A lot of baseball broadcasts have talked about the six new inductees as well as potential future inductees since six new players were added to Cooperstown over the weekend. An analyst during a certain game praised the fact that two of the newest Hall of Famers played their entire careers for just one team.
He was obviously referring to shortstop Alan Trammell of the Detroit Tigers and third baseman Chipper Jones of the Atlanta Braves. Jones was elected by the Veterans Committee, while Trammell received 410 of the 422 votes cast during his first year of eligibility for the Hall.
Baseball fans might not see even one one-year player make it to Cooperstown, much less two of them, for at least another ten years, it was pointed out. Albert Pujols and Adrian Beltre, who have both played for multiple teams, were mentioned as two future inductees who are a lock.
But a quick glance at other famous players who are getting close to retirement seems to suggest that we will soon see another one-year player. Yes, there may be two or more.
Here is a list of one-team players who are likely to be inducted into Cooperstown after their career is over.
Yadier Molina from the St. Louis Cardinals
No matter what his offensive numbers are, this guy is a lock for the Hall of Fame induction in his first year of eligibility. He has been the top catcher for almost 20 years, has guided the Redbirds to several World Series appearances, is a recurrent All-Star, and is still one of the best clutch hitters in all of baseball.
Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners
King Felix, who is approaching his fourteenth season, is most likely to finish his career with 200 victories, which is a long way from the coveted 300 victories required to be inducted. That fact, along with a Cy Young Award and six All-Star games, might earn him a plaque because it was nearly impossible to win more than fifteen games per season during his era.
Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds
The Canadian’s long-term contract almost guarantees that he will play out his playing career at Great American Ball Park, and his numbers are approaching those of a Hall of Famer.
Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota native’s performance as a Twins catcher has slipped off since winning the Most Valuable Player Award, which may hurt his chances of being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Mauer could also be removed from this list if he signs with another team after this season because his current deal with his hometown team is about to expire.
Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants
Ten years into his career, the catcher has won both the Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year awards and has been selected to six All-Star games. However, it may be his three World Series championships that propel him to Cooperstown.