I had a great career, and this would be the top. Perez, who works in the Florida Marlins' front office, can't explain why he hasn't made it yet to Cooperstown. In 24 seasons he had 1,652 RBI, more than any eligible player not in the Hall. His manager with the Reds, Sparky Anderson, describes Perez as the best hitter he ever saw when a game was on the line. But while Big Red Machine alumni Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan made the Hall in their first year of eligibility, Perez still waits.
Nobody understands why.
Perez could choose to campaign by creating controversy. After all, he is Cuban, like Tony Oliva and Luis Tiant, two other worthy candidates who have yet to win induction. But Perez dismisses the notion of voter bias. Everything has changed now. Latin players are dominating the big leagues and are being recognized for that.