Former MLB star Andruw Jones, who had his better years with the Atlanta Braves but also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees, was on the Hall of Fame ballot for the sixth time this year.
That means he has four additional shots to enter immortality.
For years, his progress was slow and not particularly promising.
Things changed in 2023, however.
“Andruw Jones should be in the Hall of Fame. 1 of 4 players EVER to win 10 Gold Gloves and hit 400 HR. He was the elite of elite in CF for the @Braves. Good news: He took a good jump tonight from 41% to 58% of the vote. That’s progress, finally,” radio host Andrew Gibson tweeted.
Andruw Jones should be in the Hall of Fame.
1 of 4 players EVER to win 10 Gold Gloves and hit 400 HR.
He was the elite of elite in CF for the @Braves.
Good news: He took a good jump tonight from 41% to 58% of the vote.
That’s progress, finally. 🙏🏻pic.twitter.com/SQnIKOeVav
— Andrew Gibson (@1010XLAG) January 25, 2023
Going from 41 percent to 58 percent of the ballots in just one year represents an excellent development for his Hall chances.
He could, realistically, get in the Hall in a couple of years, although there is an outside chance he wins election in the Class of 2024.
Still, no matter when it comes, he deserves his spot.
His peak was magnificent, and although his performance fell off a cliff at one point, he accumulated enough merits for election.
Not many players can impact the game enough on both offense and defense as he did.
He won 10 Gold Gloves and had a career .823 OPS.
If you think about it, the recently inducted Scott Rolen had an .855 OPS and eight Gold Gloves.
Peak Andruw Jones could hut 35 homers, drive in 100 runs, and play the best center field defense you will ever see.
He was one of the greats, and deserves to get into Cooperstown.