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Toronto Blue Jays: One of the organization’s top players is already off HOF ballot

By Tyson Shushkewich

MAD10 - 02/20/2001 - Jays10 - DUNEDIN, FLORIDA --- Carlos Delgado's back ---- in trainning camp at the Toronto Blue Jays spring trainning facility, Englebert Recreation Complex, in Dunedin, Florida. Pitchers and catchers have already reported with the rest of the position players due to report by tomorrow. (Photo by Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
MAD10 - 02/20/2001 - Jays10 - DUNEDIN, FLORIDA --- Carlos Delgado's back ---- in trainning camp at the Toronto Blue Jays spring trainning facility, Englebert Recreation Complex, in Dunedin, Florida. Pitchers and catchers have already reported with the rest of the position players due to report by tomorrow. (Photo by Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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Carlos Delgado #25 of the Toronto Blue Jays (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
Carlos Delgado #25 of the Toronto Blue Jays (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

The Hall of Fame voting process can be ruthless and unpredictable, which is why one of the Toronto Blue Jays top position players in franchise history is unfortunately already off the ballot.

When you think of the Toronto Blue Jays and hard-hitting players, you usually think of players like Paul Molitor or John Olerud, along with other members of the famed WAMCO batting lineup. For those who only started following the Blue Jays within the past decade, your answer probably leans more towards Jose Bautista or Edwin Encarnacion.

When you dive into the Toronto Blue Jays record books, you do see Molitor and Olerud’s name, but one player, in particular, stands out over the rest.

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Carlos Delgado was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays out of Puerto Rico in 1988, joining the organization as a teenager and making his MLB debut in 1993, exceeding his rookie status the following season in 1994.

He would spend 12 years in a Blue Jays uniform, crafting a .282/.392/.556 slash line with 343 doubles, 336 home runs and 1058 RBI’s. Delgado would suit up in 1423 games for the Blue Jays, finishing 2nd to only Tony Fernandez for games played in franchise history but finishing 1st in plate appearances. Delgado’s best statistical season would come in 2000, where he would suit up in all 162 games while slashing an incredible .344/.470/.664 with 41 home runs and 137 RBI’s. This season would also see Delgado lead the American League in doubles with 57.

As of right now, Delgado sits atop numerous categories in the Blue Jays record books. He leads all Blue Jays position players in slugging percentage (.556%) and OPS (.949%), while also leading in many offensive categories such as runs scored (889), doubles (343), home runs (336), RBI’s (1058), extra-base hits (690), and base on balls (827).

While with the Blue Jays, Delgado would also collect numerous accolades and awards such as the A.L. Silver Slugger Award for a first baseman (3 times) and would be nominated for 2 all-star teams. Delgado would also find himself being added to the Level of Excellence within the Rogers Centre, an honor bestowed to Toronto Blue Jays players/staff who really contributed and succeeded within the organization.

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