Yes - he was a 24 time all-star selection, compiled 3630 hits, and is widely considered the best left fielder of all time, and is in the Hall of Fame. But for OUR money, the fact that he played the harmonica on Hee Haw in 1994 AND made an album of harmonica songs? THAT is what makes someone famous.
Apparently, only one player had the foresight to pick him up and squeeze him, thereby discovering that he had gone bad.
(d) February 1st, 1999