The National Baseball Hall of Fame is an institution that honors and celebrates the greatest players, coaches, managers, and executives in the history of the sport. Each year, a new class of inductees is selected to join the ranks of the Hall of Fame, and the 2022 Baseball Hall of Fame class is shaping up to be one of the most memorable yet. Here is an overview of who are the 2022 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees.
Hall of Fame Voting Process
Before we can look at the 2022 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees, it is important to understand the voting process that takes place. Voting for the Hall of Fame is conducted by members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA). They are the ones who decide which players and executives will be inducted into the Hall of Fame each year.
To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, a player must have been retired for at least five years. This means that players who retired in 2017 or earlier are eligible for the 2022 Hall of Fame class. Each year, the BBWAA releases a ballot with a list of eligible players. Members of the BBWAA then vote on which players they think should be inducted. The players who receive the most votes are inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The 2022 Baseball Hall of Fame Candidates
This year, the BBWAA released a ballot with 35 candidates who are eligible for the 2022 Baseball Hall of Fame. This includes some of the greatest players of all time, such as Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Curt Schilling. Other candidates include Jeff Kent, Larry Walker, and Scott Rolen.
The 2022 Baseball Hall of Fame Inductees
The BBWAA has recently announced the 2022 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees. This year’s class includes three players: Derek Jeter, Larry Walker, and Ted Simmons.
Derek Jeter
Derek Jeter is one of the greatest players in MLB history. He spent his entire 20-year career with the New York Yankees, playing shortstop. He is a 14-time All-Star, 5-time World Series champion, and 5-time Gold Glove winner. He also won the 2000 World Series MVP and was the all-time hits leader among shortstops until 2019.
Larry Walker
Larry Walker is a former outfielder who played for the Montreal Expos, Colorado Rockies, and St. Louis Cardinals. He was a 7-time All-Star, 5-time Gold Glove winner, and 3-time Silver Slugger. He was also the 1997 National League MVP and won the batting title three times. He is the only player in MLB history to have a career batting average of at least .300, with an on-base percentage of at least .400, and a slugging percentage of at least .500.
Ted Simmons
Ted Simmons is a former catcher and first baseman who played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Atlanta Braves. He was an 8-time All-Star and won the Silver Slugger award twice. He was also the first catcher in MLB history to record more than 2,000 hits. He is currently the senior advisor for the Milwaukee Brewers.
Conclusion
The 2022 Baseball Hall of Fame class is one of the most memorable yet, featuring three of the greatest players to ever play the game. Derek Jeter, Larry Walker, and Ted Simmons will join the ranks of the Hall of Fame this year, along with many other legendary players. This induction ceremony will be one to remember and will help to further cement the legacy of these three great players.