In particular because guys like Murphy were voted on during a period when players were bunting the ball for home runs. The writers were comparing them to active guys like McGwire, Sosa, and Bonds, and writing them off immediately given how different their stats were. Of course it turns out these guys were complete frauds but the damage has been done. You have to think even the Contemporary Committee is evaluating Murphy through this filter. So yeah, it absolutely hurts knowing he’s judged against an unfair standard. Compared to his peers, only Schmidt (who was deserving of 100% support) can claim a better performance during the relevant period. That absolutely seems like someone who belongs in the HOF.