George Kelly Marquee Hall of Fame 1973

Kelly played first base for John McGraw's Giants through four straight pennants, 1921 through 1924, and World Series wins in the first two. He led the National League in runs batted in twice, with 94 in 1920 and 136 in 1924, and in home runs with 23 in 1921. He hit three home runs in a game twice, in September 1923 and June 1924.

Over sixteen seasons he had 1,778 hits, 148 home runs, 1,020 runs batted in and a .297 average, and played 1,373 games at first base and 145 at second. His height got him the nickname High Pockets, and his fielding was better regarded than his bat. He also pitched once, in 1917, and won the game.

The veterans committee elected him in 1973. Frankie Frisch, his Giants teammate from 1919 through 1926, sat on that committee, and the selection has been held up as a mistake ever since. His record is that of a good first baseman on very good teams, and the objection has always been that it is not more than that.