Lucky Hall Of Famer Number 6 - Tommy McCarthy

    Why in the world would anybody induct Tommy McCarthy into the Hall of Fame? McCarthy, an outfielder from 1884 through 1896, slashed .292/.364/.375 for an adjusted OPS of 102. He carried a .198 lifetime batting average in 119 games into his first season as a regular, 1888. From then on he did okay, batting over .345 in three seasons, but he also had two seasons under .250. He was through after his age 32 season. 

    McCarthy was also never really among the best in his league in many offensive categories, as he led his league once in at bats and once in stolen bases, but that was it. This proves that McCarthy wasn't worthy for his offensive contributions, but he was also a terrible outfielder, as his .897 fielding percentage is a dozen points below the league average, and a poor pitcher, as he was 0-8 with a 4.99 ERA (he is among the all time leaders for the most pitching losses without a win). 

    His Hall of Fame plaque says, 

"One of Boston's "Heavenly Twins" under manager Frank Selee. Outstanding base runner who stole 109 bases for the Browns in 1888. Pioneer in trapping fly balls in the outfield. Holds N.L. record for assists in outfield - 53 with Boston in 1893. Played 1,268 games in Major Leagues." 

    According to baseball-reference.com, the plaque made some simple statistical errors. For example, it says that McCarthy had 28 outfield assists in 1893, that he stole 93 bags in 1888, and that he played in 1,273 games. This isn't that important as to whether McCarthy is a worthy Hall of Famer, but I thought that I'd correct some simple mistakes. 

    The best argument for McCarthy's induction is that he invented hit and run. This is probably not enough to merit his selection, but nothing else even comes close. 

My opinion: Tommy McCarthy is not a Hall of Famer. 

By the way, the other "Heavenly Twin" was Hall of Famer Hugh Duffy.