Cincinnati Reds fans elect Adam Dunn into team’s Hall of Fame

The original Big Donkey of the Cincinnati Reds earned his spot in the team’s Hall of Fame.

In an era before three outcome was the “it” thing Adam Dunn was leading the Cincinnati Reds with home runs, walks, and strikeouts.  It was good enough to get him entry into the Reds Hall of Fame, though. 

The nickname Big Donkey was appropriate for several reasons.  Dunn wasn’t the fleetest afoot.  He was, however, as strong as an ox, or in this case a donkey.

He hit 462 home runs over 14 seasons.  2011 was the only full season in his career that he didn’t hit at least 20 home runs.  In nine of his seasons he hit more than thirty home runs.

From 2004-2006 Dunn led MLB in strikeouts in each season.  He did it again in 2012 for the Chicago White Sox.  Despite his high number of strikeouts, he still owns a career OBP of .364.

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Part of this is because of Dunn’s ability to draw walks.  He led MLB in 2008 in walks with a career high 122.  He did again in 2012, when he led MLB in walks and strikeouts in the same season.

Despite all of his great numbers, Dunn only made two All-Star teams, one in each league.  He was fourth in his rookie of the year voting, behind the unanimous winner, Albert Pujols.  His best MVP finish was 21.

Besides his overall MLB numbers, Adam Dunn ranks high on many of the Cincinnati Reds all-time lists.

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Dunn ranks seventh on the Reds’ all-time list for OBP.  That’s just ahead of the hit king, Pete Rose.  He is two spots behind Hall of Famer Frank Robinson.

Speaking of Robinson, only he and current Reds first baseman Joey Votto are ahead of Dunn in slugging.  All three of them are in the top seven in both categories.  This is a good place to start for a Hall of Fame candidacy.

The current trend is to look at OPS.  Dunn is behind Votto and Robinson only among Reds.  Votto’s OBP lead allows him to sit atop the OPS list as well.

Dunn is also fourth in Reds’ history in hitting home run.  He is only thirteen home runs ahead of Votto, so that is in danger.  Only Robinson, Johnny Bench, and Tony Perez are ahead of the duo.

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Dunn is on his way to gain a competitive vote for Cooperstown.  He has the new age stats to get the votes.  Unfortunately for Dunn, he probably retired a  year or two short in the total home run number to get in.