“Are that many Hall of Fame caliber players really omitted because of the limits on how many they can vote for?”
I think so. And, who says baseball writers are the best qualified to vote? I sure don’t think so. Baseball writers can be real a-holes, and when they get a grudge against a player they become prejudiced.
Also, analytics are available today that allow players’ records to be analyzed more thoroughly than they were in the past, and provide more objective data upon which good choices can be made.
Concur.
Does Major League Baseball really need 48 members to determine who's deserving of election to Cooperstown? No they don't, and sports writers and so-called journalists shouldn't be included among them. Having living elected players, MLB executives and retired umpires would be sufficient. Furthermore the nomination and election process of voting then revoting shouldn't carry on for eligible players year after year after year, first ballot election should be common place and not the exception.
Whitaker - Yes
Garvey - Yes
Parker - Yes
Simmons - No