MLB Hall of Fame 2020

Three guys. Three different stories. That's your MLB Hall of Fame class for this year.

The obvious one getting in was Derek Jeter. Brought up in 1995, he became the starter the following season because of Tony Fernandez's injuring his elbow. And the rest is history. Five World Series, over 3,000 hits, many clutch hits and many accolades to a storybook career. Caveats include his defense and the whole wins above replacement nonsense. But he led in a good way. He never had any baggage. No bad image considering New York City. What can else can you say. He was meant for Cooperstown. He'll see that at the end of July.

Last year of eligibility and Larry Walker gets his call. A Montreal call up in 1989, he got better every year with them. Did a lot of damage when he went to the Colorado Rockies in 95. Batting titles, an MVP award in 1997. Gold gloves, most of his All-Star appearances. His stats are not the greatest for what he did for 17 years, but the awards and what he was able to accomplish as an outfielder give him the big recognition. And that's why he's the first ever Rockie in the Hall. Maybe Todd Helton is next to join whenever that happens.

Last is Ted Simmons. A 20 year veteran who spent many years in St. Louis and played for two other teams. A catcher most of his career, he may not have many awards, but his stats are not bad for retiring following the 1988 season. Over 2,400 hits, nearly 1,400 RBI's. One of the guy's the Veteran's Committee thought would be a good addition to Cooperstown. Can't comment on much else, but it seems deserving considering the era of baseball he was in.

This year should be interesting. How much of a crowd will show up? I think bigger than 2007 on account of Jeter. But we'll see if his huge fanbase and the support of Walker's fans make it to the Hall in July.