Modern Hope Emerges for Hall of Fame’s Overlooked Position

The upcoming Baseball Hall of Fame class announcement on January 20 will spotlight several notable candidates, particularly focusing on a group of second basemen. The candidates include Chase Utley, now in his third year on the ballot, Dustin Pedroia in his second, and first-time nominees Howie Kendrick and Daniel Murphy. This announcement is particularly significant as a second baseman has been elected by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) only five times in the last 64 years.

Historical Context of Second Basemen in the Hall of Fame

Since Jackie Robinson’s induction in 1962, only five second basemen have been elected by the BBWAA: Joe Morgan (1990), Rod Carew (1991), Ryne Sandberg (2005), Roberto Alomar (2011), and Craig Biggio (2015). Other second basemen, like Jeff Kent, have gained entry through the Veterans Committee long after their careers ended. Currently, no players who debuted since 1989 have been inducted through the writers’ votes, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by this year’s candidates.

Profiles of the Candidates

• Chase Utley

  Utley boasts a career total of 1,885 hits, 259 home runs, and a WAR of 64.6. He played a key role in the Philadelphia Phillies’ success during the mid-2000s, contributing to a World Series victory in 2008, despite never winning MVP accolades. His notable peak from 2005 to 2009 saw him lead second basemen in several statistics, although he was overshadowed by contemporaries for awards.

• Dustin Pedroia

  Pedroia, a two-time World Series champion, recorded 1,805 hits and a career WAR of 51.8. His accolades include Rookie of the Year in 2007 and an MVP award in 2008. Despite being an integral part of the Boston Red Sox’s lineup, injuries curtailed his later career, leading to an early retirement in 2021.

• Howie Kendrick

  Kendrick accumulated 1,747 hits and 35.0 WAR during his career. Known for his contact hitting, he made a significant impact in the 2019 World Series, helping the Nationals clinch the title with a critical go-ahead homer.

• Daniel Murphy

  Murphy had 1,572 hits and a WAR of 20.8. He gained prominence during his time with the Mets, especially noted for his performance in the 2015 postseason. After a breakout season with the Nationals in 2016, injuries hampered his production in his final years.

Hall of Fame Voting Trends

As of now, Utley has gained significant traction in the voting process, moving from 39.8% last year to 69.1% this year. Pedroia has also seen a boost, jumping to 26.1%, more than doubling his previous year’s total. However, both Kendrick and Murphy are unlikely to sustain momentum beyond their first year on the ballot.

The Significance of Second Basemen in Baseball History

The limited number of second basemen in the Hall of Fame reflects a broader trend in recognizing players who make pivotal contributions at middle infield positions. The potential induction of Utley or Pedroia would not only honor their individual achievements but also serve as a breakthrough for second basemen who have historically struggled for recognition.

As we approach the Hall of Fame announcement, the outcomes for these candidates will illuminate the ongoing conversation about the recognition of second basemen in baseball’s most prestigious institution.