20 Athletes Who Don't Belong in Their Sport's Hall of Fame

20 Athletes Who Don't Belong in Their Sport's Hall of Fame

By Jacob Kornhauser

February 10, 2015

20 Athletes Who Don't Belong in Their Sport's Hall of Fame

AFC Championship - New England Patriots v Denver Broncos — For whatever reason, some athletes become overrated over time. They could be part of something historic in sports or they could just sustain enough success that people think they're an all-time great. These 20 athletes, while they were very good, don't belong in the same sentence as some of the legends of their respective sports.

For whatever reason, some athletes become overrated over time. They could be part of something historic in sports or they could just sustain enough success that people think they're an all-time great. These 20 athletes, while they were very good, don't belong in the same sentence as some of the legends of their respective sports.

20. Y.A. Tittle

Mississippi State Bulldogs v LSU Tigers

20. Y.A. Tittle

Mississippi State Bulldogs v LSU Tigers — Playing Career: 1948-1964

It's hard to judge Tittle among some contemporary quarterbacks since he played in a run-heavy era, but he just wasn't as good statistically as many may believe. In 17 seasons, his completion percentage was above 58 percent just twice. He seemed better than he was in his era because he threw it more often than most other quarterbacks of the time.

Playing Career: 1948-1964

It's hard to judge Tittle among some contemporary quarterbacks since he played in a run-heavy era, but he just wasn't as good statistically as many may believe. In 17 seasons, his completion percentage was above 58 percent just twice. He seemed better than he was in his era because he threw it more often than most other quarterbacks of the time.

19. Dennis Rodman

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19. Dennis Rodman

Around Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2014 - Day 5 — Playing Career: 1986-2000

Like many others, Rodman's persona was raised by playing with Michael Jordan. Even though he only played three seasons for the Bulls, all of them were championship years, so he's remembered as a winner there. However, in his career, he averaged just 7.3 points per game. He was a very good defender and hustled more than almost anyone in his time, but Rodman is not a Hall of Famer.

Playing Career: 1986-2000

Like many others, Rodman's persona was raised by playing with Michael Jordan. Even though he only played three seasons for the Bulls, all of them were championship years, so he's remembered as a winner there. However, in his career, he averaged just 7.3 points per game. He was a very good defender and hustled more than almost anyone in his time, but Rodman is not a Hall of Famer.

18. O.J. Simpson

O.J. Simpson Seeks Retrial In Las Vegas Court - Day 5

18. O.J. Simpson

O.J. Simpson Seeks Retrial In Las Vegas Court - Day 5 — Playing Career: 1969-1979

"Juice" was one heck of a runner during his playing days and there were a couple seasons where he absolutely played like a Hall of Famer. Twice, he eclipsed 1,800 yards on the ground, which is extremely impressive. However, outside of his five-year prime between 1972-1976, Simpson's single-season high for rushing yards was just 742.

Playing Career: 1969-1979

"Juice" was one heck of a runner during his playing days and there were a couple seasons where he absolutely played like a Hall of Famer. Twice, he eclipsed 1,800 yards on the ground, which is extremely impressive. However, outside of his five-year prime between 1972-1976, Simpson's single-season high for rushing yards was just 742.

17. Bob Griese

New England Patriots v Miami Dolphins

17. Bob Griese

New England Patriots v Miami Dolphins — Playing Career: 1967-1980

There's something to be said about a quarterback who was at the helm for one of the best seasons in football history. However, playing for the 1972 Dolphins made Griese seem much better than he actually was. While he was an above average quarterback for the bulk of his career, he never eclipsed 2,500 yards through the air in a single season, so there's no way he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

Playing Career: 1967-1980

There's something to be said about a quarterback who was at the helm for one of the best seasons in football history. However, playing for the 1972 Dolphins made Griese seem much better than he actually was. While he was an above average quarterback for the bulk of his career, he never eclipsed 2,500 yards through the air in a single season, so there's no way he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

16. Bill Walton

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16. Bill Walton

MGM Resorts And AEG Break Ground On New Las Vegas Arena — Playing Career: 1974-1987

Walton was a force during his playing days, but there are a number of reasons he doesn't belong in the Hall of Fame. First of all, he didn't even play in 500 regular season games, so he didn't have the necessary body of work. He missed three full seasons to injury, so he never had a sustained period of dominance, which is something every Hall of Famer should have.

Playing Career: 1974-1987

Walton was a force during his playing days, but there are a number of reasons he doesn't belong in the Hall of Fame. First of all, he didn't even play in 500 regular season games, so he didn't have the necessary body of work. He missed three full seasons to injury, so he never had a sustained period of dominance, which is something every Hall of Famer should have.

15. Ralph Kiner

Atlanta Braves v New York Mets

15. Ralph Kiner

Atlanta Braves v New York Mets — Playing Career: 1946-1955

While Kiner was one of the best power hitters in the game for a short period of time, he didn't have the sustained success deserving of Hall of Fame enshrinement. He played just 10 seasons while recording just 1,451 hits. Those aren't exactly Hall of Fame numbers.

Playing Career: 1946-1955

While Kiner was one of the best power hitters in the game for a short period of time, he didn't have the sustained success deserving of Hall of Fame enshrinement. He played just 10 seasons while recording just 1,451 hits. Those aren't exactly Hall of Fame numbers.

14. Chris Mullin

Dallas Mavericks v Sacramento Kings

14. Chris Mullin

Dallas Mavericks v Sacramento Kings — Playing Career: 1985-2001

While Mullin put together a pretty solid career for himself, he also has the distinction as the worst player on the 1992 Dream Team. He was a physical force down low, but he wasn't nearly the scorer or defender that most NBA Hall of Famers were.

Playing Career: 1985-2001

While Mullin put together a pretty solid career for himself, he also has the distinction as the worst player on the 1992 Dream Team. He was a physical force down low, but he wasn't nearly the scorer or defender that most NBA Hall of Famers were.

13. Bert Blyleven

SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game - World Team v United States

13. Bert Blyleven

SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game - World Team v United States — Playing Career: 1970-1992

The most impressive thing about Blyleven's playing career was his longevity. However, that shouldn't be mistaken for elite play. Even in all that time, he failed to win 300 games and had a record barely above .500 for his playing career.

Playing Career: 1970-1992

The most impressive thing about Blyleven's playing career was his longevity. However, that shouldn't be mistaken for elite play. Even in all that time, he failed to win 300 games and had a record barely above .500 for his playing career.

12. Marcus Allen

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12. Marcus Allen

Laureus Model City Initiative Grantee Announcement with Girls on the Run — Playing Career: 1982-1997

Marcus Allen had a longer playing career than most running backs, but he only seemed elite a couple times in his playing career. Unbelievably, he ran for over 1,000 yards just three times in his career and those all came in his first four seasons.

Playing Career: 1982-1997

Marcus Allen had a longer playing career than most running backs, but he only seemed elite a couple times in his playing career. Unbelievably, he ran for over 1,000 yards just three times in his career and those all came in his first four seasons.

11. Bill Mazeroski

Opening Ceremonies for All-Star Fan Fest

11. Bill Mazeroski

Opening Ceremonies for All-Star Fan Fest — Playing Career: 1956-1972

Mazeroski hit one of the most famous home runs in major league history as he hit a walk-off shot in the bottom of the ninth of World Series Game 7 of the 1960 Fall Classic. That helped him get into and stay in the spotlight, but the truth is that his playing career wasn't Hall of Fame worthy. He had just 138 career home runs, 2,016 career hits and had a lifetime batting average of .260.

Playing Career: 1956-1972

Mazeroski hit one of the most famous home runs in major league history as he hit a walk-off shot in the bottom of the ninth of World Series Game 7 of the 1960 Fall Classic. That helped him get into and stay in the spotlight, but the truth is that his playing career wasn't Hall of Fame worthy. He had just 138 career home runs, 2,016 career hits and had a lifetime batting average of .260.

10. Jim Rice

Toronto Blue Jays v Boston Red Sox

10. Jim Rice

Toronto Blue Jays v Boston Red Sox — Playing Career: 1974-1989

Rice was very good throughout his playing career, but he never seemed to string together elite seasons. He hit over 30 home runs just four times, which is something much less deserving Hall of Fame candidates have also done.

Playing Career: 1974-1989

Rice was very good throughout his playing career, but he never seemed to string together elite seasons. He hit over 30 home runs just four times, which is something much less deserving Hall of Fame candidates have also done.

9. Lynn Swann

New Orleans Saints v Pittsburgh Steelers

9. Lynn Swann

New Orleans Saints v Pittsburgh Steelers — Playing Career: 1974-1982

Since he was part of some of the best Steelers teams of all time, Swann will always be remembered. However, he had a relatively short and mediocre career. By far his best season saw him grab 61 receptions for 880 yards. For a Hall of Famer, those are extremely pedestrian numbers.

Playing Career: 1974-1982

Since he was part of some of the best Steelers teams of all time, Swann will always be remembered. However, he had a relatively short and mediocre career. By far his best season saw him grab 61 receptions for 880 yards. For a Hall of Famer, those are extremely pedestrian numbers.

8. Ralph Sampson

Phoenix Suns v Golden State Warriors

8. Ralph Sampson

Phoenix Suns v Golden State Warriors — Playing Career: 1983-1992

Sampson had a great start to his NBA career, scoring more than 1,491 points in each of his first three seasons. However, for the rest of his career, the most single-season points he scored was 749. So he burst onto the scene early in his career, but he never quite lived up to the high expectations he brought upon himself.

Playing Career: 1983-1992

Sampson had a great start to his NBA career, scoring more than 1,491 points in each of his first three seasons. However, for the rest of his career, the most single-season points he scored was 749. So he burst onto the scene early in his career, but he never quite lived up to the high expectations he brought upon himself.

7. Igor Larionov

Denis Brodeur Collection

7. Igor Larionov

Denis Brodeur Collection — Playing Career: 1989-2004

Larionov had a very successful NHL career, but his overall numbers aren't that of a Hall of Famer. He scored just 169 goals in 921 career games, which is hardly elite. One has to wonder what went into the thinking of putting Larionov in the Hall of Fame.

Playing Career: 1989-2004

Larionov had a very successful NHL career, but his overall numbers aren't that of a Hall of Famer. He scored just 169 goals in 921 career games, which is hardly elite. One has to wonder what went into the thinking of putting Larionov in the Hall of Fame.

6. George Sisler

MLB Photos Archive

6. George Sisler

MLB Photos Archive — Playing Career: 1915-1930

Sisler was very good over his first eight seasons in the league, but there was a clear drop off in production after his 1922 season. In terms of batting average, his .340 mark looks great, but this was in a day and age before pitching really dominated the game.

Playing Career: 1915-1930

Sisler was very good over his first eight seasons in the league, but there was a clear drop off in production after his 1922 season. In terms of batting average, his .340 mark looks great, but this was in a day and age before pitching really dominated the game.

5. Reggie Miller

Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony - Press Conference

5. Reggie Miller

Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony - Press Conference — Playing Career: 1987-2005

Reggie Miller was one of the most clutch players of all time, but when his entire body of work is looked at, he may not seem Hall of Fame worthy. He just never had the superstar ability that others in his era had and that will always be a blemish on his otherwise illustrious career.

Playing Career: 1987-2005

Reggie Miller was one of the most clutch players of all time, but when his entire body of work is looked at, he may not seem Hall of Fame worthy. He just never had the superstar ability that others in his era had and that will always be a blemish on his otherwise illustrious career.

4. Phil Rizzuto

Montreal Expos v New York Yankees

4. Phil Rizzuto

Montreal Expos v New York Yankees — Playing Career: 1941-1956

Rizzuto, known for being a great player despite his small stature, really didn't have an elite overall career. He recorded just 1,588 hits in his career and his career batting average of .273 is less than stellar. While he was certainly one of the better Yankee personalities ever, he wasn't worthy of Hall of Fame induction.

Playing Career: 1941-1956

Rizzuto, known for being a great player despite his small stature, really didn't have an elite overall career. He recorded just 1,588 hits in his career and his career batting average of .273 is less than stellar. While he was certainly one of the better Yankee personalities ever, he wasn't worthy of Hall of Fame induction.

3. John Elway

Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement

3. John Elway

Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement — Playing Career: 1983-1998

Even though he played before the NFL got so pass happy, Elway's numbers really weren't elite. The most yards he ever threw for in a single season was 4,030, and the most touchdowns he ever threw for in a single season was 27. Most telling is that his adjusted quarterback rating of 105 is only slightly better than average.

Playing Career: 1983-1998

Even though he played before the NFL got so pass happy, Elway's numbers really weren't elite. The most yards he ever threw for in a single season was 4,030, and the most touchdowns he ever threw for in a single season was 27. Most telling is that his adjusted quarterback rating of 105 is only slightly better than average.

2. Troy Aikman

Super Bowl XLVIII FOX Sports Media Availabilty

2. Troy Aikman

Super Bowl XLVIII FOX Sports Media Availabilty — Playing Career: 1989-2000

Aikman was a very efficient passer, but if he didn't play for a team as popular as the Cowboys, there's almost no way he would be in the Hall of Fame. His highest single-season passing yards total was 3,445, and his career-high in single-season touchdown passes is just 23. Since he helped America's team return to glory, though, he's remembered as being better than he truly was.

Playing Career: 1989-2000

Aikman was a very efficient passer, but if he didn't play for a team as popular as the Cowboys, there's almost no way he would be in the Hall of Fame. His highest single-season passing yards total was 3,445, and his career-high in single-season touchdown passes is just 23. Since he helped America's team return to glory, though, he's remembered as being better than he truly was.

1. Joe Namath

3rd Annual NFL Honors

1. Joe Namath

3rd Annual NFL Honors — Playing Career: 1965-1977

Broadway Joe gained a reputation right away by guaranteeing a win in Super Bowl III against the heavily favored Baltimore Colts and delivering. That lives with him forever, but his overall playing career was mediocre. His career record was under .500, and outside of his first four seasons in the league, he never threw for 3,000 yards.

Playing Career: 1965-1977

Broadway Joe gained a reputation right away by guaranteeing a win in Super Bowl III against the heavily favored Baltimore Colts and delivering. That lives with him forever, but his overall playing career was mediocre. His career record was under .500, and outside of his first four seasons in the league, he never threw for 3,000 yards.

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