I think it is pretty fair to call 2012 the “calm before the storm” given the headache that the potential Hall of Fame Class of 2013 looks to cause.
You know, 2013…the ballot with Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa. Yikes!
That said, there was still an announcement Monday afternoon and, suffice it to say, some good, worthy players on the ballot.
And with close to 86 percent of the vote, Barry Larkin has been voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
I guess the third time really is the charm!
So, on July 22, the longtime Cincinnati Reds shortstop will join “Golden Era” selection Ron Santo, Ford C. Frick Award winner Tim McCarver and J.G. Taylor Spink Award winner Bob Elliott in Cooperstown.
Here’s the break down among the top vote getters.
Barry Larkin (86.4%, 62.1% in 2011)
Jack Morris (66.7%, 53.5%)
Jeff Bagwell (56.0%, 41.7%)
Lee Smith (50.6%, 45.3%)
Tim Raines (48.7%, 37.5%)
Alan Trammell (36.8%, 24.3%)
Edgar Martinez (36.5%, 32.9%)
Two potentially Hall-worthy players branded with the scarlett “S” for steroids failed to gain much ground. Mark McGwire (19.8% in 2011) garnered 19.5% this year. Rafael Palmeiro (11.0% last year) earned 12.6%.
The year’s most notable first ballot player, Bernie Williams, earned 9.6% of the vote.
A complete breakdown of the 2012 Hall of Fame selection is on the way…believe it! And for a look at the 2012 ballot (by the numbers)…click HERE!
Your 2012 Hall of Fame Class:
BARRY LARKIN
Third Year on Ballot
PLAYING CAREER: Cincinnati Reds (1986-2004)
ACHIEVEMENTS: Career batting average of .295, with 2340 hits, 198 home runs, 960 RBI and 379 stolen bases. 1995 National League MVP. 12 All-Star Game appearances (1988-1991, 1993-1997, 1999, 2000 and 2004), 9 Silver Slugger Awards, 3 Gold Gloves and 1990 World Series Champion.
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