The Major League Baseball Hall of Fame welcomed four new players into its sacred hall. The Baseball Writers Association of America voted in Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, Vladimir Guerrero, and Trevor Hoffman. Five years ago, the BWAA shut out all candidates, shocking many.
Controversial players
Controversial players such as Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, who have failed to get in, are getting closer and closer to the 75 percent needed for induction. From 2010-2013, the writers only voted in four players, angering many. Since 2013, the BBWAA have welcomed in 16 legends, 13 since 2013.
Jones was a definite shoo-in.
Jones has a stellar resume. Chipper Jones is an eight-time All-Star and was the National League MVP in 1999. Jones knocked 468 home runs out of the park. He is third in home runs by a third baseman. Jones now joins former teammates Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz and Braves Manager Bobby Cox in the sacred hall. Jones earned 97 percent of the votes. Jones is the second No. 1 overall draft pick to enter the hall, second to Ken Griffey Jr.
Jim Thome played for six different teams in 22 seasons. Thome entered the record books with his 612 home runs, eighth-most in MLB history. MLB records show that Thome homored every 13.76 at-bats. Only three other players (McGwire, Ruth, Bonds) have lower rates.
Jim Thome shined during his time with the Cleveland Indians.
Jim Thome homered every 13.76 at-bats.
— MLB Stat of the Day (@MLBStatoftheDay) January 24, 2018
Only McGwire, Ruth, Bonds and @Giancarlo818 have lower rates. #HOF2018 pic.twitter.com/gGjhL7qKCU
Other players inducted
Vlad Guerrero manged to earn 92.9 percent of the vote, making him the first Dominican-born position player in the Hall of Fame.
Guerrero became one of the league's most colorful players, putting on a hitting clinic and being named to nice All-Star teams in his 16 year career. He was also named the American League MVP in 2004. He had a batting average of .318 and a powerful slugging percentage of .553. Guerrero spent his career playing for the Montreal Expos, Angels, Rangers and Orioles.
¡Llegó la llamada! Es Oficial!
— Vladimir Guerrero (@VladGuerrero27) January 24, 2018
Thank you Baseball, thank you @baseballhall pic.twitter.com/qZO6ykN5aD
Hoffman became one of MLB's most elite closers, beginning in 1994 with the San Diego Padres. In 16 seasons, he managed to have 20 saves 15 times. Two shoulder surgeries forced him to only make nine appearances in 2003. In 2010, Hoffman entered the history books, becoming the first pitcher with 600 career saves, later retiring with 601 saves, right behind Mariano Rivera. A formal induction ceremony will take place on July 29. This year marks the second time since 1955 that four players entered the hall of fame together.
