Some Things Are Beyond Comparison

Last week, during the middle of the seventh game between the Red Sox and the Yankees, Fox put up a graphic comparing the career stats of Pedro Martinez and Sandy Koufax. Yes, they were close in wins and losses, strikeouts and earned-run average, and then Joe Buck asked Tim McCarver if Pedro’s stats merit his going into the Hall of Fame. McCarver said yes. I fell out of my chair.

Both announcers failed to mention that Sandy had to retire at 30 because he risked permanent damage to his arm. He was the youngest player elected to the Hall of Fame in 1972, his first year of eligibility, basically because he had six years where he was unhittable.

Pedro may or may not make the Hall, but if he does I hope it is not simply because his stats are better than Sandy’s.

Tim Haley

Long Beach