2017 BBWAA Hall of Fame Ballot
Bagwell, Hoffman and Raines were three of the five players – along with electees Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Piazza – who received at least 67.3 percent of the BBWAA vote in 2016. It marked just the fifth time in the history of the vote that as many as five players reached that percentage – and the first time that it had happened in back-to-back years.
Every player who has ever cleared the 65-percent threshold in any one BBWAA election has eventually been inducted into the Hall of Fame, save for Jack Morris – who exhausted his BBWAA eligibility in 2015 and will not be eligible for the Modern Baseball Era Committee consideration until the fall of 2017.
Bagwell, who won the 1991 National League Rookie of the Year Award and the 1994 NL MVP Award during his 15-year career with the Astros, earned 71.6 percent of the BBWAA vote in 2016 and missed election by only 15 votes. The four-time NL All-Star topped the 30-home run mark nine times and averaged better than 100 runs scored and 100 RBI per season, posting a career .408 on-base percentage and a .540 slugging percentage.
Raines returns to the BBWAA ballot for the 10th-and-final time in 2017, having earned 69.8 percent of the vote a year ago. A seven-time All-Star and four-time NL stolen base champion, Raines compiled a .294 batting average and .385 on-base percentage as one of the game’s top leadoff hitters of his era. He succeeded in 808 of his 954 career stolen base attempts, the best percentage (84.7) of any player with at least 400 steals.
Hoffman debuted on the BBWAA ballot last year with 67.3 percent of the vote, becoming just the sixth player in history to receive between 66.7 and 74.9 percent of the vote in his first year eligible. Each of the five previous players (Roberto Alomar, Yogi Berra, Craig Biggio, Whitey Ford and Gaylord Perry) were elected to the Hall of Fame in either the year after their debut (Alomar Berra and Ford) or in their third year of eligibility (Biggio and Perry).
Hoffman was a seven-time All-Star who was the first pitcher to reach the 600-save plateau, finishing with 601 in a career that spanned 18 years. His career hits per innings pitched ratio of 6.989 is the best of any qualifying relief pitcher and eighth among all pitchers, and his career WHIP (walks plus hits divided by innings pitched) of 1.058 also ranks eighth all-time.
Twelve other players will return to the BBWAA ballot this year, including (in order of their 2016 vote percentage): Curt Schilling (52.3 percent), Roger Clemens (45.2), Barry Bonds (44.3), Edgar Martínez (43.4), Mike Mussina (43.0), Lee Smith (34.1), Fred McGriff (20.9), Jeff Kent (16.6), Larry Walker (15.5), Gary Sheffield (11.6), Billy Wagner (10.5) and Sammy Sosa (7.0). Smith is making his final appearance on the BBWAA ballot.
Welcome to the party
Nineteen players debut on the BBWAA Hall of Fame ballot this year, headlined by a member of the 500 home run club, the most durable catcher in the game’s history and a nine-time All-Star outfielder.
Manny Ramírez compiled a .312 batting average over 19 seasons as an outfielder with the Indians, Red Sox, Dodgers, White Sox and Rays, totaling 555 home runs, 1,831 RBI and 12 All-Star Game selections. A nine-time Silver Slugger Award winner, Ramírez posted 12 seasons with at least 100 RBI, led his league in on-base percentage and slugging percentage three times apiece and helped the Red Sox win World Series titles in 2004 and 2007 – earning World Series MVP honors in 2004.
Ivan Rodríguez appeared in more games as a catcher – 2,427 over 21 seasons – than any player in big league history. A 14-time All-Star Game selection, Rodríguez played for the Rangers, Marlins, Tigers, Yankees, Astros and Nationals – earning a record 13 Gold Glove Awards behind the plate. The 1999 American League Most Valuable Player hit .296 for his career with 2,844 hits, 311 home runs and 1,332 RBI. Rodríguez was named the 2003 NLCS MVP en route to leading the Marlins to the World Series title.
Vladimir Guerrero hit .318 during a 16-year career with the Expos, Angels, Rangers and Orioles, totaling 449 home runs, 2,590 hits and 1,496 RBI. He posted 10 seasons with at least 100 RBI, stole 181 bases and was named the 2004 American League Most Valuable Player. An eight-time Silver Slugger Award winner known for his powerful throwing arm in right field, Guerrero led his league in intentional walks five times and finished with 250 for his career, good for fifth place all-time.
Also debuting on the BBWAA ballot this year are Casey Blake, Pat Burrell, Orlando Cabrera, Mike Cameron, J.D. Drew, Carlos Guillén, Derrek Lee, Melvin Mora, Magglio Ordóñez, Jorge Posada, Edgar Rentería, Arthur Rhodes, Freddy Sánchez, Matt Stairs, Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield.
Returning to the Ballot
Fifteen former players are returning to the 2017 BBWAA ballot after receiving at least five percent of the overall vote in 2016.
- Jeff Bagwell
71.6%
7th year - Tim Raines
69.8%
10th and final year - Trevor Hoffman
67.3%
2nd year - Curt Schilling
52.3%
5th year - Roger Clemens
45.2%
5th year - Barry Bonds
44.3%
5th year - Edgar Martínez
43.4%
8th year - Mike Mussina
43.0%
4th year - Lee Smith
34.1%
15th and final year - Fred McGriff
20.9%
8th year - Jeff Kent
14.0%
4th year - Larry Walker
15.5%
7th year - Gary Sheffield
11.6%
3rd year - Billy Wagner
10.5%
2nd year - Sammy Sosa
7.0%
5th year
Smith is eligible for the BBWAA ballot for the 15th-and-final time, grandfathered onto the ballot following the eligibility rule changes enacted in 2014. Tim Raines is eligible for the BBWAA ballot for the 10th-and-final time.
**Smith is eligible for the BBWAA ballot for the 15th-and-final time, grandfathered onto the ballot following the eligibility rule changes enacted in 2014. Tim Raines is eligible for the BBWAA ballot for the 10th-and-final time.
Candidate Bios
JEFF BAGWELL
Four-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger Award-winner was unanimous choice for NL MVP Award in 1994, and finished in the Top 10 of NL MVP voting five other times. Added a Gold Glove Award at first base to his resume in 1994. The 1991 NL Rookie of the Year went on to lead the league in games played four times and runs scored three times. An Astro for all 15 seasons of his career, his 449 home runs are the most in franchise history.
BBWAA Bio
7th year on ballot…Played 15 seasons, all for the Astros…Four-time All-Star (1994, 1996-97, 1999) and three-time National League Silver Slugger Award winner (1994, 1997, 1999) at first base…Won 1991 National League Rookie of the Year Award…Unanimous winner of 1994 NL Most Valuable Player Award…Finished in Top 10 of NL MVP voting five other times: 1996 (9th), 1997 (3rd), 1999 (2nd), 2000 (7th) and 2001 (7th)…Won 1994 NL Gold Glove Award at first base…Led NL in runs scored three times (1994, 1999-2000), doubles once (1996), RBI once (1994) and walks once (1999)…Led NL in games played four times (1992, 1996-97, 1999)… Scored 100-or-more runs in eight of nine seasons from 1996-2004 and drove in 100-or-more runs seven times in that span…Ranks 28th on career walks list (1,401), 33rd in slugging percentage (.540), 38th in home runs (449, also an Astros record), 39th in on-base percentage (.408), 52nd in RBI (1,529), 65th in runs scored (1,517) and 73rd in total bases (4,213)…Hit better than .300 in six seasons (1993-94; 1996; 1998-2000)…Batted .226 in nine Postseason series, with two home runs, 13 RBI and 19 walks…Played in NLCS in 2004 and 2005…Member of Astros’ 2005 NL Championship team.
CASEY BLAKE
Gritty third baseman reached 20-home run mark three times and 75-RBI mark four times during his 13 year big league career, which including LCS appearances in each year from 2007 through 2009…Finished in Top 5 of his league in assists for third basemen in four seasons.
BBWAA Bio
1st year on ballot…Played 13 seasons with the Blue Jays, Twins, Orioles, Indians and Dodgers…Topped 20-home run mark three times…Recorded 75-plus RBI in four seasons…Appeared in six Postseason series over three seasons, reaching League Championship Series three times from 2007-09 (ALCS with Indians in 2007, NLCS with Dodgers in 2008-09)…Ranked in Top 5 for assists among third baseman in his league four times (2003-04, 2007, 2009).
BARRY BONDS
Baseball’s all-time home run king (762) won seven NL MVP awards – the most league MVPs of any player in history. A 14-time All-Star, 12-time Silver Slugger Award-winner and eight-time Gold Glove Award-winner in left field, he also set the single-season home run mark with 73 in 2001. Led NL in walks 12 times (including a big league-record 232 in 2004), on-base percentage 10 times and slugging percentage seven times. Collected seasons of 100-or-more RBI and 100-or-more runs scored 12 times each. In addition to home runs, is also baseball’s all-time leader in walks (2,558) and intentional walks (688). Ranks among baseball’s 10 best in career runs (third), total bases (fourth), RBI (fifth), slugging percentage (fifth), on-base percentage (sixth) and games played (10th). Powered Giants to NL pennant in 2002.
BBWAA Bio
5th year on ballot…Played 22 seasons with the Pirates and the Giants…14-time All-Star (1990, 1992-98, 2000-04, 2007), eight-time Gold Glove Award winner as left fielder (1990-94, 1996-98) and 12-time Silver Slugger Award winner (1990-94, 1996-97, 2000-04)…Won seven National League Most Valuable Player Awards, the most of any player all-time (1990, 1992-93, 2001-04)…Finished in Top 10 of NL MVP voting six other times: 1991 (2nd), 1994 (4th), 1996 (5th), 1997 (5th), 1998 (8th) and 2000 (2nd)…Finished sixth in 1986 NL Rookie of the Year voting…Set single-season record with 73 home runs in 2001 and also led NL in home runs in 1993 with 46…Led NL in walks 12 times (1992, 1994-97, 2000-04, 2006-07) including a big league-record 232 in 2004…Led NL in on-base percentage 10 times (1991-93, 1995, 2001-04, 2006-07), slugging percentage seven times (1990, 1992-93, 2001-04), batting average twice (2002, 2004), RBI once (1993) and runs scored once (1992)…Scored 100-or-more runs 12 times (1990, 1992-93, 1995-98, 2000-04)…Drove in 100-or-more runs 12 times (1990-93, 1995-98, 2000-02, 2004)…Hit .300-or-better in 11 seasons (1990, 1992-94, 1996, 1998, 2000-04)…Holds career big league records for home runs (762), walks (2,558) and intentional walks (688)…Ranks third in career runs (2,227), fourth in total bases (5,976), fifth in RBI (1,996), fifth in slugging percentage (.607), sixth in on-base percentage (.444), 10th in games played (2,986), 16th in doubles (601) and 33rd in stolen bases (514)…Batted .245 in nine Postseason series, with 37 hits, 33 runs scored, nine home runs, 24 RBI and 52 walks in 48 games…Hit .471 with four homers, six RBI and 13 walks in 2002 World Series against the Angels…Played in NLCS in 1990-92 and 2002…Member of Giants’ 2002 NL Championship team…Won 2001, 2002 and 2004 Hank Aaron Award.
PAT BURRELL
Hit 292 home runs in 13-year career with Phillies, Rays and Giants…Member of World Series winners with 2008 Phillies and 2010 Giants.
BBWAA Bio
1st year on ballot…Played 12 seasons with the Phillies, Rays and Giants…Finished fourth in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2000…Finished seventh in NL Most Valuable Player voting in 2005…Topped the 20-home run mark in nine seasons, including four seasons with 30-or-more…Recorded two seasons with at least 100 RBI…Appeared in seven Postseason series over three seasons, and was member of the 2008 World Series champion Phillies and 2010 World Series champion Giants...Hit five home runs in Postseason play.
ORLANDO CABRERA
Two-time Gold Glove Award winner at shortstop played 15 seasons for the Expos, Red Sox, Angels, White Sox, A’s, Twins, Reds, Indians and Giants…Hit .272 with 2,055 hits and 216 stolen bases…Started for Red Sox 2004 World Series champions.
BBWAA Bio
1st year on ballot…Played 15 seasons with the Expos, Red Sox, Angels, White Sox, Athletics, Twins, Reds, Indians and Giants…Two-time Gold Glove Award winner at shortstop (2001, 2007)…Hit .301 during 2007 campaign with Angels…Played in all 162 games in both 2001 and 2003, with three other seasons appearing in at least 160 games (2004, 2008-09)…Topped 70-RBI mark in five seasons…Led American League in sacrifice flys three times (2006-07, 2009)…Led his league in assists as shortstop three times (2001, 2008-09) and putouts four times (2001, 2003, 2006, 2008)…Appeared in nine Postseason series over six seasons with Red Sox, Angels, White Sox, Twins and Reds, driving in 18 runs in 37 games…Starting shortstop on 2004 World Series champion Red Sox, and hit .379 (11-for-29) in that year’s ALCS vs. the Yankees.
MIKE CAMERON
Three-time Gold Glove Award winning center fielder played 17 seasons for White Sox, Reds, Mariners, Mets, Padres, Brewers, Red Sox and Marlins…Topped 20-homer mark eight times and finished career with 278 home runs to go with 297 stolen bases…Named to 2001 All-Star Game.
BBWAA Bio
1st year on ballot…Played 17 seasons with the White Sox, Reds, Mariners, Mets, Padres, Brewers, Red Sox and Marlins…Finished sixth in American League Rookie of the Year voting in 1997…Three Gold Glove Award winner in center field (2001, 2003, 2006)…Member of 2001 American League All-Star team…Topped 20-homer mark eight times, including career-best 30 home runs in 2004…Drove in at least 70 runs in nine seasons, including 110 in 2001 with Mariners…Stole 30-or-more bases in three seasons…Led his league in putouts among outfielders in 2003 and 2009… Appeared in six Postseason series over four seasons with Mariners, Padres and Brewers…Member of 2001 Mariners team that tied an MLB record with 116 regular-season wins.
ROGER CLEMENS
Eleven-time All-Star won a record seven Cy Young Awards and received Cy Young votes in five other seasons. Named the 1986 AL MVP with Boston and finished Top 10 in league MVP voting five more times. Won the pitching Triple Crown in back-t0-back seasons (1997-98) and led his league in ERA seven times, second only to Lefty Grove (who had nine ERA titles). Also led his league multiple times in shutouts (six times), strikeouts (5x), wins (4x), win percentage (3x), complete games (3x), innings pitched (2x) and games started (once). Tallied six 20-win seasons, 15 seasons with 200-plus innings and 12 200-plus strikeout campaigns. Ranks among the game’s best in career strikeouts (third), games started (seventh) and wins (ninth). A two-time World Champion with the Yankees (1999, 2000).
BBWAA Bio
5th year on the ballot… Pitched 24 seasons for Red Sox, Blue Jays, Yankees and Astros…Six 20-win seasons, 15 seasons with 200-plus innings and 12 200-plus strikeout campaigns…Won record seven Cy Young Awards (1986-87, 1991, 1997-98, 2001, 2004)…Received Cy Young Award votes five other times: 1988 (6th), ’90 (2nd), ’92 (3rd), 2000 (6th) and ’05 (3rd)…Won 1986 AL Most Valuable Player Award and finished in Top 10 of league MVP voting in 1990 (3rd), 1991 (10th), 1997 (10th), 2001 (8th) and 2004 (8th)…Named to 11 All-Star teams (1986, 1988, 1990-92, 1997-98, 2001, 2003-05); started games in 1986, 2001 and 2004…Finished sixth in 1984 AL Rookie of the Year voting…Won AL pitching Triple Crown in 1997 and 1998, leading league in wins, ERA and strikeouts…Led his league in ERA seven times, the second-most all-time (1986, 1990-92, 1997-98, 2005), and complete games three times (1987-88, 1997)…Ranks 3rd all-time in strikeouts (4,672), 7th in games started (707) and 9th all-time in wins (354)…Led league in shutouts six times (1987-88, 1990-92, 1997), strikeouts five times (1988, 1991, 1996-98), victories four times (1986-87, 1997-98), winning percentage three times (1986, 2001, 2004), innings pitched twice (1991, 1997) and games started once (1991)…Appeared in 24 Postseason series (nine Division Series, nine League Championship Series and six World Series), posting a 12-8 record with a 3.75 ERA in 35 games…Member of two WS Championship teams (Yankees: 1999, 2000).
J.D. Drew
Starting right fielder on the Red Sox’s 2007 World Championship team who followed up by winning the All-Star Game MVP in 2008…Reached the 20-home run mark five times in his career and finished with a career OPS of .873, buoyed by a career on-base percentage of .384…Finished sixth in the NL MVP voting in 2004 while a member of the Braves…Led his league in fielding percentage among right fielders in three different seasons.
BBWAA Bio
1st year on ballot…Played 14 seasons with the Cardinals, Braves, Dodgers and Red Sox… Finished 6th in 2004 National League Most Valuable Player Award voting…Named 2008 American League All-Star Game MVP after going 2-for-4 with a homer and two RBI…Batted .300-or-better twice (2001, 2004), scored 100-or-more runs once (2004) and recorded 100-or-more RBI once (2006)…Reached 20-home run plateau in five seasons (2001, 2004, 2006, 2009-10)…Finished in Top 10 of his league among in bases on balls twice (2004, 2009)…Led his league in fielding percentage among right fielders three times (2004, 2009-10)…Appeared in 13 Postseason series over eight seasons with Cardinals, Braves, Dodgers and Red Sox, totaling seven home runs and 25 RBI in 55 games…Starting right fielder for Red Sox team that won the 2007 World Series.
VLADIMIR GUERRERO
Nine-time All-Star and 2004 American League MVP played 16 seasons for Expos, Angels, Rangers and Orioles…In addition to his 2004 MVP, finished in Top 10 of his league’s MVP voting five other times and won eight Silver Slugger Awards: Seven in the outfield and one as a designated hitter…Drove in 100-or-more runs 10 times, batted .318 for his career and totaled 449 career home runs.
BBWAA Bio
1st year on the ballot…Played 16 seasons with Expos, Angels, Rangers and Orioles…Nine-time All-Star Game selection…2004 American League Most Valuable Player Award winner after hitting .337 with 39 home runs, 126 RBI and a league-leading 124 runs scored…Finished in Top 10 of his league’s MVP voting an additional five times: 2000 (6th), 2002 (4th), 2005 (3rd), 2006 (9th), 2007 (3rd)…Eight-time Silver Slugger Award winner for his work in right field and at designated hitter…Named 2010 winner of Edgar Martinez Award as the game’s best designated hitter…Finished sixth in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 1997…Led league in hits once (2002) and total bases twice (2002, 2004)…Hit .300 or better 13 times, including 12 seasons in a row from 1997-2008…Topped the 30-home run mark eight times (1998-2002, 2004-06)…Drove in 100-or-more runs 10 times (1998-2002, 2004-07, 2010)…Scored 100-or-more runs in six seasons (1998-2002, 2004)…Tallied 200-or-more hits four times (1998, 2002, 2004, 2006)…Led league in intentional walks five times (2000, 2005-08)…Posted 30 homer/30 steal seasons twice (2001-02)…Led league in assists among right fielders three times (2001-02, 2004)…Ranks 24th all-time in slugging percentage (.553), 38th in home runs (449), 49th in total bases (4,506), 56th in batting average (.318) and 57th in RBI (1,496)….Only eight other batters in history have at least a .318 batting average and a .553 slugging percentage: Miguel Cabrera, Joe DiMaggio, Jimmie Foxx, Lou Gehrig, Rogers Hornsby, Stan Musial, Babe Ruth and Ted Williams…Played in 10 Postseason series over six seasons with Angels and Rangers, batting .263 with 17 runs scored and 20 RBI in 44 games…Member of Rangers 2010 AL Championship team.
CARLOS GUILLÉN
Hard-hitting shortstop was named to three All-Star Games in his 14-year career with the Mariners and Tigers…Three-time All-Star Game selection who hit .344 in six postseason series…Starting shortstop for the 2006 American League champion Tigers.
BBWAA Bio
1st year on ballot…Played 14 seasons with the Mariners and Tigers…Three-time All-Star selection (2004, 2007-08)…Finished 10th in American League Most Valuable Player voting in 2006…Hit .300-or-better three times (2004-06)…Scored 100-or-more runs in one season (2006) and recorded 100-or-more RBI in one season (2007)…Reached 20-home run plateau twice (2004, 2007)…Appeared in six Postseason series over three seasons with Mariners and Tigers, hitting .344 with two homers and seven RBI in 19 games…Member of AL pennant-winning Tigers team of 2006.
TREVOR HOFFMAN
The second-most successful closer in baseball history with 601 saves, will make his ballot debut. Hoffman, who used a devastating changeup to overwhelm hitters for 18 seasons, was the first pitcher to reach the 500- and 600-save milestones. A major key to the Padres’ run of success in the late 1990s, Hoffman pitched in seven All-Star Games, led the NL twice in saves and recorded at least 30 saves in 14 out of 15 seasons from 1995-2009. He was a top-10 finisher in the NL Cy Young Award four times (1996-99, 2006) who also finished among the top-10 in league MVP voting twice (1997, 2006). In addition to his remarkable saves total, Hoffman possesses the second-most games finished (856) and 11th-most games pitched (1,035) in major league history.
BBWAA Bio
2nd year on ballot…Pitched 18 seasons for Marlins, Padres and Brewers…Ranks second in ML history in saves (601), and was the first pitcher to reach both 500- and 600-save milestones…Also ranks second all-time in games finished (856) and 11th all-time in games pitched (1,035)…Named National League Fireman of the Year by the Sporting News in 1996 and 1998…Won the NL Rolaids Relief Award in 1998 and 2006…Finished in Top 10 of NL Cy Young Award voting four times: 1996 (5th), 1998 (2nd), 1999 (6th), 2006 (2nd)….Finished in Top 10 of NL MVP voting twice (1997-7th, 2006-10th)…Also won 2004 Hutch, 2006 Lou Gehrig Memorial and 2008 Branch Rickey Awards…Seven-time All-Star (1998-2000, 2002, 2006-07, 2009)…Led NL in saves twice (1998, 2006)…Recorded 53 saves in 1998, tied for fifth-highest single-season total in history, and also set ML record (since surpassed) with 41 consecutive converted save chances…Posted at least 30 saves in 14 of 15 consecutive seasons (1995-2002; 2004-2009)…Ranks second to Mariano Rivera in seasons with 20-plus saves (15) and 30-plus saves (14), and is tied with Rivera for most seasons with 40-plus saves (nine)….Ranks seventh among pitchers with 6.99 career hits-per-nine innings average…Also ranks eighth all-time in career walks plus hits per innings pitched (1.058) and ninth in strikeouts-per-nine innings (9.36)...MLB award for best NL reliever named in his honor…Holds Padres all-time team records for most saves (552), ERA (2.76) and games pitched (902)…Pitched in six career Postseason series with Padres, going 1-2 with a 3.46 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 12 games…Earned a combined three saves and a win in the 1998 National League Division and Championship series while striking out 11 hitters in 7.1 innings…Member of Padres’ 1998 NL Championship team.
JEFF KENT
Five-time All-Star who collected four Silver Slugger Awards at second base. The 2000 NL MVP finished among Top 10 in league MVP voting three other times and hit 351 home runs while at the keystone sack – the most ever hit by a second baseman. Tallied eight seasons with at least 100 RBI, three seasons with at least 100 runs scored and three seasons with a .300-or-better average. Helped power Giants to the NL pennant in 2002.
BBWAA Bio
4th year on the ballot…Played 17 seasons with the Blue Jays, Mets, Indians, Giants, Astros and Dodgers…Named to five All-Star Games (1999-2001, 2004-05)…Won four Silver Slugger Awards at second base (2000-02, 2005)…Named 2000 National League Most Valuable Player and finished in Top 10 of NL MVP voting in three other seasons: 1997 (8th), 1998 (9th), 2002 (6th)…Hit .300 or better in three seasons (2000, 2002, 2007)…Drove in 100-or-more runs eight times (1997-2002, 2004-05) and scored 100-or-more runs three times (2000, 2002, 2005)…Hit 20-or-more homers in 12 seasons and reached the 30-homer mark three times (1998, 2000, 2002)…Led NL in extra base hits once (2002-81) and in sacrifice flys twice (1998-10; 2001-13)…Defensively, led all NL second basemen in assists once (2001-390) and double plays once (2002-113)…Tied for 27th on career doubles list (560) and ranks 54th on career RBI list (1,518)…His 351 home runs as a second baseman are most ever at the position…Posted eight seasons with 20 home runs and 100 RBI, the most by any 2B in MLB history…Appeared in 49 Postseason games over 11 series, hitting .276 with nine home runs, 25 runs scored and 23 RBI…Member of Giants’ 2002 National League Championship team.
DERREK LEE
Three-time Gold Glove Award winner at first base and two-time All-Star played 15 seasons for Padres, Marlins, Cubs, Braves, Orioles and Pirates…Won Silver Slugger Award in 2005 when he led the National League with a .335 batting average, 50 doubles, 393 total bases and 199 hits.
BBWAA Bio
1st year on ballot…Played 15 seasons with the Padres, Marlins, Cubs, Braves, Orioles and Pirates…Two-time All-Star (2005, 2007)…Three-time Gold Glove Award winner at first base (2003, 2005, 2007)…Finished in Top 10 of National League MVP voting twice: 2005 (3rd) and 2009 (9th)…Won National League Silver Slugger Award in 2003 at first base…Led National League in batting in 2005 (.335) and recorded two additional seasons (2007, 2009) with average better than .300…Led National League in hits (199), doubles (50), slugging percentage (.662) and total bases (393) in 2005…Led NL in games played with 162 in 2002…Totaled nine seasons with at least 20 home runs, including four with 30-or-more…Drove in at least 100 runs twice (2005, 2009) and scored 100 runs once (2005)…Led NL first basemen in assists twice (2002, 2005) and double plays twice (2001-02)…Appeared in six Postseason series over four seasons with Marlins, Cubs and Braves, hitting .243 in 27 games…Members of Marlins’ 2003 World Series Championship team.
EDGAR MARTÍNEZ
Seven-time All-Star won five Silver Sluggers and twice finished among Top 10 in AL MVP voting (1995, 2000). A .300-or-better hitter in 10 different seasons, Martínez is one of only nine players in history with 300 homers, 500 doubles, a career batting average higher than .300, a career OBP higher than .400 and a career slugging percentage higher than .500. Ranks as the Mariners’ all-time leader in runs, doubles, walks, RBI, extra-base hits and total bases. MLB named its award for the most outstanding designated hitter in his honor in 2004.
BBWAA Ballot
8th year on the ballot…Played 18 seasons, all with the Mariners…Named to seven All-Star Games (1992, 1995-1997, 2000-2001, 2003)…Won five Silver Slugger Awards (1992, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2003)…Finished third in American League MVP voting in 1995 and 6th in 2000…Won AL batting titles in 1992 (.343) and 1995 (.356)…Led the league in OBP three times (1995, 1998-99) and finished in the top five in seven other years…Led the AL in games played (145) and runs scored (121) in 1995…Led the league in doubles twice (1992, 1995) and RBI in 2000…Hit .300 or better in 10 full seasons (1990-92, 1995-2001)…Drove in 100-or-more runs six times (1995-98, 2000-01) and scored 100-or-more runs five times (1992, 1995-97, 2000)…One of only nine players in history with 300 homers, 500 doubles, a career batting average higher than .300, a career OBP higher than .400 and a career slugging percentage higher than .500…Became only the fifth player in the 20th century to hit 50 doubles in two consecutive seasons (1995-96)…Ranks as the Mariners all-time leader in runs (1,219), doubles (514), walks (1,283), RBI (1,261), extra-base hits (838) and total bases (3,718)…Posted sterling 1995 ALDS against New York when he hit .571 (12-for-21) and was on base 18 times in five games and set the record for single-game Postseason RBI with seven…In 34 career Postseason games (1995 ALDS and ALCS; 1997 ALDS; 2000 ALDS; and ALCS and 2001 ALDS and ALCS) hit .266 (34-for-128) with eight homers and 24 RBI…Won the Roberto Clemente Award in 2004, the same year that MLB renamed the Outstanding Designated Hitter Award in his honor, presented annually.
FRED McGRIFF
Five-time All-Star who won three Silver Slugger Awards at first base and finished in the top 10 of MVP voting six times. Paced his league in home runs twice and games played once. Hit 30-or-more home runs 10 times, including seven straight seasons from 1988-94. Also drove in 100-or-more runs eight times and hit .300-or-better four times. Ranks 28th all-time with 493 homers. Member of the 1995 World Series Champion Atlanta Braves.
BBWAA Bio
8th year on the ballot…Played 19 seasons with the Blue Jays, Padres, Braves, Devil Rays, Cubs and Dodgers…A five-time All-Star (1992, 1994-96, 2000)…Won three Silver Slugger Awards (1989, 1992-93) at first base and finished in the top 10 of MVP voting six times: 1989 (6th), 1990 (10th), 1991 (10th), 1992 (6th), 1993 (4th) and 1994 (8th)…Tied for the league lead in games played in 1995 with 144 and paced the league in homers in 1989 (36) and 1992 (35)…Hit 30-or-more home runs in seven straight seasons from 1988-94 and three more times in 1999, 2001 and 2002…Hit .300-or-better four times (1990, 1994, 1999 and 2001)…Drove in 100-or-more runs eight times (1991-93, 1996, 1999-2002) and scored 100-or-more runs twice (1988, 1993)…Won the All-Star MVP Award in 1994…Won a World Series with the 1995 Atlanta Braves (.261 average, with five runs scored and three RBI) and a career .303 Postseason batting average in 50 games (57-for-188) with 10 homers and 37 RBI in 10 series (1989 ALCS; 1993 NLCS; 1995 NLDS, NLCS and WS; 1996 NLDS, NLCS and WS; 1997 NLDS and NLCS) …Had a .992 fielding percentage at first base…Ranks tied for 28th all-time in home runs (493), 46th in RBI (1,550), 45th in walks (1,305), 50th in extra base hits (958), 53rd in total bases (4,458) and 32nd in intentional walks (171).
MELVIN MORA
An infielder/outfielder at the start of his career who found a home at third base for the Orioles in the mid-2000s…Finished 18th in the 2004 American League MVP voting after leading the league with a .419 on-base percentage to go along with a .340 batting average en route to the Silver Slugger Award… A two-time All-Star Game selection who hit 20-or-more home runs in three seasons and drove in at least 100 runs in two seasons.
BBWAA Bio
1st year on ballot…Played 13 seasons with the Mets, Orioles, Rockies and Diamondbacks…Two-time All-Star selection (2003, 2005)…Won Silver Slugger Award for American League third basemen in 2004…Led American League in on-base percentage in 2004 with mark of .419…Hit .300-or-better in two seasons (2003-04)…Drove in 100-or-more runs twice (2004, 2008)…Scored 100-or-more runs in one season (2004)…Topped 20-home run mark three times (2004-05, 2008)…Led AL third baseman in putouts in 2004 (122) and double plays in 2008 (28)…Appeared in two Postseason series with Mets in 1999, hitting .400 with a home run and two RBI in nine games.
MIKE MUSSINA
Five-time All-Star pitcher recorded 11 seasons with at least 15 victories and in 2008 became the oldest pitcher to post his first career 20-win season at age 39. Received Cy Young Award votes in nine different seasons and won seven AL Gold Gloves Awards on the mound. Led the AL in games started twice, wins once, winning percentage once, shutouts once, innings pitched once, and walks per nine innings pitched (WHIP) once. Owns the sixth-best winning percentage (.638) of any pitcher with at least 250 career victories. Won a total of 270 games and appeared in 16 different postseason series, including two World Series as member of the AL champion Yankees in 2001 and 2003.
BBWAA Bio
4th year on the ballot… Pitched 18 seasons for Orioles and Yankees…One 20-win season (2008), and at 39 years he became the oldest pitcher to record his first 20-win campaign…11 total seasons with at least 15 wins (1992, 1994-97, 1999, 2001-03, 2006, 2008)…Received Cy Young Award votes nine times: 1992 (4th), 1994 (4th), 1995 (5th), 1996 (5th), 1997 (6th), 1999 (2nd), 2000 (6th), 2001 (5th) and 2008 (6th)…Named to five All-Star teams (1992-94, 1997, 1999)…Won seven Gold Glove Awards (1996-99, 2001, 2003, 2008)…Led American League in games started twice (1996, 2008), wins once (1995), winning percentage once (1992), shutouts once (1995), innings pitched once (2000) and walks per nine innings pitched once (1995-2.0)…Finished in top five in AL earned-run average rankings seven times (1992, 1994-95, 1999-2001, 2006)…Among modern-era pitchers with at least 250 victories, only Lefty Grove, Christy Mathewson, Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson and Grover Cleveland Alexander have a better career winning percentage than Mussina’s .638 mark…Ranks 22nd all-time in strikeouts-to-walk ratio (3.583), 19th in strikeouts (2,813), 33rd in wins (270), 33rd in games started (536) and 39th in winning percentage (.638)…Appeared in 16 Postseason series (nine Division Series, five League Championship Series and two World Series), posting 7-8 record with a 3.42 ERA in 23 games…Member of Yankees’ 2001 and 2003 American League Championship teams.
MAGGLIO ORDÓÑEZ
Six-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger Award winner in right field played for White Sox and Tigers in 15-year career…Won 2007 American League batting title with .363 mark en route to a second-place finish in the MVP voting…Hit .309 for career with 294 home runs and 1,236 RBI.
BBWAA Bio
1st year on ballot…Played 15 seasons with White Sox and Tigers…Six-time All-Star (1999-2001, 2003, 2006-07) and three-time Silver Slugger Award winner (2000, 2002, 2007) in right field…Finished fifth in 1998 American League Rookie of the Year voting…Finished in Top 10 of AL MVP voting twice: 2002 (8th) and 2007 (2nd)…Hit .300-or-better in 10 seasons (1999-2003, 2005, 2007-10)…Recorded at least a .300 batting average in 10 seasons (1999-2003, 2005, 2007-10)…Led American League with 54 doubles and .363 batting average in 2007…Led AL in sacrifice flys in 2000 with 15….Recorded at least 100 RBI in seven seasons (1999-2002, 2006-08) and scored 100-or-more runs in four seasons (1999-2000, 2002, 2007)…Reached 20-home run plateau eight times, including four seasons (1999-2002) with 30-plus home runs…Tallied 300-or-more total bases in six seasons (1999-2003, 2007)…Recorded 200-plus hits (216) in 2007…Led AL right fielders in assists in 2000 (15) and in fielding percentage in 2007 (.996)…Appeared in six Postseason series over three years with White Sox and Tigers…Member of Tigers’ 2006 AL Championship team.
JORGE POSADA
Part of five World Series-winning teams with Yankees in a 17-year career spent entirely with Bronx Bombers…In 15 of those seasons, participated in the postseason…Named to five All-Star Games and won Silver Slugger Award five times as a catcher…Compiled .273 batting average with 275 home runs…Led AL in assists twice.
BBWAA Bio
1st year on ballot…Played 17 seasons, all with Yankees…Five-time All-Star (2000-03, 2007) and five-time Silver Slugger Award winner (2000-03, 2007) at catcher… Finished in Top 10 of AL MVP voting twice: 2003 (3rd) and 2007 (6th)…Hit a career-high .338 in 2007…Drove in career-best 101 runs in 2003…Topped 20-homer mark eight times (2000-04, 2006-07, 2009)…Led American League catchers in putouts three times (2001-03), assists twice (2003, 2005) and double plays once (2004)…Appeared in 29 Postseason series over 15 seasons, hitting .248 with 11 home runs and 42 RBI…His 125 Postseason games rank second all-time and his 103 Postseason hits rank fourth all-time…Member of Yankees 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2009 World Series Championship teams.
TIM RAINES
An All-Star selection in seven straight seasons (1981-87), Raines led the NL in stolen bases four times. Also finished in the Top 10 in NL MVP voting three times and received a Silver Slugger Award in 1986. Hit at least .300 in seven full seasons and scored at least 100 runs in six. Owns the second-highest stolen base percentage (84.7) of any player with at least 300 attempts, and compiled the fifth-most stolen bases (808) in major league history. Led NL outfielders with 21 assists in 1983. Won two World Series titles with the Yankees in 1996 and 1998.
BBWAA Bio
10th and final year on the ballot…Played 23 seasons with Expos, White Sox, Yankees, A’s, Orioles and Marlins…Named 1981 National League Rookie Player of the Year by the Sporting News…Seven-time All-Star, consecutively (1981-87)…Named 1987 All-Star Game MVP…Finished in the Top 10 in NL MVP voting three times 1983 (5th), 1986 (6th), 1987 (7th)…Received NL Silver Slugger Award in 1986…Led NL in stolen bases four times (1981-84), runs twice (1983, 1987)…Won 1986 NL batting title (.334)…Led league in on-base percentage once (1986) and doubles once (1984)…Six 100-runs seasons…Seven full seasons of hitting .300 or better, four times finishing in the top 10 in average…Sixteen seasons of 10 or more stolen bases, 11 times finishing in the top 10… Ranks second all-time for highest stolen-base percentage (300 or more attempts) with 84.7…Led NL outfielders with 21 assists in 1983…Hit for the cycle on Aug. 16, 1987…Twice collected switch-hit home runs in one game…Hit three home runs in one game (April 18, 1994)…Ranks 5th all-time in stolen bases (808) and 54th all-time in runs (1,571)…Member of two World Championship teams with the Yankees (1996, 1998)…Hit .270 (34-126) in 34 career Postseason games.
MANNY RAMÍREZ
Named to 12 All-Star Games in 19 seasons with Indians, Red Sox, Dodgers, White Sox and Rays…Won nine Silver Slugger Awards in left field…Won 2002 AL batting title and was named 2004 World Series Most Valuable Player…Led his league in on-base percentage three times and slugging percentage three times…Member of World Series winning teams in Boston in 2004 and 2007…Finished career with .312 batting average, 555 home runs and 1,831 RBI.
BBWAA Bio
1st year on ballot…Played 19 seasons with Indians, Red Sox, Dodgers, White Sox and Rays…Twelve-time All-Star (1995, 1998-2008) and nine-time Silver Slugger Award winner (1995, 1999-2006) as outfielder…Finished second in 1994 American League Rookie of the Year voting…Finished in Top 10 of AL MVP voting nine times: 1998 (6th), 1999 (3rd), 2000 (6th), 2001 (9th), 2002 (9th), 2003 (6th), 2004 (3rd), 2005 (4th) and 2008 (4th)…Named American League Hank Aaron Award winner twice (1999, 2004)…Hit .300 or better in 11 seasons (1995-97, 1999-2004, 2006, 2008), including American League-best .349 in 2002…Reached 100-RBI mark in 12 seasons (1995-96, 1998-2006, 2008), including AL-best 165 RBI in 1999…Scored 100-or-more runs six times (1998-99, 2003-05, 2008)…Topped 30-homer mark 12 times (1995-96, 1998-2006, 2008), including five seasons with 40-plus home runs and an American League-best 43 home runs in 2004…Led American League in on-base percentage three times (2002-03, 2006) and slugging percentage three times (1999-2000, 2004)…Totaled more than 300 bases in 10 seasons (1996-2001, 2003-05, 2008)…Appeared in 23 Postseason series over 11 seasons, hitting .285 with 29 home runs and 78 RBI…His 29 Postseason home runs and 72 walks each rank first all-time and his 78 Postseason RBI rank second all-time…His 67 runs scored and 117 hits in the Postseason each rank third all-time and his 111 Postseason games rank fifth all-time…Won World Series MVP with Red Sox in 2004…Member of Red Sox 2004 and 2007 World Series Champion teams.
EDGAR RENTERÍA
Five-time All-Star played 16 seasons for Marlins, Cardinals, Red Sox, Braves, Tigers, Giants and Reds…Won three Silver Slugger Awards at shortstop and also won two Gold Glove Awards…Drove in winning run in Game 7 of the 1997 World Series, an 11th-inning, walk-off win for the Marlins, and was named the 2010 World Series Most Valuable Player with the Giants…Posted .286 career batting average with 2,327 hits.
BBWAA Bio
1st year on ballot…Played 16 years for Marlins, Cardinals, Red Sox, Braves, Tigers, Giants and Reds…Five-time All-Star (1998, 2000, 2003-04, 2006) and three-time Silver Slugger Award winner (2000, 2002-03) at shortstop who also took home Gold Glove Awards in 2002 and 2003…Hit .300 or better in four seasons (1996, 2002-03, 2007)…Reached the 100-RBI mark once (2003) and scored 100-or-more runs twice (2005-06)…Appeared in 15 Postseason series over seven seasons, hitting .252 with 37 runs scored in 66 games…Drove in World Series-winning run in bottom of 11th inning in Game 7 of 1997 World Series and was named the MVP of the 2010 World Series with the Giants.
ARTHUR RHODES
1st year on ballot…Pitched 20 seasons with Orioles, Mariners, Athletics, Indians, Phillies, Marlins, Reds, Rangers and Cardinals…Named to 2010 All-Star Game at the age of 40…Appeared in 900 games, 839 as a reliever…Struck out 1,152 batters for an average of 8.7 per nine innings pitched…Appeared in 12 Postseason series over six seasons, working in 29 games with a 4.05 ERA…Member of 2011 Cardinals World Series Championship team.
BBWAA Bio
1st year on ballot…Pitched 20 seasons with Orioles, Mariners, Athletics, Indians, Phillies, Marlins, Reds, Rangers and Cardinals…Named to 2010 All-Star Game at the age of 40…Appeared in 900 games, 839 as a reliever…Struck out 1,152 batters for an average of 8.7 per nine innings pitched…Appeared in 12 Postseason series over six seasons, working in 29 games with a 4.05 ERA…Member of 2011 Cardinals World Series Championship team.
IVÁN RODRÍGUEZ
14-time All-Star and 1999 American League MVP played 21 seasons for Rangers, Marlins, Tigers, Yankees, Astros and Nationals…won 13 Gold Glove Awards and seven Silver Slugger Awards as a catcher…Won 2003 NLCS MVP en route to World Series title with Marlins…Appeared in 2,427 games as a catcher, the most in history.
BBWAA Bio
1st year on ballot…Played 21 seasons with Rangers, Marlins, Tigers, Yankees, Astros and Nationals…Fourteen-time All-Star (1992-01, 2004-07) and seven-time Silver Slugger Award winner (1994-99, 2004) as catcher…Won 1999 American League Most Valuable Player Award and finished in Top 10 of AL MVP voting in three other seasons: 1996 (10th), 1998 (10th) and 2004 (10th)…Won 13 Gold Glove Awards (1992-2001, 2004, 2006-07), the most of any catcher and tied for second-most all-time among position players…Finished fourth in 1991 American League Rookie of the Year voting…Hit .300 or better in 10 seasons (1995-2002, 2004, 2006)…Reached 100-RBI mark in 1999 when he drove in a career high 113 runs…Scored 100-or-more runs twice (1996, 1999)…Hit 20-or-more home runs five times (1997-2001)…Among players who appeared in at least 50 percent of their career games as a catcher, has most hits (2,844) and doubles (572)…Appeared in 2,427 games as a catcher, the most in MLB history…Ranked first in his league in caught stealing percentage nine times (1992, 1996-2001, 2005-06)…Led all catchers in his league in assists five times (1995-98, 2008) and putouts twice (1996, 1998)…All-time leader in career putouts as a catcher with 14,864…Appeared in nine Postseason series over five seasons, hitting .255 with four home runs and 25 RBI in 40 games…Named 2003 NLCS MVP with Marlins…Member of Marlins 2003 World Championship team.
FREDDY SÁNCHEZ
Starting second baseman for the Giants during their 2010 World Series-winning campaign…Won the 2006 NL batting title with the Pirates with a .344 average…Three-time All-Star Game selection who hit .297 during his 10-year big league career…Led big leagues with 53 doubles in 2006 and led NL in double plays turned as a second baseman in 2007 and 2008.
BBWAA Bio
1st year on ballot…Played 10 years for Red Sox, Pirates and Giants…Three-time All-Star as third baseman and second baseman (2006-07, 2009)… Hit .300 or better in two seasons (2006-07), including career-high .344 in 2006 when he won the National League batting title…Led majors with 53 doubles in 2006 and also tallied 200 hits that year…Led NL in double plays as a second baseman twice (2007-08)…Appeared in three Postseason series with Giants in 2010, hitting .254 in 15 games…Member of Giants 2010 World Championship team.
CURT SCHILLING
Six-time All-Star pitcher compiled three 20-win seasons, nine seasons with 200-plus innings and five 200-plus strikeout campaigns over a 20-year career. Also recorded three 300-strikeout seasons, third-most in history. Finished among Top Five in Cy Young Award voting four times, including three second-place finishes (2001, 2002, 2004). Also finished in Top 10 of league MVP voting twice. Led his league in strikeout-to-walk ratio (five times), complete games (4x), games started (3x), victories (2x), strikeouts (2x), innings pitched (2x) and winning percentage (once). Owns best strikeout-to-walk ratio (4.383) of any modern-era pitcher, and ranks 15th all-time in punchouts (3,116). Excelled in postseason, compiling a career 11-2 record (.846 win percentage is third-best all-time) with a 2.23 ERA in 19 games. Set single-season postseason record with 56 strikeouts in 2001, when he went on to win co-MVP honors in the World Series with the Diamondbacks. Pitched for three World Series champions: 2001 Diamondbacks, 2004 and 2007 Red Sox.
BBWAA Bio
5th year on the ballot… Pitched 20 seasons for the Orioles, Astros, Phillies, Diamondbacks and Red Sox…Three 20-win seasons (2001-02, 2004), nine seasons with 200-plus innings (1992-93, 1997-98, 2000-02, 2004, 2006) and five 200-plus strikeout campaigns (1997-98, 2001-02, 2004), including three seasons with at least 300 strikeouts (1997-98, 2002)…Only two pitchers (Randy Johnson and Nolan Ryan with six apiece) have recorded more seasons with 300 strikeouts… Received Cy Young Award votes four times, finishing second in the balloting three times: 1997 (4th), 2001 (2nd), ’02 (2nd) and ’04 (2nd)…Finished in Top 10 of league MVP voting in 2001 (10th) and ’02 (10th)…Named to six All-Star Games (1997-99, 2001-02, ’04), drawing starting assignments in 1999 and 2002…Led his league in strikeout-to-walk ratio five times (2001-04, ’06), complete games four times (1996, ’98, 2000-01), games started three times (1997-98, 2001), victories twice (2001 and ’04), strikeouts twice (1997-98), innings pitched twice (1998, 2001) and winning percentage once (2004)…Ranks 15th all-time in strikeouts (3,116)…One of only four pitchers with at least 3,000 career strikeouts and fewer than 1,000 walks…Ranks third all-time in strikeout-to-walk ratio (4.383) and first in that category among non-active pitchers who pitched after 1900…Appeared in 12 Postseason series (four Division Series, four League Championship Series and four World Series), posting a 11-2 record with a 2.23 ERA in 19 games (all starts)…Ranks third in Postseason winning percentage (.846) and fifth all-time in Postseason victories (11)…Set single-season Postseason record with 56 strikeouts in 2001…Won 1993 NLCS Most Valuable Player Award and shared 2001 World Series MVP Award with Randy Johnson…Won 1995 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, 2001 Branch Rickey Award, 2001 Hutch Award and 2001 Roberto Clemente Award…Pitched in Postseason for three World Series champion teams (2001, 2004, 2007).
GARY SHEFFIELD
Nine-time All-Star won five Silver Sluggers (one at third base and four more as an outfielder), and finished among Top 10 in league MVP voting six times. Compiled eight 30-plus home run seasons, including two with 40-or-more (1996, 2000). Also hit at least .300 in eight full seasons, recorded 100-plus RBI eight times and scored 100-plus runs seven times. Paced his league in average and total bases in 1992, and on-base percentage in 1996. Ranks 21st all-time in walks (1,475), 25th in home runs (509) and 27th in RBI (1,676). Member of the 1997 World Series champion Marlins.
BBWAA Bio
3rd year on the ballot…Played 22 seasons for Brewers, Padres, Marlins, Dodgers, Braves, Yankees, Tigers and Mets…Named to nine All-Star Games (1992-93, 1996, 1998-2000, 2003-05)…Won five Silver Slugger Awards: One as third baseman (1992) and four as outfielder (1996, 2003-05)…Finished in Top 10 of his league’s Most Valuable Player voting six times: 1992 (3rd), 1996 (6th), 2000 (9th), 2003 (3rd), 2004 (2nd), 2005 (8th)…Hit 20-or-more home runs in 14 seasons, including eight with 30-or-more and two (1996, 2000) with at least 40 home runs…Recorded at least 100 RBI in eight seasons (1992, 1996, 1999-2001, 2003-05), and scored 100-or-more runs in seven seasons (1996, 1999-2000, 2003-05, 2007)…Led league in batting average once (1992: .330), total bases once (1992: 323) and on-base percentage once (1996: .465)…Posted a .300-or-better batting average in eight full seasons (1992, 1996, 1998-2003)…Ranks 21st all-time in walks (1,475), 26th in home runs (509), 28th in RBI (1,676) and 33rd in total bases (4,737)…Appeared in nine Postseason series over six seasons with Marlins, Braves and Yankees, hitting .248 with six home runs, 19 RBI and 27 runs scored in 44 games…Member of 1997 World Series champion Marlins.
LEE SMITH
Seven-time All-Star reliever ranks third all-time in saves (478) and was the first pitcher to reach the 400-save milestone. Retired as all-time major league leader in saves and games finished (802, now third-most). Received three Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Awards (two in NL, one in AL) and finished among Top 10 in league Cy Young Award voting four times. Also placed eighth in 1991 NL MVP Award voting. Led the NL in saves three times and AL in saves once, and compiled thirteen consecutive seasons with 20-plus saves, 10 seasons with 30-plus saves and three seasons with 40-plus saves. Still holds NL career record for most consecutive errorless games (546) by a pitcher. Tied for 12th all-time in games pitched.
BBWAA Bio
15th and final year on the ballot…Pitched 18 seasons for Cubs, Red Sox, Cardinals, Yankees, Orioles, Angels, Reds and Expos…Ranks third in ML history in saves (478)…Retired as all-time major league leader in saves and games finished (802)…Tied for 12th in games pitched (1,022)…Named National League Fireman of the Year by the Sporting News in 1991… Named American League Fireman of the Year by the Sporting News in 1994…Named NL Co-Fireman of the Year by the Sporting News in 1983 and ’92…Won the NL Rolaids Relief Award in 1991 and 1992 and AL Rolaids Relief Award in 1994…Finished 8th in 1991 NL MVP Award voting…Finished in Top 10 in NL Cy Young Award voting three times in 1983 (T9th), 1991 (2nd), and 1992 (4th)…Finished in Top 10 in AL Cy Young Award balloting in 1994 (5th)…Seven All-Star teams (1983, 1987, 1991-95), with a 5.40 ERA in five ASG innings…Led NL in saves three times (1983, ’91-92) and AL in saves once (1994)…Thirteen consecutive seasons with 20-plus saves (1983-95), 10 seasons with 30-plus saves, and three seasons with 40-plus saves…Holds Chicago Cubs all-time team record for most saves…Holds NL career record for most consecutive errorless games by a pitcher (546)…Two League Championship Series (1984, ’88); with one save in 5 1/3 LCS innings.
SAMMY SOSA
Seven-time All-Star won the 1998 NL MVP and finished in the Top 10 of league MVP voting six other times. Collected six Silver Slugger Awards in the outfield, and topped the 30-homer mark 11 times, including seven times with 40-or-more and three times with better than 60 home runs (1998-99, 2001). Paced the league three times in total bases, three times in runs scored, three times in games played, twice in homers and twice in RBI. Drove in 100-or-more runs nine times, scored 100-or-more runs five times and hit at least .300 in four full seasons. Ranks eighth all-time in home runs (609) and 28th all-time in RBI (1,667).
BBWAA Bio
5th year on ballot…Played 18 seasons with Rangers, White Sox, Cubs and Orioles…Seven-time All-Star (1995, 1998-2002, 2004) and six-time Silver Slugger Award winner in outfield (1995, 1998-2002)…Won 1998 National League Most Valuable Player Award and finished in Top 10 of NL MVP voting six other times: 1995 (8th), 1999 (9th), 2000 (9th), 2001 (2nd), 2002 (9th) and 2003 (8th)…Topped the 30-homer mark 11 times, including seven times with 40-or-more and three times with better than 60 home runs (1998-99, 2001)…Led NL in home runs twice (2000, 2002)…Drove in 100-or-more runs nine times (1995-2003), including leading the NL in RBI twice (1998, 2001)…Scored 100-or-more runs in five seasons (1998-2002), leading NL in runs scored three times (1998, 2001-02)…Led NL in total bases in three seasons (1998-99, 2001)…Led NL in games played in three seasons (1995, 1997, 1999)… Recorded at least a .300 batting average in four full seasons (1994, 1998, 2000-01)…Ranks eighth all-time in home runs (609), 29th all-time in RBI (1,667), 31st in extra-base hits (1,033) and 38th in total bases (4,704)…Led all right fielders in his league in putouts three times (1990, 1995, 2001) and assists twice (1995, 1997)…Appeared in three Postseason series, batting .245 with two home runs and seven RBI in 15 games…Won 1998 Roberto Clemente Award and 1999 NL Hank Aaron Award.
MATT STAIRS
MLB’s all-time record holder for pinch-hit home runs with 23 over the course of his 19-year big league career…A member of 13 different teams spanning 12 franchises, a record for non-pitchers…Finished 17th in AL MVP voting in 1999 with Athletics after hitting 38 homers, driving in 102 runs and posting an .899 OPS.
BBWAA Bio
1st year on ballot…Played 19 seasons with Expos, Red Sox, Athletics, Cubs, Brewers, Pirates, Royals, Rangers, Tigers, Blue Jays, Phillies, Padres and Nationals …Holds record for most career pinch-hit home runs with 23…Played for 13 different teams (12 franchises), a record for MLB position players…Appeared in eight Postseason series over four seasons…Member of 2008 Phillies World Championship team.
JASON VARITEK
Three-time All-Star played 15 seasons, all with Red Sox…Won one Silver Slugger Award and one Gold Glove Award at catcher…Led all AL catchers in putouts three times…Member of 2004 and 2007 Red Sox World Championship teams.
BBWAA Bio
1st year on ballot…Played 15 seasons, all with Red Sox…Three-time All-Star (2003, 2005, 2008) and 2005 Silver Slugger Award winner as catcher…Won 2005 American League Gold Glove Award…Reached 20-home run mark three times (1999, 2003, 2005)…Led American League in putouts for catchers three times (1999, 2004, 2007)… Appeared in 14 Postseason series over seven seasons, hitting .237 with 11 home runs and 33 RBI in 63 games… Member of Red Sox 2004 and 2007 World Championship teams.
BILLY WAGNER
A 16-year veteran with the Astros, Phillies, Mets, Red Sox and Braves, recorded 422 career saves —the second-highest total among left-handed relievers and fifth-highest overall. The seven-time All-Star used a wipe-out slider to keep hitters at bay; his career walks plus hits per nine innings pitched (WHIP) ratio of 0.998 is the lowest mark of all-time among relievers with at least 500 innings pitched. His career 2.31 ERA is also extraordinary, as it’s the lowest among left-handers who have pitched at least 500 innings in the live-ball era.
BBWAA Bio
2nd year on ballot…Pitched 16 seasons with Astros, Phillies, Mets, Red Sox and Braves…Finished Top 10 in NL Cy Young Award voting twice (1999-4th, 2006-6th)…Recorded 422 career saves, second-highest among left-handed relievers and sixth overall…Career walks plus hits per innings pitched ratio (WHIP) of 0.998 is lowest among all relievers with at least 500 innings pitched…Career 2.31 ERA is lowest among left-handed pitchers with at least 500 innings pitched in live-ball era…Seven-time All-Star (1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007-08, 2010)…Won 1999 NL Rolaids Relief Award…Led NL in games finished twice (2003, 2005), and finished among league top five in saves four times (1999, 2003, 2006, 2010)…Set record (since surpassed) for highest single-season strikeout per nine innings rate among relievers (14.95) in 1999…Recorded 12 seasons with 20-plus saves, nine seasons with 30-or-more and two with 40-or more (2003, 2006)…Finished a historic no-hitter that included six Astros pitchers vs. Yankees on June 11, 2003…Pitched in eight career Postseason series, posting a 1-1 record with 21 hits and 13 runs allowed, while striking out 13 in 11.2 innings…One League Championship Series with Mets (2006); with one save in 2.2 innings.
Tim Wakefield
Won 200 games over 19 seasons with Pirates and Red Sox…Member of Red Sox 2004 and 2007 World Series winning teams, and posted 2-0 record with 3.00 ERA in two complete games for Pirates in 1992 NLCS…Named to 2009 All-Star Game and won 2010 Roberto Clemente Award.
BBWAA Bio
1st year on the ballot… Pitched 19 seasons for the Pirates and Red Sox…Finished third in 1992 National League Rookie of the Year voting after going 8-1 with a 2.15 ERA in 13 starts…In the 1992 NLCS, the rookie knuckleballer was 2-0 with two complete game wins… Finished third in 1995 AL Cy Young voting…Named to 2009 American League All-Star Team… Won 15-or-more games four times (1995, 1998, 2005, 2007)…Holds Red Sox career record for innings pitched with 3,006.0…Won 2010 Roberto Clemente Award…Appeared in 11 Postseason series over nine years, posting 5-7 record with 6.75 ERA…Member of 2004 and 2007 Red Sox World Championship teams.
LARRY WALKER
Five-time All-Star outfielder won the 1997 NL MVP with Colorado after batting .366 and leading the NL in home runs (49), total bases (409, the 18th-best single-season total in history), on-base percentage (.452) and slugging percentage (.720). Also became just the 14th player in NL history to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases that season. Finished in the Top 10 in NL MVP voting in three other seasons (1992, 1995, 1999). Captured three batting titles, along with three Silver Slugger Awards. Also won seven Gold Glove Awards for his play in right field. Led NL in slugging percentage twice (1997 and 1999), and his .565 career mark ranks 12th all-time. Hit at least .300 in nine seasons, recorded 100-plus RBI in five seasons and scored 100-plus runs four times. Member of the 2004 Cardinals NL champion club.
BBWAA Bio
7th year on the ballot…Played 17 seasons with Expos, Rockies and Cardinals…Won 1997 National League Most Valuable Player Award, hitting .366 with NL-leading totals in home runs (49), total bases (409, the 18th-best single-season total in history), on-base percentage (.452) and slugging percentage (.720)…Led NL in batting three times: 1998 (.363), 1999 (.379) and 2001 (.350)…Won seven Gold Glove Awards (1992-93, 1997-99, 2001-02) and three Silver Slugger Awards (1992, 1997, 1999) as a outfielder…Finished seventh in 1990 NL Rookie of the Year Award voting with Expos…Named to five All-Star Games (1992, 1997-99, 2001)…Received NL Most Valuable Player Award votes in eight seasons, finishing in Top 10 four times: 1992 (5th), 1995 (7th), 1997 (1st), 1999 (10th)…Led NL in slugging percentage twice (1997 and 1999), and his .565 career mark ranks 12th all-time…Posted 30-homer/30-steal season in 1997 with 49 home runs and 33 stolen bases, becoming just the 14th different NL player to reach that milestone…Drove in at least 100 runs in five seasons (1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002)…Hit better than .300 in nine seasons (1992, 1994-95, 1997-2002)…Scored 100-or-more runs in four seasons (1997-99, 2001)…In six Postseason series, batted .230 with 18 runs scored, seven home runs and 15 RBI…Two NLCS with Cardinals (2004-05)…Member of Cardinals’ 2004 NL Championship team.
