Mike Piazza, love or hate him but he's bound for the Hall

To announce I've ever been a Mets or Dodgers fan would be a lie. Both franchises have rich history and can boost championship glory. They couldn't stake their achievement without great players. The argument over whether retired slugger Mike Piazza will head into the Hall of Fame as a Met or a Dodger on his plaque to me is irrelevant. He will be revered as one of the best catchers of all-time and have a spot reserved in Cooperstown. His career numbers prove his HOF material: 427 Homeruns, 2127 Hits, 1335 RBIs, and .308 batting average.

Some fans think Piazza complained too much as a member of the Mets. His inefficiency with throwing runners out then moving to first base due to the problems with his knees was reason enough to get mad at the All-Star slugger and consider him 'washed up'. From a defensive standpoint Piazza was never the same after leaving the Dodgers. That didn't mean he became a terrible first baseman. He still hit for power and had clutch hits with his run with the Mets during the playoffs. His stints with the Marlins, Padres, and Athletics didn't along him to utilize his full strengths and attributes. As a DH he didn't show quite the production as the bat speed slowed down yet I'm sure the younger guys around him learned how to play the game with class.

As a Mike Piazza supporter the 16-year career didn't seem long enough. At 39 I'm sure he's most concerned about his family and his health after giving baseball some of his best seasons. To force him into a position he's uncomfortable with like trying to play third base wouldn't never worked. I just can't imagine 'Pepperoni' Piazza (old reference) diving for a lead drive or ground ball down the third base line. All he'd come up with most likely was a face full of dirt and a sore groin. He was a true catcher and knew his limitations on the field, which I respect. So why fight over what team he belongs to when he gets his call to the Hall. Remembering him as a Baseball Great should be enough.