Comparing Rice & Dale

Jim Rice played in Boston, appeared in one World Series, won one MVP, and was voted into the hall of fame. Dale Murphy played in Atlanta, did not make the World Series, won back to back MVP’s, and was not voted into the hall of fame. As two of the best hitters in the 80’s, it’s interesting to compare their stats. Rice edged Dale in most offensive categories, except home runs, stolen bases, and walks.

PL…games...PA……AB.….runs..…hits….2B….3B…HR.…RBI

JR…2009…8755…7949…1221…2385…361…76…378…1410

DM..2099…8781…7715…1183…2054…334…38…394…1229

In 1983 Murphy became the sixth player in major league history to join to the 30/30 Club, with 36 home runs and 30 stolen bases. Rice grounded into over fifty percent more double plays than Murphy.

PL…SB..SB%....BB…..SO……TB…GDP..HBP

JR…57…62%…653…1372…4032…309…64

DM.161...71%...973…1703…3646…198…28

PL…AVG..OBP..SLG..OPS

JR…298…352…502…854

DM..265…346…469…815

Murphy was a superior fielder, playing most of his games in center or right field. He won five straight Gold Gloves. Over 26% of Rice’s appearances came as a Designated Hitter. Almost all the rest came in left field. Rice’s high assist total may have been due to throwing batters out at second on balls hit off the Green Monster.

PL.…FP..…PO……A..…E…DP

JR…980…3103…137…66…19

DM..982…4053…113…71…22

Does Dale deserve to be in the Hall of Fame?