As a California native, Gilbert, 53, followed Garvey closely during his productive career with the Dodgers and Padres. Gilbert remains baffled at why the Baseball Writers Association of America has not voted Garvey into the Hall of Fame since he first appeared on the ballot in 1993.

With time running out - Garvey has two more years on the ballot and never has received more than 43 percent of the vote (75 percent is needed) - Gilbert embarked on a personal campaign this winter to remind BBWAA voters of Garvey's productive career.

``This is a wrong and I'm trying to right it,'' Gilbert said.

Besides his duties as a deputy district attorney in Mariposa County, Calif., and his part- time gig as a sportswriter for the Mariposa Gazette, Gilbert mailed letters to 40 major newspapers and several Web sites to campaign for Garvey.

Gilbert, who never has met or spoken to Garvey, backs up his support of the former first baseman with strong statistical data ranging from Garvey's 10 All-Star Games to his 2,599 hits, 272 home runs, 1,308 RBIs and .294 average during the less-offensive 1970s and '80s. Garvey, who retired in 1987, also played in a National League-record 1,207 consecutive games from 1976-83 and has the top fielding percentage in the history of first basemen.

But Gilbert hopes his silver bullet is that Garvey is one of only four players in the past 60 years - Boggs, Pete Rose and Stan Musial are the others - to record six 200-hit seasons. Tony Gwynn had only five 200- hit seasons, Rod Carew four and George Brett two. Garvey reached 200 hits in six of seven seasons from 1974-80.

When Garvey first appeared on the ballot, Gilbert expected him to eventually be elected in the manner of former Expos and Mets catcher Gary Carter. That is, to have a strong showing early, then in a year when there are few first-ballot players up for induction, pick up the extra votes needed.

Instead, 12 years later, Gilbert still is waiting. He believes the main reason is that Garvey, considered a gentleman during his playing days, developed image problems after he retired when it was discovered he had maintained relationships with different women at the same time.

``I really think the biggest reason [he hasn't been elected] is his off-field problems contrasted to the image he portrayed when he played,'' Gilbert said. ``He was Mr. Nice Guy. Then it turned out he was having these bicoastal relationships with two women. Then people say, `You hypocrite.' It turns out that his sins are worse than the drug dealers.''

While Garvey is the most prominent Tampa native to be eligible for the Hall of Fame without election, he won't be alone for much longer. Here are several Tampa-area players who enjoyed success in the major leagues and will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in the next few years: