No Hall, just yet, for Gar...

Congrats to Barry Larkin, the loan selection to the Class of 2012.

Gar was 7th with 36.5% as reported by Greg Johns of MLB.com
(an improvement over last year's 32.9% but about the same as his first year - 36.2%)

Martinez received votes from 209 of the 573 BBWAA members who voted and finished seventh among this year's 27 candidates, behind Larkin (86.4 percent), Jack Morris (66.7), Jeff Bagwell (56.0), Lee Smith (50.6), Tim Raines (48.7) and Alan Trammell (36.8).

Gar seems to have the right attitude about it all...
He knows, if it comes at all, it's going to take some time.  Some balk at the late start that precluded 3000 hits and 500 homers.  Supporters point to the rarified air of career totals that exceed 300 homers, 500 doubles, .300+ batting average and .400+ on base percentage - that, by the way, he shares with only FIVE other major leaguers: Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, Stan Musial, Rogers Hornsby and Lou Gehrig. Shabby company, you do not keep, Gar.

Of course, there is the ever-present debate, that dreaded two-letter word: designated hitter
I find the argument that Edgar Martinez should not be 'in the Hall" because he did not play "in the field" pretty silly.  I wonder if those same writers feel an American League pitcher should never be in the HoF because they do not hit?  I mean, let's get real - if there's any DH that should be in the Hall of Fame, seems like it should be the one who the freakin' "outstanding designated hitter" award is named after.

I know, it's rather ironic that a fan like me, who swoons watching stellar defensive plays, should stump for a guy who "only hits".  
I guess that speaks volumes not only to Gar's body of work but, to his quiet, unassuming attitude, his staunch work ethic and his ever-loyal, Mariner-only career.

You'll get there one day, Gar....  
You may not be the first Mariner in the Hall of Fame - Junior is eligible in 2016 and The Big Unit in 2015   (whether RJ will go in as a DBack or a Mariner, is a whole 'nother debate) but you'll get there - we WILL see the Seattle Mariners one and only Number 11 in the esteemed places where it belongs - in Cooperstown, NY and, retired at Safeco Field in Seattle, WA.

The Eleven Best Athletes to Wear 11 | Sports Illustrated

Some of my photos when "the street" was named...