The Hall of Fame Case: Orlando Cabrera
The likes of Jeff Bagwell and Tim Raines -- and even first-timers like Vladimir Guerrero or Pudge Rodriguez -- shouldn't have too much trouble racking up National Baseball Hall of Fame votes. But there are plenty of other players on the 2017 ballot who require a little more voter-cajoling. Players that may not have the on-field resume, but deserve an impassioned Hall of Fame case nonetheless. Players like …
Orlando Luis Cabrera. Known to his fellow teammates as "O-Cab" and to baseball/teen drama TV series fans as "The OC." Cabrera played for 15 seasons in the big leagues -- winning a World Series with the Red Sox and manning shortstop for the Giants, Indians, Reds, Twins, A's, White Sox, Angels and, most notably, Les Expos. And here, ladies and gentlemen, is why he should be voted into the Hall of Fame.
A franchise legend
It can be argued that Cabrera is the best Expos/Nationals shortstop of all-time. He's second at his position in games played (904), second in homers (66), first in doubles (214), second in hits (877) and second in steals (93). He's the only Expo to play 162 games twice in a tenure, his 17 homers in 2003 are the most ever by a Montreal shortstop and his Gold Glove in '01 is the only one at his position in franchise history. I mean, have you ever seen a smoother triple play?
He may have single-handedly ended Boston's World Series curse
The 2004 Red Sox, 86 years without a World Series, were suffering from injuries and low morale when the July 31 Trade Deadline came rolling around. They were a mediocre 56-45. They knew what they had to do. They traded for O-Cab.
The 29-year-old hit .294 with six homers and 31 RBIs in 58 games -- helping Boston go 42-19 down the stretch and win its first Fall Classic since 1918. Along with hitting a dinger in his first at-bat with the team, Cabrera had a huge two-out, three-RBI double in ALDS Game 2:
Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio ... Orlando Cabrera?
The Splendid Splinter has two of the longest on-base streaks in history -- reaching via a hit, walk or HBP in 84 and 69 straight games. DiMaggio did 70 total during his famous 56-game hitting streak, Bill Joyce reached in 64 consecutive in 1891 and, Cabrera, in 2006, reached in 63 contests. Pretty solid company if you ask me. Right, Orlando?
Right.
His nickname "The OC" will forever remind us of the two greatest teen dramas in television history
First off, "The O.C.," which most people just watched for the intro song.
Secondly, "Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County" which, again, most people just watched for the intro song (and also to see if Stephen chooses LC over Kristin or if Alex M. is dunzo with Jason so Alex M. can ask Cami to winter prom).
He moonlighted as a batboy while with the Reds
Yes, when he was on the DL with Cincinnati in 2010, Cabrera was a "bat-man" for four innings. MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reported on the scene at the time:
"When a foul ball was hit back to the screen, Cabrera popped out of the dugout and retrieved it. When an umpire needed new baseballs, Cabrera brought them out. He even gave water to home-plate umpire D.J. Reyburn between innings."
He was so good that the regular batboy thought he might lose his job. If a moment like this doesn't get a player 75 percent of the vote, then why have a Hall of Fame at all?