Does Paul Konerko belong in the Baseball Hall of Fame?
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Konerko, 38, is entering his final Major League season. 2014 will be his 18th Major League season and if not for the Derek Jeter retirement announcement, Konerko would be the most paraded player in baseball this season. He made his Major League debut in 1997 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His first game with the White Sox came in 1999 after being acquired in a trade with the Reds for outfielder Mike Cameron. Konerko has spent every season since with the White Sox.
Konerko ranks in the top five in White Sox history for hits (2,249) home runs (427) doubles (398) runs scored (1,126) and runs batted in (1,361). He is 22 home runs away from breaking Frank Thomas' franchise record of 448 home runs. Konerko is also 105 RBI away from breaking Thomas' franchise RBI record, which stands at 1,465. If fans and analysts were to create the Mount Rushmore of White Sox hitters, thee is no doubt Konerko would be on that list. He was a key part of the team's 2005 World Series run, the first and only championship for the franchise since 1917.
But the question still remains. Is Paul Konerko worthy enough to enter Cooperstown?
Let's look at the facts. Konerko is a six-time all-star, all of which came while playing for the White Sox. He's had five 100-plus RBI seasons, 10 seasons with 25-plus home runs and seven seasons of hitting over .290. Those are very good numbers, but are they Hall of Fame numbers?
If I had a Hall of Fame vote, I would vote Konerko in. Let's say for theoretical purposes that he hits 16 home runs and drives in 60 RBI this season. That would give Konerko 450 career home runs and 1,450 RBI come the end of season. He would've played 18 Major League season, 16 with the White Sox. There is an extra motivation among baseball writers to give Hall of Fame consideration to players who retire has the face of a franchise. Konerko, who may be the greatest hitter in White Sox history, is the face of the franchise. Had he played on six teams during his 18-year career, then I might be inclined to vote differently. But Konerko is a White Sox, a nearly lifetime member of the franchise. Considering how much he's done for the team, it would be hard not to vote for him.
However with that being said, it is possible Konerko does not even reach the 450 home run plateau this season. Jose Abreu will likely get a majority of the playing time a first base, something Konerko admitted to ESPN.com in late February.
“(Abreu) is going to probably start off playing every game and then probably work back from there, which is good,” said Konerko. “There’s certainly no ego there. We want to do what’s best for the team on that day. I wouldn’t have been back here standing here if there’s going to be a moment this year where (Sox manager) Robin (Ventura) asked me to do something on the field or to not do something where I’m going to be miffed by it.”
Even with Abreu getting the playing time, there is still a competitor and winner living in the heart of Konerko.
"That's totally different than in years past where when you're that four-hole hitter,” said Konerko. “You have to carry the team at times, you have to drive in runs, you have to be the guy. If you do the other things, great, but you know everything is hinging on you producing and putting up numbers. It's different now. I still want to do well, don't get me wrong, I want to help the team win."
Will Paul Konerko make the Hall of Fame? I believe some day he will. Either way, 2014 is the last season fans will get to see this White Sox legend in action.
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