Even ignoring the sequel and the books, it feels like the "it was all a dream" interpretation only got popular in the past few years.

For the 10-year period, 2005-14, Utley had the 3rd highest WAR in MLB (57.7), behind only Pujols (57.9) and Cabrera (57.8):

www.fangraphs.com/leaders/majo...

For the 10-year period, 2004-13, Utley had the 2nd highest WAR in MLB, behind only Pujols:

www.fangraphs.com/leaders/majo...

Doc’s career was basically 2002–2012. He accumulated the most pitcher WAR during that period, but he didn’t have the typical longevity.

During that same timeframe, 02-12, Utley had the 4th most hitter WAR. Only he didn’t make the majors until ‘03 and wasn’t full time until ‘05.

That’s HoF imo.

(27/) Here are the 101 best twelve-year stretches by Eligible, Scandal Free players not in the Hall of Fame.

(26/) Here are the 101 best eleven-year stretches by Eligible, Scandal Free players not in the Hall of Fame.

Literally all the older teens in Season 1 were played by adults. Most were older in 2016 than the main five kids are in 2025.

A lot of people don't seem to realize that the second you kick a player out of any Hall of Fame, that Hall starts to die. The whole point is the promise of immortality. If admission becomes temporary, pretty soon no ones cares anymore.

(25/) Here are the 100 best ten-year stretches by Eligible, Scandal Free players not in the Hall of Fame.

(24/) Here are the 101 best nine-year stretches by Eligible, Scandal Free players not in the Hall of Fame.

(23/) Here are the 100 best eight-year stretches by Eligible, Scandal Free players not in the Hall of Fame.

(22/) Here are the 103 best seven-year stretches by Eligible, Scandal Free players not in the Hall of Fame.