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I did follow Baseball somwhat through most of the 70's. I considered him one of the league superstars. His stats were comarable to Brett's over a slightly shorter period of time. However, I don't think you can completely overlook the effect of Fenway. On the road he was a very good, but not great player.
Rice splits:
Home 1048 games 4075 AB 208 hrs 802 rbi .320 avg .374 obp .546 slg 920 OPS
Away 1041 games 4150 AB 174 hrs 649 rbi .277 avg .330 obp .459 slg 789 OPS
I will also quibble over whether he was THE most feared hitter during that period of time. I remember an article somewhere in that time period where that question was asked of league mangers and top pitchers. Nearly unanomously they said Brett.
Overall, yes he belongs in the HOF. But I also understand the reluctance of some to vote him in.
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