The following article is part of my ongoing look at the candidates on the BBWAA 2017 Hall of Fame ballot. Originally written for the 2013 election, it has been updated to reflect recent voting results as well as additional research. For a detailed introduction to this year's ballot, please see here. For an introduction to JAWS, see here.
On the surface, Jeff Bagwell's case for Cooperstown is strong. An outstanding, durable slugger with power, patience and positive value on the base paths and in the field, he ranked not only as one of the best hitters of his era but also as one of the best all-around first basemen since World War II.