In the hallowed halls of Cooperstown, where baseball legends are immortalized, the question of Bartolo Colón’s Hall of Fame candidacy looms large. The barrel-chested Dominican pitcher, known affectionately as “Big Sexy,” certainly left an impressive mark on the sport throughout his illustrious career. His career was highlighted by longevity and performance, but was it enough to earn a spot in Cooperstown?

One of the most compelling arguments in favor of Colón’s Hall of Fame candidacy is his remarkable longevity. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Colón showcased a rare durability that is becoming increasingly scarce in the modern game. Debuting in 1997 with the Cleveland Indians, the right-hander continued to toe the rubber until 2018, donning the uniforms of 11 different major league teams.

Colón’s longevity is not merely a testament to his physical prowess but also to his ability to adapt and evolve. From a flame-throwing phenom in his early years to a crafty, finesse pitcher in his later seasons, Colón demonstrated a keen understanding of his own strengths and limitations. His longevity alone is a testament to his resilience, consistency, and rare ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of professional baseball.

While longevity is a significant factor, the Hall of Fame weighs statistical achievement heavily. Colón’s numbers may not leap off the page, but a closer look reveals a pitcher who consistently contributed at a high level. By the end of his career, he amassed over 3,461 2/3  innings pitched, recording 247 wins, 2,535 strikeouts, and a career ERA of 4.12.

In an era increasingly dominated by advanced metrics, traditional statistics like wins and strikeouts may not carry the same weight they once did. However, Colón’s achievements become more impressive when viewed in the context of his contemporaries. His 247 wins rank him among the top 50 in MLB history and lead all Dominican-born players, showcasing his ability to consistently deliver victories for his teams

The bulk of his peak years from 1998-2005 highlighted the dominance of his youth. He tossed a total of 1,819 2/3 innings over 280 games, including 30 complete games, while posting a 3.94 ERA with 1,425 strikeouts against 639 walks. Colón regularly achieved double digits in the win column and pitched less than 200 innings in just two of those seasons.

Colón then struggled from 2006 to 2009 due to injuries and as well as personal matters off the field, and he ultimately missed the 2010 season due to injury. He returned in 2011 with the New York Yankees at the age of 38, which effectively began the whole next saga of his career. He turned in a decent stint with the Yankees in 2011 before joining the Oakland Athletics in 2012. His two years with the A’s marked a return to success for Colón, specifically in 2013 when he went 18-6 with a 2.65 ERA over 190 innings. He made 30 starts that season, including tossing three complete game shutouts to lead the league.

That success led the New York Mets to acquire Colón’s services for three years. Once again, he continued to display reliability and consistency on the mound. Despite being in his early 40s Colón ate up innings for the Mets and often put them in a place to win ball games. From 2014 to 2016, he served as a veteran leader and helped the Mets remain competitive. Unfortunately, his results trailed off in 2017 and 2018 with other teams, but he still ate up 140 innings in both seasons. While advanced metrics like WAR may not catapult Colón to the top echelons, they also don’t discount his contributions to the various teams he played for over the years.

Colón’s Hall of Fame candidacy gains further momentum when considering his accolades and individual achievements. The right-hander was selected to the All-Star Game four times (1998, 2005, 2013, and 2016), a testament to his consistent excellence over different phases of his career.

In 2005, Colón had a career-best season with the Los Angeles Angels, winning the American League Cy Young Award. His performance that year, where he posted a 21-8 record with a 3.48 ERA and 157 strikeouts, showcased his ability to be a true ace on a contending team. While one exceptional season may not define a career, it certainly adds a glittering jewel to Colón’s overall resume. He finished in the top six for the Cy Young four total times over, all in different phases of his career.

Colón’s impact on the game extends beyond the numbers. His charismatic presence, infectious smile, and the sheer joy he brought to the ballpark endeared him to fans across the league. Baseball, at its core, is an entertainment business, and Colón was a showman who captivated audiences with his flair and unorthodox style.

One iconic moment that encapsulates Colón’s impact occurred on May 7, 2016, when, at the age of 42, he became the oldest player in MLB history to hit his first career home run. The image of Colón chugging around the bases, his helmet flying off, became an instant classic, symbolizing the enduring spirit and unexpected delights that baseball can offer. Oddly enough it was also the home run that encapsulates the collapse of James Shield’s career.

As the debate over Bartolo Colón’s Hall of Fame candidacy continues, it is essential to consider the various facets that make up a player’s legacy. Colón’s longevity, statistical achievements, individual accolades, impact beyond the mound, and character all contribute to a compelling case for his enshrinement in Cooperstown.

However, some may argue that Colón’s numbers fall short of the traditional benchmarks for Hall of Fame induction. He had plenty of seasons with a high ERA and plenty of seasons with a solid ERA in the three range. There is also the matter of his 50-game PED suspension in 2012 and suspected PED usage after surgery in 2010. Still, his unique place in baseball history, his ability to adapt and contribute over two decades, and the joy he brought to the game suggests that he deserves serious consideration. Colón may not be slinging the ball in Dubai at the age of 50, and while he isn’t likely to garner many votes on the ballot, his career and life story are always worth remembering in the annals of baseball history.