more speed in general and players like Rickey Henderson and Kenny lofton just don't exist anymore. I'm a long time Seattle Mariners fan who had the misfortune of watching lofton destroy Seattle in the playoffs in 1995...
How bout one of the most underrated players in Steve Finley. Over 2500 hits over 300 home runs 5 gold gloves. Lofton is definitely up there too but most fans don’t even remember Finley
He basically is a career .300 hitter and only had one year batting below .250 and it wasn’t even a full season with the astros at .203. So if he won a ring would that have solidified him a HOF?
We all know leadoff hitters are a dime a dozen. Just ask the Reds who've had like 3 solid seasons at leadoff since Pete Rose was in his prime.
I had no idea he jumped around so much late in his career, but I do remember him being in like every post season as a kid. So checks out.
The thing about that Cleveland team was they made pitchers throw alot of pitches. They defended the plate so well. They wore opposition pitching down. All the way down. Then they beat them up with power and speed, Lofton's speed.
One of my favorite players growing up. Always wanted to be like him
Not sure what Lofton's issue was, on the surface he was a textbook leadoff guy , solid defense, you would think his ability would make him a valuable commodity, so why did he get bounced around so much?
I swear it seemed like he would either hit a leadoff home run or steal a home run in center field every time he played my Mariners. He does belong in the Hall of Fame
He's one of my favorite players of all time and so underrated. Also it's great he was born where I live.
Lofton the 🐐
Also has a j cole song named after him so that's proof he should he in the HOF
The thing that upset me is when the Indians traded Kenny to the Braves in 97 only to get him back in 98 . And we lost the World series in 97 !!!!
Kenny Lofton was nothing but awesome
Lofton was the gold standard for leadoff in that generation. It's an embarrassment that he's not in the Hall. The fact that Jeter was a first ballot guy and Lofton hasn't gotten any traction is a grievous error.
best comment in this thread 👍
Without a doubt , Kenny Lofton belongs in the hall of fame.
I really liked Kenny Lofton’s game. I think the fact that he helped many different teams get deep into the playoffs isn’t a coincidence. I think he just is in that class of players who is just a hair below being a hall of famer though.
In time, a .299 average with 2500 hits will look impressive enough against others getting in. The 3000 hit barrier, a former prerequisite, is becoming rarer. Throw in the 6x All-Star games, 4x Golden Glove, and 5x stolen base titles, plus the deep playoff runs he had, and he's there. If Raines is there, then Lofton will be there.
@@JL-ec1by Raines was better than Lofton. Lofton was never dominant. Raines was close, if he wasn’t actually dominant. I don’t really care about all star games, that’s a popularity contest. Gold gloves don’t mean much either. Palmiero won a GG as a DH
@TheGodYouWishYouKnew LOL! Their statistics are virtually identical, but Raines played 400 more games. Define dominant. A ton of empty stolen base stats on crappy teams isn't "dominant." And defense matters. You're crazy. 🤪
@@JL-ec1by I didn’t say that defense doesn’t matter. I said that gold gloves don’t matter very much. Raines played in a more pitcher-friendly era and was considered one of the top 3 players in the national league. Lofton was only in the top 3 on his own teams.
@TheGodYouWishYouKnew Raines had a Wins Above Replacement (WAR) over five games on six occasions. Lofton had 7. Raines was over 7 games once. Lofton, twice. We just don't agree.
Wow 3% on his first ballot? That was shocking to me.
Lofton was an absolute beast. I lived watching him hit in a time where everyone was foaming for the long ball, Lofton took the open field and a hit and then let his speed take over. 1 WS win and he would've been voted in already
I watched Kenny Lofton homer at Shea Stadium when with the Phillies in 2005 at age 36 or 37. Had 3 hits that game, a double as well. He’s a Hall of Famer 10000000%.
Loved Kenny during his shirt time with the Cubs
Kenny Lofton was one of my favorite players growing up and is an immaculate grid legend
As I hit play, I said to myself "Kenny Lofton"?. right as the video started "Kenny Lofton" LOL. I agree, he should be in the HOF. His numbers compare with quite a few peeps in the Hall, but lack of a ring probably hurts him, as does the whole steroid era crap. He wasnt on my team, but I knew and respected Kenny Lofton. Hats off!
I'm convinced people just misread his name or sumn, no way you'll ever convince me Lofton isn't a HOFer. Hopefully the veterans committee makes it right
I’ve thought this since he retired. He was a revolutionary CF who could hit, field, and steal a shit ton of bases.
9
Those mid 90's Indians lineups were insane. The bottom 3 in the lineup were Manny Ramirez, Jim Thome, Sandy Alomar Jr.
Kenny Lofton hit the pennant winning hit in game 5 of the 2002 NLCS vs the Cardinals at Pacific Bell Park that scored David Bell from 2nd base. I absolutely loved Lofton on the Giants and was super disappointed the team didn't bring him back in 2003. They decided to sign Marquis Grissom who was good and almost the same player as Lofton, but in my eyes, I always thought Lofton was better. 100% Kenny Lofton should be in the Hall of Fame.
If frickin Harold baines is a hall of famer Matt Holliday, Dale Murphy, Bobby Abreu, Andruw Jones, and Kenny Loftin should definitely get in
Baines defines the standards for being pretty good for a long enough. And unfortunately, that creates a new base for election.
@@darrellludlow If that’s the only thing going for a candidate, then I wouldn’t vote for them.
That said, Lofton has a good case.
And Albert freaking Belle!! 100%
You forgot to mention an important detail. In Game 7 against the Red Sox, at the age of 40 years old, the Tribe is trailing 3-2 with 1 out in the 6th? inning after being behind 3-0 earlier in the game. Lofton is on 2nd base. The guy hits a base hit to left field, where it is played by the lackadaisacal fielder / hitting savant Manuel Aristedes Ramirez. For some insane reason, third base coach Joel Skinner holds up Lofton at 3rd base. The next guy, Casey at the Blake, grounds into an inning ending double play.
That's how his career ended. Being HELD UP. A career built on speed, on scoring from 2nd against Randy Johnson, ends on being held up.
It should be a no doubter for the HOF Veterans Committee.
Completely agree. And that Dodger speedster you mentioned is Maury Wills. What you talkin' about, Willis?
Lofton is my absolutely favorite baseball player and I love that anyone is making a video arguing for his HOF status. I sure hope he gets there one day.
Yup. He was scary on an opposing team in the 90’s.
A video on Jim Edmonds and his peak and HOF debate would be great!
Edmonds suffered a similar fate, but definitely should have been given serious consideration. His biggest issue was being seen as "decent" because he played on the same team as Pujols in his prime and Rolen. But he was part of the MV3.
lol edmonds isnt even in the hall of very good
@@AnimeBronx 10 seasons of 25+ HRs, 5 of them being 30+ homer seasons, 4x All Star, 8x Gold Glove. Career 60.4 WAR. Homie just got plagued by injuries but he’s right there in the conversation of great players
@@bofameeksnuts1387 this disney vasquez dude is just some troll clearly. He's responded to like every single comment in a negative way. He probably thinks Mark McWire is the greatest player ever. Big OPS, if I can recall, because apparently no other stats matter, like his 260 something batting average or lower WAR than Kenny Lofton.
Edmonds not a HOF but He was damn Good and new where to place Himself on Defense for each individual batter
What a Defender and Clutch AF
If you were a kid in the 90s, Lofton was one of your guys. When he played in Atlanta I was so stoked.
Him falling off the ballot was criminal even if he didn’t get in (I agree he should be)
My god what a time it was to be a cleveland indians fan back then.
Fact! CLEVELAND WILL ALWAYS BE THE INDIANS!! Guards ....no thanks
Damn I actually thought 💭 Kenny Lofton was already in the hof
He was, and ALWAYS will be my favorite player by far.