Tag

Hall Of Fame

All articles tagged with #hall of fame

sports13 hours ago

Cooperstown shifts: nine-vote Hall of Fame ballot signals a new era

On his 2026 Hall of Fame ballot, the author explains nine votes (returnees Carlos Beltrán, Andruw Jones, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, David Wright, Dustin Pedroia, Andy Pettitte; newcomers Félix Hernández, Torii Hunter) and why he passed on Hamels, Abreu, Buehrle, and Francisco Rodríguez. He argues voting is shifting from counting numbers to star power and peak greatness that changed teams, citing Jones, Utley, Pedroia, Rollins and Wright as examples. He defends Beltrán despite sign-stealing controversy, praises Pettitte’s durability and postseason impact, and uses Hunter vs. Jones and Hernández vs. Hunter comparisons to illustrate evolving criteria. He also notes Posey on deck and the ongoing redefinition of a Hall of Famer.

sports16 hours ago

Chase Utley Emerges as the Best Shot for Hall of Fame’s Overlooked Second Baseman

Baseball’s Hall of Fame faces a rare test for second basemen, with Utley and Pedroia emerging as the strongest candidates on this year’s ballot, while Kendrick and Murphy appear unlikely to gain traction. Since 1962, writers have inducted only five second basemen, underscoring the position’s historical challenge. Utley’s peak era and lifetime 64.6 WAR, plus Pedroia’s MVP-caliber resume (51.8 WAR), anchor their cases, though neither matches the trophy hauls of past inductees. JAWS ranks Utley 12th and Pedroia 20th at the position; Kendrick and Murphy sit outside the top 50. Current voting trackers show Utley around 69% support and Pedroia about 26%, with Kendrick and Murphy far behind. If the pattern holds, Utley currently has the best chance to become the next second baseman enshrined—a milestone for the position’s Hall of Fame narrative.

sports1 day ago

Tomlin’s Steelers era at a breaking point as Flores rises as replacement candidate

Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh tenure hits a breaking point after seven straight playoff losses and a Week 13 blowout sparking calls for change, with Brian Flores emerging as a logical successor given his modern, defensively minded track record and fit in the current coaching market. The Steelers hold Tomlin’s rights through 2027, and Flores’ candidacy underscores a broader cycle of retread coaches; Tomlin’s Hall of Fame case is debated in light of stricter enshrinement rules and uneven postseason results.

sports1 day ago

Miami's NFL Draft Machine Dwarfs Indiana's History Ahead of the CFP Final

The article argues that Miami (The U) has a far more impressive NFL Draft pedigree than Indiana, despite both teams contending for the CFP title. Indiana has had only a handful of first‑round picks since 1967 (last top‑five pick in 1966) and a few notable pros, while Miami has produced hundreds of NFL players, about 40 first‑rounders since 1995, and multiple Hall of Famers (Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Warren Sapp, Edgerrin James, Andre Johnson), plus standout runs of talent in 2001–04. It also notes Indiana quarterback‑to‑be Fernando Mendoza could be the latest top pick, and recalls Indiana legends like Pete Pihos, George Taliaferro, and Antwaan Randle El, underscoring the gulf in NFL pedigree between the programs.

sports2 days ago

Athletic voters reveal nuanced 2026 Hall of Fame ballots: balancing peaks, longevity, and integrity

The Athletic’s 12 BBWAA voters explain their 2026 Hall of Fame ballots, showcasing a range of criteria—from peak performance and longevity to character and context—while weighing PED-era legacies and modern pitcher evaluation, with selections spanning Félix Hernández, Carlos Beltrán, Andruw Jones, Bobby Abreu and others as the class anticipation builds.

sports2 days ago

Nebraska gymnastics legend Jim Hartung dies at 65

Jim Hartung, a Nebraska gymnastics icon and Olympic gold medalist who helped lead the Huskers to five consecutive NCAA titles and earned 22 All-America honors along with seven NCAA individual titles, died at 65. A Nebraska alum (1979–82) and longtime assistant coach since 2006, Hartung also contributed to the sport as a judge and Hall of Fame inductee, shaping one of the nation's top collegiate programs.

sports22 days ago

Legendary Japanese Golfer Masashi 'Jumbo' Ozaki Passes Away at 78

Masashi ‘Jumbo’ Ozaki, a legendary Japanese golfer with 113 tournament wins and a Hall of Famer, has died at 78 due to colon cancer. Known for his long drives and outgoing personality, he was a dominant figure in Japanese golf, winning 94 titles on the Japan Golf Tour and earning the nickname ‘Jumbo’. His career highlights include a highest world ranking of No. 5 and participation in 49 majors, with a top finish of T-6 at the 1989 U.S. Open. Ozaki was also recognized culturally, with a video game and music career, and was related to other professional golfers. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.

sports23 days ago

Japanese Golf Legend Masashi 'Jumbo' Ozaki Passes Away at 78

Masashi 'Jumbo' Ozaki, Japan's most successful golf professional with 94 Japan Golf Tour wins and a Hall of Fame member, passed away at age 78. He was known for his powerful play and charisma, significantly boosting golf's popularity in Japan, and also had a brief career in music. Despite limited success internationally, he competed in over 80 PGA Tour events and was highly ranked worldwide.

sports1 month ago

Belichick, Kraft, and Greenwood Among 2026 Hall of Fame Finalists

Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft are among the five finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, with Belichick as a coach and Kraft as a contributor, both having had significant NFL careers and achievements. The induction process involves a vote where up to three finalists can be selected, and the outcome will be announced during Super Bowl LX week.

sports2 months ago

NBA Legend Lenny Wilkens Passes Away at 88

Lenny Wilkens, a legendary NBA player and coach, and a pioneer for African American coaches, passed away at 88. Celebrated for his Hall of Fame career as a player and coach, Wilkens made significant contributions to the NBA and the coaching community, breaking barriers and inspiring many. His legacy includes numerous records, awards, and his role in advocating for coaches' rights and benefits.

sports2 months ago

NBA Legend and Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens Passes Away at 88

Lenny Wilkens, a legendary NBA player and coach, has passed away at 88. He was a Hall of Famer known for his playing career with multiple All-Star selections and for coaching the Seattle SuperSonics to their only NBA title in 1979. Wilkens also coached several teams, including the Knicks, and set the record for most wins as a head coach before being surpassed. His contributions to basketball extended beyond the court, and he was recognized as one of the greatest in the sport's history.

sports2 months ago

NBA Legend and Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens Passes Away at 88

Lenny Wilkens, a legendary figure in basketball and a Hall of Fame player and coach, has died at age 88. He was instrumental in the Seattle SuperSonics' history, coaching them to their only NBA title and being a celebrated player and coach with numerous accolades, including Olympic gold medals. Wilkens was also known for his community service in Seattle and was honored with a statue outside Climate Pledge Arena.