The Best Baseball Players NOT in the Hall of Fame

Shoeless Joe Jackson, a spectacular hitter and outfielder, played in the early twentieth century and is often regarded as one of the most prodigious talents to never make it into the Hall of Fame. Though his prowess on the field was indisputable, including an impressive showing throughout the notorious 1919 World Series, Jackson's career was forever marred by his association with the infamous "Black Sox" scandal. It must be acknowledged that Shoeless Joe's exclusion from the Hall is due to circumstances beyond his performance on the diamond, and his skillful play lives on as a testament to what could have been.

The "Hit King" himself, Pete Rose is easily one of the most controversial figures in baseball history but also undeniably one of the most accomplished players not enshrined in Cooperstown. A switch hitter with a tirelessly gritty work ethic, Rose was known for his passionate style of play and seemingly unstoppable ability to reach base, all of which contributed to his record-breaking number of career hits. Despite his remarkable performance on the field, Rose remains ineligible for the Hall of Fame due to his ban from baseball for betting on games while he was a player and manager.

Dale Murphy, a two-time National League MVP and a fixture in the Atlanta Braves lineup throughout the 1980s, is another compelling candidate for Hall of Fame consideration. A versatile fielder known for his strong arm and excellent range, Murphy was also a talented hitter who consistently drove in runs and demonstrated solid power. Due to a decline in production in the latter years of his career, Murphy's case for the Hall remains a topic of debate among voters, but there's no denying that, at his peak, he was among the best players in the game.

Curt Schilling, a dominant starting pitcher who excelled particularly during postseason play, enjoys a strong argument for eventual entry into the Hall of Fame. Regarded as one of the best big-game pitchers of his generation, Schilling famously teamed up with fellow star Randy Johnson to lead the Arizona Diamondbacks to their first-ever World Series title in 2001. However, despite multiple trips to the Fall Classic and his overall outstanding career, Schilling's candidacy has been tainted by controversy surrounding his post-playing days, leaving many voters undecided on whether to grant him baseball immortality.

Roger Maris, known primarily for breaking Babe Ruth's single-season home run record in 1961, is often cited among the most deserving candidates for the Hall of Fame. While his monumental 61-home-run feat is undoubtedly impressive, Maris enjoyed a well-rounded career as an outfielder, excelling in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game. Though he may not have the longevity in career numbers that typically characterize Hall of Famers, Maris will forever hold a place in baseball folklore for his historic season and undeniable impact on the sport.

Don Mattingly, or "Donnie Baseball," was a standout first baseman for the New York Yankees throughout the 1980s and early '90s. Boasting a smooth left-handed swing and a penchant for big hits, Mattingly was a constant presence in the heart of the order, helping to keep the Bronx Bombers competitive despite a relative lack of championship success. Despite his undeniable talent, a decline in performance due to injuries has left some voters questioning Mattingly's Hall of Fame case, but his contributions to baseball are not to be forgotten.