Hall of Fame Top 5: Andruw Jones

On July 26th, the Hall of Fame will officially recognize 3 new members. As I have done in years past, I will be honoring these great ball players in my own way throughout the month. Today we look at the career of Andruw Jones, whose historic peak in his 20's eventually won over a staggering decline in his 30's. In tribute to his extraordinary career, I humbly present my 5 favorite cards of his that I own: 

 

1997 Collector's Choice

#1 Andruw Jones (RCL)

 

Jones became a national star at the age of 19. In Game 1 of the 1996 World Series, under the bright lights of  Yankee Stadium, he became the youngest player ever to hit home run in a World Series game. He also homered in his second at-bat in that game, becoming the second player ever to hit two bombs in his first two World Series at-bats.

 

2001 Fleer Genuine

#75 Andruw Jones

 

Andruw's 12 seasons in Atlanta were nothing short of superstar-level. He was a 5-time All-Star. He eclipsed the 30-HR mark 7 times, and drove in over 100 RBI 5 times, including 2005 when he led the league in both categories (51,125) on his way to MVP runner-up. 

 

2008 Upper Deck First Edition

#41 Andruw Jones

 

Not just a premier hitter, Jones was one of the greatest fielding outfielders in modern day history. He won 10 straight Gold Gloves, just the 5th outfielder ever with that many. No outfielder in history has a better career defensive WAR (24.4).

 

2008 Upper Deck First Edition

#385 Andruw Jones

Jones unfortunately is widely remembered for his incredible decline in his 30's. He signed with the Dodgers before the 2008 season and reported to camp out of shape and overweight. Numerous injuries contributed to his worst season ever, hitting just .158 with 3 home runs. The Dodgers released him from the second year of his contract, and over the next 4 years he bounced from the Rangers to the White Sox to the Yankees. He was barely a replacement level player for any of those teams and his career was over by age 35.

 

2022 Stadium Club

#201 Andruw Jones

 

Those last 5 years of his career were so pedestrian that many people believed they overshadowed what he did in Atlanta. He went from a no-doubt Hall of Famer to someone many questioned should even belong. In the end his decade of dominance was enough to get him in. He was an amazing blend of power and defence. Jone is just one of three outfielders with over 400 home runs and at least 10 Gold Gloves, the others being Willie Mays and Ken Griffey Jr.

 

Congrats Andruw Jones! Welcome to the Hall!