Frank Thomas joins an elite group from the short history of SPBV.  Barry Bonds, Tom Glavine,Randy Johnson 
and Ken Griffey, Jr., and now Thomas are all the overall #1 picks in the five rookie drafts since the 
inception of the league. (Question-Who was the first player selected in the original stocking draft when 
the league formed? Answer at the end of the article.)

I think it's safe to say that all are future Hall of Fame selections(although Bonds selection is clouded 
in the mist of steroids).  They are also all active and all-star caliber players in the current 2006 
season.  In addition, they are important cogs on their teams as our league enters the 90's.  Bonds with 
the Redbirds, Glavine with the Bridegrooms, Johnson with the Greys, Griffey with the Storm and now 
Thomas with the Lighthouse. To underscore the importance of that #1 pick it is worthy to note that all 
the #2 picks in each draft are not necessarily sure Hall of Famers.  Wil Clark, Fred McGriff, John Smoltz, 
Larry Walker and Curt Schilling will all have strong cases made for them when they first appear on the 
ballot, but none is a lock. 

Their are only a handful of other players selected in the first round of the five rookie drafts that have 
a shot at the Hall. Greg Maddux(3-86) is a hands down sure thing, possibly the only other one besides the 
top picks.  Mark McGwire(6-86) would be surefire but, like Bonds, is tainted by the steroid issue.  Barry 
Larkin(7-86) will get some buzz but his career numbers are reduced by his several injuries.  
Raffy Palmiero(10-86) is another drug tainted candidate and the fact that he actually served a suspension 
for usage probably eliminates him from the Hall.  David Cone(4-86), Wally Joyner(5-86), Chuck Finley(8-86) 
and Doug Drabek(9-86) all had outstanding, sub-Hall careers

Outside of Glavine nobody shines in the '87 draft.  Lots of good careers(Matt Williams, Ellis Burks, 
Jack McDowell, David Wells, Paul O'Neill) but no tickets to Cooperstown likely here.

1988 brings up a couple of possibilities who shined at 2B in their careers.  Craig Biggio(4-88) and Roberto 
Alomar(5-88) are both stat worthy candidates and two of the greatest at their positions.  Biggio is a good 
guy, take one for the team(273 HP) type of player and will likely breeze through.  Alomar may have a harder 
time than he expectorates.  A surly attitude and spitting on umpires don't sit well with Hall voters.  
Mark Grace(6-88) and Kevin Brown(3-88) are the best of the rest of the class of '88 and will get some votes.

Besides the aformentioned Griffey and Walker, 1989 brought us a couple of interesting Hall candidates.  
Albert Belle(3-89) was a truly great hitter, one of the most dominant in the 90's, but he did it for only
10 years.  The fact that he's better than a lot of players currently in the Hall will not sway voters when 
they consider this rude and enigmatic player.  He's not likely to get a bust.  Sammy Sosa(8-89) has the raw 
numbers to be an automatic choice but once again steroids and his inability to understand english during 
committee hearings, will likely doom his chances.  Others with excellent careers from this draft include 
Omar Vizquel(4-89), Robin Ventura(5-89), and Steve Finley(10-89).

1990 brought us Thomas and Schilling but the quality really fell off the table after those two. 
Travis Fryman(3-90) and Moises Alou(4-90) are very good career players but nowhere near Hall quality.

Of course, the Hall is too high of a standard when it comes to our purposes.  The players mentioned above 
and several others picked later in first rounds and even early second rounds all play important roles in 
the creation of our teams as we seek to become and remain competitive.  But, having an early first round 
pick surely helps in the process. Look at the rosters of Louisiana and Carolina, both of which had four top 
10 picks in the five rookie drafts, and you see a core to build around in the 90's.  The Greys have Greg Maddux 
and Randy Johnson as co-anchors of the rotation throughout the 90's.  Joe Girardi and Jay Bell anchor two 
important defensive positions.  The Lighthouse has Frank Thomas, Ellis Burks and Barry Larkin batting in the 
middle of the order for the long haul and Kevin Brown as the ace of the staff.

1991 looks so bright you may have to wear sunglasses.  Jeff Bagwell, Ivan Rodriguez, Bernie Williams, 
Kenny Lofton, Chuck Knoblauch, Jim Thome, Mo Vaughn, and Mike Mussina guarantee that several managers will 
go home happy on draft day next year.

Who was the first player to enter the league in the original stocking draft?  Dwight Gooden was selected by 
the Huron River Rats who are now the Lakeport Pilots.  The rest of the top 10?-George Brett, Ricky Henderson, 
Kirby Puckett, Don Mattingly, Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken, Wade Boggs, Nolan Ryan and Eddie Murray.  Not bad.  
Five current and three sure future Hall of Famers.  Nine other Hall of Famers were selected in that stocking 
draft also.