Baseball Hall of Fame: Edgar Martinez’s classy response to rejection

Baseball Hall of Fame nominee, Edgar Martine shows class after his 2018 snub.

Retired Seattle Mariners great Edgar Martinez missed the cut for the 2018 Baseball Hall of Fame class — to the disappointment of baseball fans across the globe. Cooperstown only made room for a quartet of players with Chipper Jones, Vladimir Guerrero, Jim Thome, and Trevor Hoffman as its honorees.

The resume of Edgar Martinez was no doubt worthy of inclusion, with statistics screaming Baseball Hall of Fame status:

Edgar Martinez career resume:

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Seattle Mariners retired number 11

Seattle Mariners Hall of Famer

7-time American League All-Star (1992, 1995–1997, 2000, 2001, 2003)

5-time Silver Slugger Award (1992, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2003)

2-time American League batting champion (1992, 1995)

American RBI crown (2000)

Career batting average: .312

Career hits: 2,247

Career home runs: 309

Career RBI: 1,261

The only knock against his “game” was his subpar defense, where he transitioned over to the role of Designated Hitter in the process. Nevertheless, enough voters from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America deemed four others more worthy of Baseball Hall of Fame status — with Trevor Hoffman no doubt stealing his necessary votes in the process.

The true colors of Edgar Martinez reflected clearly, where he started his day with a thankful approach — with his family by his side during a (potentially) special day.

Unfortunately, a day beginning with promise turned into one of heartbreak and disappointment. But, that didn’t bring Martinez down — in fact, his reaction was a polar opposite.

Instead of wallowing in his sorrow and joining a multitude of fans in saying “insert player” was less worthy than he, Martinez showed real class, recognize those Baseball Hall of Fame honorees.

Edgar Martinez and his wife Holly are active in Puerto Rico relief efforts, making a difference in the lives of many in the process.

Martinez is known for his community service and loving heart, which also reflected on a day when the Baseball Hall of Fame failed to recognize his stellar play on the diamond.

Next: Trevor Hoffman’s emotional Baseball Hall of Fame selection

Edgar Martinez was excluded from the Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2018, but he’s a real legend no matter what the results say. He may not have to wait much longer, however, with 2019 likely the years he breaks through, etching his legacy in Cooperstown.