Ivan Rodriguez, Jeff Bagwell and Tim Raines Earn Spots in Baseball Hall of Fame
Bonds and Clemens also saw an increase in votes.
Jeff Bagwell, Ivan Rodriguez and Tim Raines are the newest members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and all will be officially inducted later this year. While this year’s class doesn’t have the once-in-a lifetime, cultural icon-type of a player like Ken Griffey Jr., each of the three aforementioned players are legends in their own right.
Jeff Bagwell was arguably the best first basemen of his era, and sits among the greatest of all time, statistically speaking. He played his entire 15-year career with the Houston Astros earning four All-Star selections and an MVP award in ‘94. He finished his career with 449 home runs, 1,529 RBIs, and a .297 batting average.
Ivan Rodriguez becomes just the second catcher elected on the first ballot, joining the great Johnny Bench. He earned 14 All-Star selections, a World Series ring in 2003, and an MVP award in ‘99. However it’s his 13 Gold Glove awards that will solidified Pudge’s legacy as one of the greatest defensive catchers of the modern era.
Last but certainly not least, Tim Raines got elected to the Hall in his final year of eligibility. Raines is most known for his ability to get on base, as well as his ability to steal bases, having finished his career fifth all-time with 808. Next to Ricky Henderson, he was the best leadoff hitter of the ’80s.
Those that just missed the 75% of votes required include Trevor Hoffman (74 percent), Vladimir Guerrero (71.7 percent), and Edgar Martinez (58.6 percent). Barry Bonds and Clemens also saw an increase in votes this year, each tipping over the 50% marl.
The players that will be added to the ballot next year include Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, Scott Rolen, Andruw Jones, Omar Vizquel, Johan Santana, Johnny Damon and Jamie Moyer.
