In July of this year, two legends will enter the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Fred McGriff and Scott Rolen. In December of last year, McGriff was decided by unanimous opinion of 16 panels belonging to the Contemporary Era Committee, and Rolen received 76.3% of the votes in the BBWAA vote announced on the 25th (hereinafter Korean time). I was honored after 6 years of qualification.
The BBWAA only selects players based on their career performance. The contemporaneous committee selects a team by gathering the opinions of a professional panel if it is acknowledged as an example for others or in the development of the major leagues, even if the grades are somewhat lacking. Of course, if either side has a history of damaging dignity, such as a steroid scandal or domestic violence, no votes will be given.
Then, who are the candidates for the future Hall of Fame? ESPN posted a corner titled ‘2024-2027 Hall of Fame Preview’ on the 26th. Next year, about nine new players will be on the ballot, and ESPN predicted that Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer, and Chase Utley will be able to challenge the 75% vote rate, which is the standard for inclusion.
But the interesting year is 2025. This is the year that Ichiro Suzuki finally becomes eligible for inclusion in the Hall of Fame after five years of retirement.
Ichiro, CC Sabathia, Dustin Pedroia, Ian Kinsler, Troy Tulowitzki and Felix Hernandez will be newly voted on. Among them, ESPN pointed out that Ichiro, Hernandez, and Sabathia are highly likely to be inducted. In particular, unanimity was expected for Ichiro.
Although Ichiro’s achievements in the major leagues are somewhat exaggerated, the reason for this is that he will be forced to give votes because his achievements are so dazzling.
According to ESPN, Ichiro had a career bWAR of 60.0, one of the lowest among BBWAA-voted players in the last 25 years. He also had fewer homers and fewer walks, and his career OPS+ of 107 was the lowest among Hall of Fame outfielders since 1947. 메이저놀이터
However, if you look at the records related to hits, bWAR and OPS+ are meaningless. ESPN said, “It should not be overlooked that he came to the major leagues after spending 7 full-time seasons in Japan, and that he showed off his unrivaled presence as a wonderful artist in a world where sluggers are rampant.” In 2008, he recorded 262 hits, the most in a season. He stood out for his quick feet, and he made no mistakes in the outfield defense.”
Ichiro recorded 3089 hits and a batting average of 0.311 in his career. These are figures in a category that is difficult to dare to evaluate.
ESPN concluded, “I wouldn’t be surprised if Ichiro gets a unanimous vote like Mariano Rivera.”
Mariano Rivera is the only player in Hall of Fame history to have received a unanimous, or 100%, vote from the BBWAA. Rivera, who only played for the New York Yankees, led the division with his 652 career saves, made 13 All-Star appearances, and won five World Series championships. Rivera, who took off his uniform at the end of 2013, received the support of all 452 BBWAA voters in 2019, his first year of eligibility.