Since the designated hitter rule was instituted by the American League before the 1973 season, it has been extremely difficult for these men with no gloves, these men who come to the ballpark with nothing more than shin guards, Louisville Sluggers and a smile, to warrant serious consideration for the Hall of Fame.
You see, there are three facets to this game. You pitch the ball, you catch the ball and you hit the ball. Designated hitters only do one of those things, and Hall of Fame voters have long had a difficult time enshrining them in Cooperstown because of their one-dimentionality.