Aug 3, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; A view of the Houston Astros logo during the game between the Astros and the Toronto Blue Jays at Minute Maid Park. The Astros defeated the Blue Jays 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jeff Bagwell
Jeff Bagwell falls into a similar discussion to Piazza. Both stood out as one of the best bats in the National League throughout much of their careers but it was during an era tainted with suspicions. As a result Bagwell has been forced to wait, but his turn is coming.
The first baseman hit .297/.408/.540 during his career with 449 home runs and 202 stolen bases. He won a Gold Glove and the MVP Award in 1994, driving in and scoring over 100 runs despite the strike-shortened season.
25 years ago this coming August the Boston Red Sox traded Bagwell to the Houston Astros for veteran reliever Larry Anderson, who threw just 22 innings for Boston before leaving the following offseason as a free agent. Bagwell’s career began with one of baseball’s most lopsided trades and should end in Cooperstown.
He received 55.7% of the vote this year, his 5th on the ballot.
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