Photo Credit: Associated Press
Cooperstown just got four new residents! Today was the announcement of those who were selected to be enshrined in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. It was the first time four former players were selected since 1955. Now onto the very worthy inductees: John Smoltz, Craig Biggio, Randy Johnson, and Pedro Martinez.
John Smoltz
Smoltz joins former Atlanta Braves teammates Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. The 1996 Cy Young winner is the only pitcher with both 200 wins and 150 saves. He was an eight time All-Star and a member of the 1995 Braves championship team. The Braves retired his number 29 in 2012.
Craig Biggio
Biggio is one of the most iconic players to ever don a Houston Astros uniform, the only uniform he wore during his 20-year career. During that time, he won four Gold Glove awards and five Silver Slugger awards. His biggest claim to fame, however, was breaking the modern day record of hit-by-pitches in 2005. His number seven jersey was retired by the Astros in 2008.
Randy Johnson
Known as the “Big Unit”, Johnson was one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB history. A five-time Cy Young winner, Johnson was a clear choice to be inducted. He has both a perfect game and a no-hitter in his resume. He was a member of the 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks World Series team and was named the MVP of the series. He has also defeated every major league team at least once in his career.
Pedro Martinez
Many might remember him for his incident with Don Zimmer while on the Red Sox, but Martinez was one of the best pitchers during his time in the league. He led the league in ERA, strikeout rate, and WHIP not once, but FIVE times during his career. An eight-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young winner, Martinez was always entertaining to watch.
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