This weekend, the National Baseball Hall Of Fame will officially induct the two newest members, Fred McGriff and Scott Rolen. As I've done the past few years, I'll be presenting my Top 5 favorite cards in my collection for each new inductee.
Today, I'll do Fred McGriff. The "Crime Dog" was a model of consistency, hitting reaching 30 home run mark 10 times in his career. Here are the top 5 cards in my collection, in chronological order:
1990 Topps #295
McGriff was involved in two of the most noteworthy trades in Toronto history. Originally drafted by the Yankees (but blocked by Don Mattingly), he was traded to Toronto in what was regarded as one of the worst trades in Yankees history. After 5 years in Toronto, he was involved in one of the biggest blockbusters of all time when he and Tony Fernendez were sent to San Diego in exchange for Joe Carter and Roberto Alomar.
1991 Topps #140
In 1989, McGriff hit the first home run ever hit in the Skdome, Toronto's new stadium. He would go on to lead the AL in home runs that season and lead the Jays to the AL East title.
1992 Upper Deck #344
Three years later with San Diego, McGriff would lead the NL in home runs, becoming the first player since the dead-ball era to have led both leagues in home runs. He also made the first of 5 All-Star teams that year.
1994 Leaf #345
In 1993, the Padres traded McGriff to the powerhouse Atlanta Braves. He became a key member of the Braves dynasty, hitting two home runs in the 1995 World Series as he won his first and only World Series ring.
1997 Topps #352
McGriff is one of only two players (Gary Sheffield being the other), to have hit 30 or more home runs for 5 different franchises. From 1988-1997, he hit the third most home runs out of anyone, trailing only the enhanced performances of Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds. Many believe that playing in the PED era hurt his Hall of Fame chances, as his numbers didn't favorably compare to the gaudier numbers of the time. He also fell just 7 home runs shy of the magical 500 career mark. He spent the entire 10 years on the Hall of Fae ballot, reaching a high of only 39.8% of the votes on his final appearance. However, his Hall call came when he was unanimously voted in by the Contemporary Era Committee this past december.
Welcome to the Hall, Fred! I'll be greatly disappointed if you don't name-drop Tom Emansky in your speech!
Good stuff. Very happy he made it in. Bummed me out as a kid when the Padres traded him away.
ReplyDeleteWas disappointing when he wasn't voted in initially, a shame really, but the Hall is better now with him being in. Now can we remove Baines....
ReplyDeleteJust sad that he was a Yankee farmhand and got traded for nothing!
ReplyDeleteLove to watch him as a Brave. To POO POO with the writers, he deserved to be in the HALL! He was loved everywhere he played.
ReplyDeleteRolen's in? Wow.
ReplyDeleteWould have loved if he stayed in Toronto based on the player he was, but the trade to San Diego us one that, from a Toronto standpoint, you make every time, so get why he had to go.
ReplyDeleteMcGriff was clearly better than Rolen. Not even close.
ReplyDeleteI was never a fan of McGriff. I didn't dislike him, just didn't care one way or another. Congrats to him for getting in the HOF.
ReplyDeleteI somehow never knew that he was drafted by the Yankees. Now I'm curious to know what Don's deal was?
ReplyDeleteFun post! Crime Dog was a great player.
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