The Hall of Fame Case: Mike Sweeney

Sure, there will be plenty who vote for the likes of Ken Griffey Jr., Mike Piazza and Jeff Bagwell on their National Baseball Hall of Fame player ballots, but there are players on the ballot that require a little more voter-cajoling. Players that may not have the on-field resume, but deserve an impassioned Hall of Fame case nonetheless. Players like …

Michael John Sweeney. The 16-year big leaguer had some monster home runs and superb seasons, most notably with the Royals, and here are a few reasons why he should get your vote for the Hall of Fame.

Having the prime of his life

From ages 25-29, Sweeney was one of the more formidable hitters in the league. He slashed at a .320/.395/.525 rate (good for a 132 OPS+), cranked 120 home runs, drove in 514 runs and made four All-Star teams. He also led the league in hit-by-pitches with 15 in 2000. Those looked something like this:

He throws some great birthday parties

On his 31st birthday, Sweeney hit a grand slam and a three-run home run -- matching a Royals' club record with seven RBIs. And those home runs? Crrrushed: What have you done lately for your birthday parties? Did you play pro baseball? Did you hit a grand slam? I didn't think so.

 

He batted 1.000 in the postseason

Sure, he only had one at-bat for the Phillies in the 2010 NLDS, but who knows what could've happened if he played in more games? Would he have more than just a single? Would anybody EVER get him out? 

He eats watermelons like a small child

He's already in two Hall of Fames

The five-time All-Star is one of the greatest to ever put on a Royals uniform -- placing second all-time in home runs, fifth in RBIs, third in average and second in OPS. Earlier this year, he was elected to the team's Hall of Fame.

A few months later, Sweeney was elected to the Irish-American Baseball Hall of Fame. Legendary baseball figures such as Jack McKeon, Dave O'Brien and Bill Murray were enshrined alongside him.

So c'mon, baseball writers ... what's one more?