As six new players were enshrined in Cooperstown over the weekend, many baseball broadcasts have included discussions of current members and potential future members. During one particular game, one analyst praised the fact that two of the new Hall of Famers spent their entire careers with one team.
He was referring, of course, to Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones and Detroit Tigers shortstop Alan Trammell. Jones received 410 of 422 votes during his first year of Hall eligibility, while Trammell was elected by the Veterans Committee.
It was noted that baseball fans may not see a single year-old make it to Cooperstown for at least another decade, let alone two of them. The announcer identified two future members, Albert Pujols and Adrian Beltre, who have played for several different teams.
However, a cursory look at other stars nearing retirement seems to indicate that we may be seeing another year-old soon. In fact, there could be two or more.
Here’s a list of probable or highly possible players from a team who could establish themselves in Cooperstown after they leave the field.
Yadier Molina of the St. Louis Cardinals
This guy is a no-brainer for Hall of Fame induction in his first year of eligibility, no matter what his offensive stats are. He has been the leading catcher for nearly two decades, has led the Redbirds to multiple World Series appearances, has been selected as a perennial All-Star and remains one of the best clutch hitters in all of baseball.
Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners
Approaching his fourteenth season, King Felix is likely to rack up two hundred wins by the time he hangs it up, which is well short of the coveted three-hundred mark that guarantees enshrinement. However, his era makes it nearly impossible to get more than fifteen wins a year, so that fact, plus a Cy Young Award and six All-Star games, could earn him a plaque.
Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds
His long contract all but ensures that the Canadian will end his playing days at Great American Ball Park, and his numbers are close to HOF statistics.
Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota native has declined since winning the MVP Award as a catcher for the Twins, which could affect his chances of making the Hall. Also, because he is at the end of his current contract with his hometown team, Mauer could be dropped from this list if he signs elsewhere next year.
Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants
Ten years into his career, the catcher is a six-time All-Star with an MVP and Rookie of the Award, but it could be his three World Series Championships that eventually land him in Cooperstown.