Main Gallery, National Baseball Hall of Fame (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The National Baseball Hall of Fame (i.e. Cooperstown) has announced that four players will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year.

The players elected by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America are Chipper Jones (97.2%), Vladimir Guerrero (92.9%) , Jim Thome (89.8%), and Trevor Hoffman (79.9%).

In addition, the Modern Baseball Era Committee elected Jack Morris (87.5%) and Alan Trammell (81.3%) were elected.

Now for a bit about the players:

Chipper Jones

Chipper Jones played from 1993 to 2012 for the Atlanta Braves.  He played Left Field and Third Base, and was an eight time All-Star (1996-1998, 2000, 2001, 2008, 2011, and 2012), one time World Series Champion (1995), and NL MVP in 1999.  He won two Silver Slugger awards in 1999 and 2000, and was the N.L. MVP in 2008.

Vladimir Guerrero

Vladimir Guerrero played for the Montreal Expos, Anaheim Angels/Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Texas Rangers, and Baltimore Orioles from 1996 to 2011.  He played right field and was a designated hitter.  He is a nine time All-Star (1999-2002, 2004-2007, 2010), eight time Silver Slugger (1999, 2000, 2002, 2004-2007, 2010, and was the 2004 A.L. MVP.

Jim Thome

Jim Thome played from 1991 to 2012 for the Cleveland Indians,  Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, and Baltimore Orioles.  He is a five time All Star (1997-1999, 2004, and 2006), a 1996 Silver Slugger, the 2006 A.L. Comeback Player of the Year, the 2002 Roberto Clemente Award winner, and the N.L. Homerun leader in 2003.  He played first base and third base, and was also a designated hitter.

Trevor Hoffman

Trevor Hoffman was a pitcher from 1993 to 2010 for the Florida Marlins, San Diego Padres, and Milwaukee Brewers.   He played for 15 years with the Padres, and had 601 career saves.  He was a seven time All-Star (1998-2000, 2006, 2007, 2009), the 1998 and 2006 N.L. Rolaids Relief Man Award, and the 1998 and 20016 N.L. saves leader.

Jack Morris

Jack Morris was a starting pitcher from 1977 to 1994 for the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays, and Cleveland Indians.  His had a career record of 254 wins and 186 losses with a 3.90 E.R.A. and 2,478 strikeouts.  His longest association was with the Tigers, who he played for from 1977 to 1990.  He was a four time World Series Champion (1984, 1991-1993) winning with the Tigers (1984), Twins (1991), and the Blue Jays (1992-1993).  He was a five time All-Star (1981, 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1991), was the 1991 World Series M.V.P., the 1981 and 1992 M.L.B. wins leader, and the 1983 A.L. strikeout leader.  He would pitch a no-hitter on April 7th, 1984.

Alan Trammell

Alan Trammell was a shortstop for the Detroit Tigers for 20 years between 1977 and 1996. He was a member of the Tigers’ 1984 World Series team, winning the World Series M.V.P. award.  He was a six time All-Star (1980, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990), a four time Gold Glover winner (1980, 1981, 1983, and 1984), and a three time Silver Slugger award winner (1997, 1988, and 1990.)

Both Vladimir Guerrero and Jack Morris have connections with Canada, with Mr. Guerrero playing for the Montreal Expos from 1996 to 2003, and signed a minor league contract in 2012 with the Toronto Blue Jays.  He would ask for, and be granted, his release prior to playing any game for the Blue Jays.  Jack Morris played two seasons for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992 and 1993, helping them to win the World Series in both years.

Congratulations to all the players who were elected to the Hall of Fame.