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The subsequent article forms part of a series on the 2025 Classic Baseball Era Committee ballot, examining former players, managers, executives, and umpires whose candidacies will be voted on December 8. Originally published on FanGraphs in 2019, it has been updated with new research. For an overview of the ballot, click here, and to understand JAWS, click here. All WAR figures cited are from Baseball-Reference unless noted otherwise.
2025 Classic Baseball Candidate: Steve Garvey
Player Career WAR Peak WAR JAWS
Steve Garvey 38.0 28.7 33.4
Avg. HOF 1B 64.8 42.0 53.4
2,599 272 .294/.329/.446 117
SOURCE: Baseball-Reference
Throughout his 19-year career (1969–87), Steve Garvey embodied the image of a Hall of Famer. Known for his consistent hitting and durability, he achieved remarkable feats while maintaining a polished appearance on and off the field. Garvey’s streak of 1,207 consecutive games played in the National League remains the fourth-longest in MLB history, showcasing his resilience. As a member of the Dodgers’ famed Longest-Running Infield, he excelled alongside teammates like Davey Lopes, Bill Russell, and Ron Cey, contributing to multiple pennants and a World Series title.
Despite his popularity and numerous accolades, Garvey’s Hall of Fame candidacy has faced challenges. His statistical performance, scrutinized through advanced metrics, reveals a more nuanced perspective than his traditional numbers suggest. Off-field controversies and personal struggles have also cast a shadow over his career, impacting his legacy in baseball. As a perennial candidate for the Hall of Fame, Garvey has fallen short on multiple occasions, reflecting the complexities of his legacy both on and off the field.
Born in Tampa, Florida, to Joe and Mildred Garvey, Steve’s journey from a bat boy in spring training to a successful major leaguer with the Dodgers is a tale of perseverance and dedication. Despite his achievements, including multiple All-Star appearances and MVP honors, Garvey’s legacy is colored by personal scandals and financial troubles that have overshadowed his baseball accomplishments.
As Garvey navigates his fifth Era Committee appearance, his chances of enshrinement remain uncertain. While his on-field achievements speak to a Hall of Fame caliber career, the broader context of his life and legacy present a more complex narrative. As the ballot season unfolds, Garvey’s story serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between sportsmanship, statistics, and human nature in the realm of baseball history.
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