The Baseball Writers’ Association of America announced the induction of two new members into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Tuesday night: Carlos Beltrán and Andrew Jones. For the former, it was the fourth ballot he had appeared on before getting the nod, while the latter took nine tries to reach baseball immortality.
Funny enough, the two players were born one day apart, with Jones coming into the world on April 23 and Beltrán bursting on the scene on April 24 back in 1977.
A total of 425 ballots
were cast, making it necessary to earn at least 319 votes to get in. The 11 blank ballots received this year were the most since 2011, and the average ballot had 5.8 names checked.
Next in line was Chase Utley, who was the only other former player to crack the 50% mark at 59.1% on his third ballot. Former Detroit Tiger Rick Porcello was among the first-balloters who fell short of the threshold to appear a second time, earning just two votes — both unknown.
It is worth mentioning that this year’s inductees do not come without controversy. Many remember Beltrán for his significant role in the Houston Astros’ cheating scandal, and a large share of folks feel like he does not deserve to be in the Hall because of it.
Between the past and present issues of PEDs, and a myriad of other wild inconsistencies, the drama continues in Cooperstown.
So, fellow Tigers fans, what are your thoughts on this year’s ballot? Is Beltrán undeserving? Did King Felix get snubbed? Will any of the legendary dopers like Alex Rodriguez ever get in? LOL Porcello?
Let us know what you are thinking in the comments below.
