Hall Of Fame Top 5: Jeff Kent

 

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. I'm starting things off with the lone inductee nominated by the Contemporary Era Baseball Committee, Jeff Kent.  In tribute to his extraordinary career, I humbly present my 5 favorite cards of his that I own:

 

1993 Leaf #185 Jeff Kent

Kent initially came up with the Blue Jays, but was traded to the Mets in 1992 for David Cone. It was in New York that he started to establish himself as an offensive player, twice hitting 20 home runs in a season. (Something he would do 12 times over his career).

 

1993 Topps #703 Jeff Kent (ASR) 

Thirty-seven players named to the Topps All-Star Rookie Team have been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Ironically, Kent's Hall classmates Andruw Jones and Carlos Beltran also have earned this distinction.

 

 

1994 Collector's Choice #159 Jeff Kent 

Although he hit well for a under-performing Mets team, he was not a good fielder, leading NL second baseman in errors in back-to-back years, and 4 times overall. His offensive production more than made up for his defensive shortcomings.

 

2001 Upper Deck Victory #407 Jeff Kent 

 

After a short stint in Cleveland, Kent joined Barry Bonds and the Giants. It was here that he solidified himself as one of baseball's greats, winning the MVP in 2000 and making 3 out of his 5 All-Star appearances. It was also here that Kent's reputation as someone generally disliked by teammates, fans, and media was put on full display, culminating with a very famous dugout fight with teammate Bonds.

 

2007 Topps #102 Jeff Kent  

After a brief stop in Houston, where he topped Ryne Sandberg's mark for most home runs by a second baseman, Kent finished his career by spending 4 years with the Dodgers. He made his final All-Star game start in 2005, becoming the first player to start an All-Star game for both the the Dodgers and their historic rival Giants. He finished his career after the 2008 season. In addition to his home run record, he also has the second highest slugging percentage at the position, and his ranked third in extra base hits and RBI.

 

Congrats on your accomplishment Jeff Kent. Welcome to the Hall!