Every year, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum inducts the best and brightest players, managers, and executives into the hallowed hall. This year, the 2021 class of inductees is one of the most star-studded rosters in the history of the hall, with some of the greatest names in the sport achieving this ultimate honor. In this article, we’ll take a look at who made it into the Baseball Hall of Fame this year and what their respective careers say about the game we all know and love.
The Inductees
The 2021 Baseball Hall of Fame class is headlined by legendary players Derek Jeter and Larry Walker, as well as former player and manager Ted Simmons and union leader Marvin Miller.
Derek Jeter: The Yankees Legend
Derek Jeter, one of the all-time greats of the New York Yankees, was an obvious first-ballot inductee. In his 20-year career, Jeter amassed 3,465 hits, 260 home runs, and 1,311 RBIs, while leading the Yankees to five World Series titles. He is the all-time leader in hits and doubles with the Yankees, and was a 14-time All-Star, five-time Gold Glove winner, and five-time Silver Slugger. He is also the first player in MLB history to have his number retired by every team in the league. Jeter is a surefire Hall of Famer and an undeniable Yankee legend.
Larry Walker: The Canadian Icon
Another first-ballot inductee, Larry Walker was one of the most decorated Canadians to ever play the game. In his 17 year career, Walker hit 383 home runs, drove in 1,311 RBIs, and was a seven-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner, and three-time NL MVP. He was a member of the 1997 World Series champion Florida Marlins, and is the all-time leader in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage among Canadian players. Walker is a beloved figure in his native Canada and an integral part of the game’s history.
Ted Simmons: The Player-Manager
After 21 years as a player and three as a manager, Ted Simmons earned his place in Cooperstown. In his career, Simmons hit 2,472 hits, 248 home runs, and 1,389 RBIs, while being named to eight All-Star teams. He was also the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit a home run in his first at-bat as a manager. Simmons was an integral part of the Milwaukee Brewers’ 1982 World Series championship team, and is now the first former Brewers’ player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Marvin Miller: The Union Leader
Marvin Miller, the former executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, was also inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. Miller was a transformative figure in the game, leading the charge for free agency and improved player rights. His efforts revolutionized the way baseball is played and paved the way for the game’s current economic landscape. Miller’s induction is a fitting tribute to his immense contributions to the sport.
The Legacy of the 2021 Class
The 2021 Baseball Hall of Fame class is one of the most storied and accomplished groups in the history of the hall. From legendary players to transformative union leaders, this class embodies the spirit of the game and the passion of its fans. The 2021 class will go down in history as one of the best ever, and its members will be remembered for generations to come.