1.27.20
Last week, the BWWAA voted on the next class of Hall of Famers to be inducted this summer in Cooperstown, New York. Headlining this year’s class was Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. Jeter was inducted on his first ballot, just missing a unanimous vote by 1 voter. On the other end of the spectrum, it was the last year former Expo/Rockies great Larry Walker was on the ballot, and was elected in, passing the threshold by just 6 votes.
Jeter was undoubtedly going to be a first-ballot hall of famer long before the final decision was made. He was an icon in New York where he played his entire career, and was a symbol of hard-work, preparation, and execution. Many of Jeter’s memorable plays are ingrained in the minds of many, including the “flip” in the 2001 ALDS against Oakland, as well as his jump throw in the 1998 ALCS.
Jeter retired in 2014, and in his final at bat in Yankee Stadium, punched a walk off single through the 3-4 hole of the infield.
Larry Walker had quite a prolific career as well. Deciding he would be enshrined with a Rockies cap, Walker posted a 72.7 WAR, with a .313/.400/.565 with a park-adjusted OPS+ of 141 slash line. Walker won the MVP award for the NL in 1997.