Congratulations to Cooperstown Class of 2015

Craig Biggio, John Smoltz, Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson.

Randy Johnson.  In 618 appearances (603 starts), he posted a career record of 303-166 with an ERA of 3.29.   He struck out 4,875 batters and averaged 10.6 strikeouts per nine innings.  He won five Cy Young awards — one with the Mariners in 1995 and four straight with the Diamondbacks from 1999 to 2002. He was also named to 10 all-star teams.

Pedro Martinez.  Martinez posted a 219-100 record in 476 career appearances (409 starts) with a 2.98 ERA in 18 big-league seasons. He won three Cy Young awards (two in the AL and one in the NL) and was named to eight all-star teams

John Smoltz.   From 1988 to 1999, he was dominant starter on one of the best rotations in all of baseball. During that time he was 157-113 with 356 starts, including 14 shutouts.He sat out the 2000 season because of elbow surgery and returned in 2001. He made just five starts that season and then moved to the bullpen to serve as the Braves’ closer, notching 10 saves that season.From 2002 to 2009, he pitched as a closer, notching 144 saves, including 55 saves in the 2002 season. He is the only pitcher with more than 200 career wins (213) and 150 career saves (157).

Craig Biggio.  Biggio missed out on induction by 0.2 percentage points last season, getting 74.8 percent of the vote last season (75 percent is needed). He spent his entire career with the Astros, converting from catching prospect to all-star second baseman. He played in 2,850 games and posted a .286/.363/.433 slash line, including 3,060 hits. He was a seven-time all-star who won five Silver Sluggers and four Gold Gloves.

This was the largest induction class in since 1955. Who were inducted in 1955?

Joe DiMaggio

Ted Lyons

Dazzy Vance

Gabby Hartnett

 

ref:  baseballhall.org,  Seattletimes.com