how? why? I'll tell you why...Martinez didnt invent the rules, he just played by them...for 35 years DH is a position...I dont really care for it, if it was up to me, I'd get rid of the DH. But because it is a position, the best of the best DH'ers belong in the HOF. Make no mistake about it, Martinez has been the best DH'er that has ever played, and that IS HOF, the best at your position. You say his stats dont blow you away..well you better take another look. His career was short, the only negative you can say about him.....but for 8 solid years, who do you think was a better right handed hitter in the AL???? No question, he has been the best DH'er who ever played
here is 2 stats for you...
1. Since 1945, only three non-active players with at least 7,500 plate appearances exceeded his .418 career OBP — Barry Bonds, Mickey Mantle and Frank Thomas.
2. Martinez is one of only 20 players in major-league history to produce a career batting/on base/slugging line of .300/.400/.500 or better.

borderline??? yeah, okay,

Dawson? hey, I liked him as a player. and I remember his best days at Montreal, as any fan will tell you...he made too many outs...esp. in clutch situations.....always chasing bad pitches to SO when the game was on the line....
oh yeah, his OBP at .323 is really impressive...just who I want at bat with the game on the line.
he may be in the HOF this year..it will be his best shot....IMHO, he is a cut above Dale Murphy and a cut below Jim Rice.
I would still vote no..a HOF should Intimidate and Dominate....dawson didnt...and really failed in the clutch