San Francisco Giants star Jeff Kent deserved better on Hall of Fame ballot

Jeff Kent established himself as one of the best second basemen in the game. One would not be able to tell with how the former San Francisco Giants star was treated on the Hall of Fame ballot.

Kent has fallen off of the ballot after his tenth season, his 46.5% of the vote received this past year the highest percentage that he received. However, that was not even close to the 75% needed in order for Kent to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Former San Francisco Giants star Jeff Kent deserved Hall of Fame induction

He certainly has a resume that would indicate that he deserved better. Kent produced a .290/.356/.500 batting line in his 9537 plate appearances, hitting 377 homers and 560 doubles. The 2000 NL MVP was a five time All Star and four time Silver Slugger, setting the MLB record for homers in a career by a second baseman.

But there were questions about Kent. His career did not truly take off until he joined the Giants, putting his accomplishments into question due to his association with Barry Bonds. Kent was not regarded as a strong defensive second baseman despite finishing just three runs below league average at the position. And he was not exactly the most media friendly personality, something that the writers have tended to hold against players when it comes to the ballot.

Kent will get another chance at immortality. He will likely be on the next Contemporary Baseball Era/Player Ballot, being voted on by his peers instead of the writers. And maybe that will make the difference as the players will be a better judge of Kent’s accomplishments. It might take a couple more years, but Kent will hopefully get his due soon.

Former San Francisco Giants star Jeff Kent deserved far better than he received on the Hall of Fame ballot. Maybe he can get his due with the Veteran’s Committee.