On Tuesday evening, the baseball world received news of three new Hall of Fame inductees: Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer, and Todd Helton. These esteemed players earned their place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame with over 75 percent of the vote from the writers, securing their spot in the Hall of Fame’s class of 2025.
However, not all news was celebratory, as the legendary Gary Sheffield once again fell short of the 75 percent threshold, marking the end of his 10-year run on the ballot. While Sheffield’s path to the Hall of Fame is not entirely closed, it will now rely on the Era’s Committee to grant him the coveted induction.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Sheffield garnered just over 63 percent of the vote from the 394 ballots submitted in this year’s Hall of Fame vote.
The vote tally stood as follows:
– Adrian Beltre: 366 votes (95.1%)
– Todd Helton: 307 votes (79.7%)
– Joe Mauer: 293 votes (76.1%)
– Billy Wagner: 284 votes (73.8%)
– Gary Sheffield: 246 votes (63.9%)
– Andruw Jones: 237 votes (61.6%)
– Carlos Beltran: 220 votes (57.1%)
– Alex Rodriguez: 134 votes (34.8%)
– Manny Ramirez: 125 votes (32.5%)
Gary Sheffield’s illustrious 22-year career saw him play for multiple teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, Florida Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, and New York Mets. During his time in the league, Sheffield earned nine All-Star selections and played a pivotal role in the Marlins’ 1997 World Series victory. He also clinched five Silver Slugger Awards and a batting title in 1992. Sheffield’s impressive career yielded 2,689 hits and 509 home runs, with a lifetime batting average of .292.
While Sheffield’s Hall of Fame journey faces a detour, the Eras Committee will have the opportunity to reconsider his candidacy in December of 2024 for potential induction in 2025.