Article: The Case for Tony O

[Otto von Ballpark]

Both were signed at 22 and played in the minors from 22-24.

 

Both played baseball prior to signing. Minoso played in Cuba and then for the New York Cubans in the Negro Leagues for parts of three seasons. Oliva played in the Cuban League, but had he been in Minoso's era he would certainly have joined him in the Negro Leagues.

 

I don't see any difference or how the 250 at bats in the Negro League might distinguish Minoso over Oliva.

Minoso began playing professionally in America about 3 years earlier than Oliva, and he's got a clearer excuse why he wasn't in MiLB or MLB during those early years.

 

And the "only 250 AB" distinction is meaningless -- Minoso played full seasons in the Negro Leagues, it's not his fault they were sporadically scheduled and recorded.

[jorgenswest]

Minoso began playing professionally in America about 3 years earlier than Oliva, and he's got a clearer excuse why he wasn't in MiLB or MLB during those early years.

 

And the "only 250 AB" distinction is meaningless -- Minoso played full seasons in the Negro Leagues, it's not his fault they were sporadically scheduled and recorded.

Just a little confused. I am sure Minoso and Oliva played a lot of ball before being signed at age 22. I am not sure why playing in the Negro Leagues as many Cubans did in the summer before returning to play in Cuba or the Cuban League makes a difference. They had to play somewhere to be discovered. In Tony's time coming to the US was more difficult so his experience was in Cuba instead of America.

 

I don't buy that playing in the Negro Leagues from age 20-22 makes Minoso a better candidate for the hall.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Just a little confused. I am sure Minoso and Oliva played a lot of ball before being signed at age 22. I am not sure why playing in the Negro Leagues as many Cubans did in the summer before returning to play in Cuba or the Cuban League makes a difference. They had to play somewhere to be discovered. In Tony's time coming to the US was more difficult so his experience was in Cuba instead of America.

 

I don't buy that playing in the Negro Leagues from age 20-22 makes Minoso a better candidate for the hall.

You don't see how a dark-skinned baseball player coming to America in 1946 could have had his professional career notably impacted by institutional racism?  I didn't say it was the only factor or even a major factor, but it's certainly another factor that leans Minoso over Oliva, who was mainly just a late discovery/bloomer.

 

Again, they're pretty close (or they wouldn't be on this ballot together), but it's hard not to prefer Minoso.

[jorgenswest]

You don't see how a dark-skinned baseball player coming to America in 1946 could have had his professional career notably impacted by institutional racism?  I didn't say it was the only factor or even a major factor, but it's certainly another factor that leans Minoso over Oliva, who was mainly just a late discovery/bloomer.

 

Again, they're pretty close (or they wouldn't be on this ballot together), but it's hard not to prefer Minoso.

... or you were forced to leave your homeland and families permantly when leaving Cuba. Imagine the worry about his family as he was aware of the violence and turmoil whole leaving knowing he could not return. Minoso, of course, encountered the same worry late in his career as Fidel was coming into power. The time span from 1959 to 1962 was incredibly difficult in Cuba. Oliva's family lost their farm, land and livelihoods. The opportunity to play baseball and travel had diminished considerably than in Minoso's time in Cuba.

 

On the baseball field, they both had careers that started late due to circumstances out of their control. Oliva had a better first 8 years. Minoso had two more above average years beyond the first 8.

 

They both are worthy of the Hall of Fame, but I don't see Minoso as clearly the better candidate which is where the discussion started.