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Minnesota Twins: LaTroy Hawkins somehow get Hall of Fame vote

By David Hill

MILWAUKEE, WI - JULY 06: Latroy Hawkins #32 of the Minnesota Twins pitches during a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers on July 6, 1997 at Milwaukee County Stadium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - JULY 06: Latroy Hawkins #32 of the Minnesota Twins pitches during a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers on July 6, 1997 at Milwaukee County Stadium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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For most players, the Hall of Fame will never come calling. Just being named to the ballot is one of the highlights of their career, a final remembrance of their playing days. They fall off the ballot after that one season, drifting into obscurity.

Former Minnesota Twins reliever LaTroy Hawkins appeared to be destined for that fate. He was a solid enough pitcher during his career, serving in a multitude of roles as a major league. However, he never made an All Star Game or received a vote for any major awards. Being named to the ballot would be Hawkins’ final moment in the sun.

Minnesota Twins reliever LaTroy Hawkins gets Hall of Fame vote

However, that is not the case. Hawkins has received at least one vote, as USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale decided to honor the Twins’ reliever. This was essentially a pity vote, one given because he remembered that Hal McRae did not receive a vote during his time on the ballot.

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While one could argue that McRae deserved better, it is hard to make that argument for Hawkins. He was a solid enough pitcher, lasting 21 years in the majors and making appearances with 11 different teams. He was certainly in demand during his playing days.

But that does not change Hawkins’ overall numbers. He posted a lifetime 75-94 record with a 4.31 ERA and a 1.406 WHiP. While he did notch 127 saves, and had three seasons where he saved over 20 games, at no point in time did anyone look at Hawkins and think that he was a Hall of Fame caliber pitcher.

One can understand the sentiment. By giving Hawkins this vote, he will have kept from being shut out on the ballot. He can forever point to that vote and say that one person felt his career was worthy of induction. However, a pity vote, no matter whether or not there was room left on the ballot, does not make sense when far better players are in danger of being dropped entirely.

Next. Three landing spots for Jake Odorizzi. dark

Former Minnesota Twins reliever LaTroy Hawkins received a Hall of Fame vote. That may not even be the strangest result from this ballot.

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