This will now be our most prominent announcement every year.

When we began Notinhalloffame in 2009, the slow goal was to rank those who were not in major Halls of Fame, but once you climb one hill, you want to climb another, and then another again.  The natural perception when you cover Halls is to think you can come up with one of your own…so we did.

While looking at other sporting nations, we noticed that many had Halls of Fame dedicated to their sporting accomplishments across multiple disciplines.  Yet, the United States of America, the country with the most (and most important) athletic Halls of Fame, does not have one that covers it all.

We changed that four years ago.

Admittedly, this has been an enormous learning process for us, and we continue to figure things out as we go.   Mistakes were made, discoveries were uncovered, and we have completed three years of work and voting on the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.

For those discovering the USAHOF, here is how it works:

We have formed a committee to identify the nominees.  This committee, which has grown in numbers and prestige annually, contains former athletes, writers, bloggers, and others in sports-related fields.

This group voted on athletes to place on the ballot.

Those athletes are then placed in a months-long public vote, where you help decide who enters the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.  Anyone can vote, and all we do at the USAHOF is ensure that you are voting for qualified candidates.

Qualifying is simple, with only two rules in place:

1. Be American
2. Be at least 50 Years old.

For the first four years, we wanted to play “catch-up”.  Considering the plethora of legendary American athletes who qualify, we wanted to induct at least 25 Athletes, five Coaches, and five Contributors to the first four classes.  This will be significantly reduced from year five onward.

Let’s get into it!

Here are the newest inductees to the United States Athletic Hall of Fame:

Contributors (5).

Seymour Siwoff (Statistician) Finished First in the Online Vote: 

In 1952, Seymour Siwoff bought the Elias Sports Bureau, which had been compiling baseball statistics since 1913. Siwoff, like many others, was enamored of statistics and appreciated the phenomenal work of Elias, but felt it could be much more.

Under Siwoff, his company provided stats that appeared obscure at the time, such as day/night splits, lefty vs. righty, and home/away splits. It would be the vaulting point for advanced statistics and an entirely new way of looking at the game.

Siwoff, who ran the company until he passed away in 2019, expanded the organization to cover statistical support for the National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Soccer, and multiple television and radio stations.

Seywoff becomes the first statistician to enter the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.

Bucko Kilroy (Football Executive) Finished Second in the Online Vote: 

Frank “Bucko” Kilroy played 13 seasons in the NFL, all for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he won two NFL Championships and was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection. When his career ended in 1956, Kilroy became an assistant coach for the Eagles before moving into scouting. After two years as a scout for Philadelphia, he moved on to similar roles with Washington and Dallas. With the Cowboys, Kilroy helped convince ownership that drafting Roger Staubach would be well worth it, despite the years that the quarterback would have to miss due to military commitments.

Kilroy left the Cowboys for the New England Patriots as their director of player personnel in 1971, where he built the team into a fringe contender by the mid-to-late 70s. Kilroy then moved higher up the executive ladder to the general manager position in 1979, again acquiring talent. Three years later, he moved up to the vice president's role, and with his help, the Patriots made their first Super Bowl, though the Chicago Bears thumped them.

In 1994, Kilroy moved to a different role, back to scouting as a consultant, and he was instrumental in advising the Patriots on the acquisition of key players that helped them win their first three Super Bowls. Kilroy worked until 2007, passing away at age 86.

Jack Kent Cooke (Basketball, Football & Hockey Owner) Finished Third in the Online Vote: 

Jack Kent Cooke is one of the few owners to have won championships in more than one of the big four of North American sports.

A Canadian, Cooke’s first foray into sports ownership was in Toronto, where he bought the minor league Toronto Maple Leafs baseball team and was named the minor league executive of the year by the Sporting News. Cooke had designs on bigger and better things, and the media mogul moved to the United States.

Cooke bought 25% of the Washington Redskins in 1961 and was the majority owner in 1974. By 1984, Washington was the sole owner, and he won three Super Bowls.

Cooke purchased the Los Angeles Lakers in 1965, where his teams went to seven NBA Finals and won the 1972 NBA Championship. The Lakers moved to The Forum, which he also bought. In L.A., Cooke was also the first owner of the Los Angeles Kings, one of the six expansion NHL teams that began operation in 1967. Cooke would sell the Forum, the Kings, and the Lakers to Jerry Buss in 1979.

Cooke is arguably the most successful sports franchise owner not to be in any major sports hall of fame, but you have voted him into the USAHOF.

Rube Foster (Baseball Team Owner and Visionary) Finished Fourth in the Online Vote: 

Rube Foster is one of the rare nominees who could be looked at in our three main categories: player, coach, and contributor.

Baseball historians have claimed that Foster was the best black pitcher in the early 1900s, and he would later serve as a manager, most notably for the Chicago American Giants, a team he also owned. In 1920, along with six other owners, Foster formed the Negro Leagues, with Foster as its president.

While Foster had been accused of favoring his own team in league decisions, his work was instrumental in keeping the Negro Leagues viable. By the late 1920s, Foster struggled mentally, suffering from delusions, and would literally lose his sanity. He died in 1930.

In 1981, Foster became the first Negro League Executive inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and this year, he becomes the first Negro League representative to enter the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.

Bert Bell (NFL Commissioner) Finished Fifth in the Online Vote: 

Bert Bell was the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles (1933-40) and later the co-owner (1941-46), but this nomination is primarily based on his role as the NFL Commissioner.

Bell took on that role in 1946 and oversaw his league in its rivalry against the AAFC. He would broker the merger of the two leagues at the end of the 1949 Season (adding the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, and Baltimore Colts), and he was vehemently against gambling, ensuring that anyone who might tarnish the game would face repercussions for tarnishing the game's integrity. Bell's most significant contribution was his foresight regarding the new medium of television.

To ensure fans would go to the games, he initiated televised blackouts and pioneered television "timeouts." He recognized the NFL Players' Union, despite the owners' opposition, realizing that it was for the betterment of the game. He remained the NFL Commissioner until he died in 1959.

Under Bell, the game grew astronomically. Following his passing, the Maxwell Football Club (which was founded by Bell) awards its version of the MVP, which is named after Bell.  He becomes the NFL Commissioner to enter the USAHOF.

These five legends join Bill France Sr. (Auto Racing), Branch Rickey (Baseball), James Naismith, David Stern (Basketball), Al Davis, Lamar Hunt, Pete Rozelle, Ron Wolf (Football), Frank Zamboni (Hockey), Dr. James Andrews (Sports Medicine), and Dana White (Mixed Martial Arts) into the Contribtors Wing of the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.

Coaches (5):

Tony Dungy (Football) Finished First in the Online Vote: 

Tony Dungy won a Super Bowl as a defensive back with Pittsburgh, and a few years later, he was their defensive back and then their defensive coordinator. After a three-year stint as the Minnesota Vikings' defensive coordinator, he was hired as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' head coach in 1996.

Dungy fostered a conservative offense with a potent defense that would build the Buccaneers' defense. He left the year before they won the Super Bowl, but it was his scheme that brought Tampa their first title. The team that Dungy left for, Indianapolis, would play in its first Super Bowl under Dungy (XLI).

It is worth noting that Tony Dungy was the first head coach to beat all 32 teams, and he was the first African-American head coach to win the Super Bowl. He would later broadcast for NBC.

Bob Johnson (Hockey) Finished Second in the Online Vote: 

Bob Johnson was one of the top college hockey coaches in the 1970s, where his school, Wisconsin, won three National Championships and six WCHA Tournaments. Like his rival, Herb Brooks, who coached Minnesota, Johnson also coached the U.S. at the Olympics (1976), and he was also the head coach for the Americans at the 1981, 1984, and 1987 Canada Cups.

At the NHL level, Johnson coached the Calgary Flames, bringing them to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1986, where they lost to Montreal. Let go in 1987; Johnson came back to the NHL in 1990 with the ascending Pittsburgh Penguins, whom he coached to a Stanley Cup win. This turned out to be his last run as a coach.

After his greatest triumph, Johnson prepared to coach the U.S. for the 1991 Canada Cup. Before the tournament started, he suffered a brain aneurysm, which resulted in a brain cancer diagnosis. Johnson died only a few months later, at the age of 60.

Lou Holtz (Football) Finished Third in the Online Vote:

Lou Holtz’s first head coaching job was in 1969 when he was hired at the College of William & Mary. He did well, bringing his squad to the Tangerine Bowl, and Holtz then moved to North Carolina State, where he won the ACC Championship in 1973. Staying with the Wolfpack for four seasons, Holtz never missed going to a bowl game, winning two (Peach 1972 and Liberty 1973).

After a disastrous one-year turn as the New York Jets head coach, Holtz returned to Division I, this time with Arkansas. Holtz never had a losing record with the Razorbacks, and he went to six bowls in seven years. He went to Minnesota for two years, and his next move, Notre Dame, is what puts Holtz in this Hall of Fame conversation.

With the Fighting Irish, Holtz won the National Championship in 1988, with a Fiesta Bowl win. Notre Dame won the 1989 Orange Bowl, 1991 Sugar Bowl, and 1992 and 1993 Cotton Bowls. Holtz had five top-six postseason rankings at Notre Dame.

Holtz walked away from Notre Dame in 1996 but returned to South Carolina for six years, turning a down-and-out team into SEC respectability.

Eddie Robinson (Football) Finished Fourth in the Online Vote:

One of the most effortless statements to make in football coaching is that Eddie Robinson was the most successful coach in the history of historically black colleges. You can (and we will) go a step further and say that he was among the best.

At age 22, Robinson was hired to coach at Grambling, and he remained in that role until 1997. Robinson turned the school from a forgotten institution into a SWAC power, winning nine black college national titles and 17 SWAC titles. At the time of his retirement, Robinson’s 408 wins were third all-time.

Notably, Robinson was also Grambling’s men’s head basketball coach from 1943 to 1956. 

Robinson becomes the first HBCU Coach to enter the United States Athlete Hall of Fame.

Pat Summitt (Basketball) Finished Fifth in the Online Vote:

After playing four years at Tennessee-Martin, Pat Summitt became a graduate student at Tennessee. The Lady Vols coach suddenly retired, and at age 22, Summitt stepped in to fulfill the vacancy.

In those first few years, Summitt was still playing, representing the United States, most notably at the 1976 Olympics, where she won a Silver Medal. In 1982, the NCAA created its National Tournament, and every single one of Summitt’s players who were with her for four years would reach the Elite Eight.

Summitt took the Lady Vols to the Final Four 18 times, winning it all on eight occasions. Winning 1,098 games, she won another 112 in tournament action. She was named the Naismith Coach of the Year five times, and that number should have been higher.

Internationally, she coached the Americans to Gold Medals at the 1979 FIBA World Championship and the 1984 Olympics. By winning it all in Los Angeles, Summitt became the first person to win an Olympic medal as both a player and coach.

Summitt stepped down after the 2011-12 season after having revealed that she had early-onset Alzheimer's. She died four years later.

Under Summitt, Tennessee never had a losing record. Not only was she an incredible coach, but her legacy extended beyond the hardwood. Every one of her players who completed her eligibility at Tennessee under Summitt graduated with a degree.

Every single one.

Summitt becomes the first female Coach to enter the USAHOF.

These five legends join Red Auerbach, John Wooden (Basketball), Bill Belichick, Paul Brown, Walter Camp, Joe Gibbs, George Halas, Curly Lambeau, Vince Lombardi, Amos Alonzo Stagg (Football), and Herb Brooks (Hockey) into the Coaches Wing of the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.

Athletes: (25)

Arthur Ashe (Tennis) Finished First in the Online Vote:

Arthur Ashe was the first African-American male to become a star in the world of tennis, facing many of the racial obstacles that Althea Gibson had dealt with years earlier. Ashe became the first African-American male to win a Grand Slam title, the first to represent the United States in the Davis Cup (he won four), and the first to reach the number one ranking.

One of the classiest players ever to grace the court, Ashe won 76 Titles and three Grand Slams over his long career. Ashe was also active in the Civil Rights movement and among those who fought against Apartheid in South Africa.

Tragically, he died at age 49 from AIDS-related pneumonia in 1993. It is believed that he contracted the disease from a blood transfusion, and he dedicated the last part of his life to AIDS awareness. ESPN would create the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, given annually to a member of the sports world who exhibits courage in the face of adversity.

Eric Heiden (Speed Skating) Finished Second in the Online Vote:

Eric Heiden had already dominated speed skating in the three years leading up to the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics, but what he accomplished at that event has never been duplicated.

Heiden won the Gold Medal in the 500 m, 1,000 m, 1,500 m, 5,000 m, and 10,000 m, a clean sweep of the five categories that were available at the time. Over his career, Heiden set 15 records, and despite competing for a relatively brief time, he can claim to be the greatest speed skater of all time. If that is not the case, his 1980 Olympic performance is without question the best in his sport. To date, he remains the most decorated athlete at a single Winter Olympics.

He retired from speed skating after the 1980 World Allround and would become a doctor.  Heiden becomes the first male speed skater to enter the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.

Jimmy Connors (Tennis) Finished Third in the Online Vote:

Arguably the top male tennis star of the 1970s, Jimmy Connors was ranked #1 for 160 consecutive weeks from 1974 to 1978 and held that rank another 108 weeks on top of that.

Winning a male record of 109 singles titles, Connors was an influential player in the development of the flat backhand. When he was on the court, regardless of the opponent, there was no doubt that Connors wanted it more, and his determination to win was evident from the second he walked on to the court. This made him a fan favorite, though he had no problem avoiding relationships with other tennis players.

In the Grand Slams, Connors was the first to capture one on three different surfaces (grass, clay, and hard), and he won eight in total. His rivalries with John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl are legendary.

Walter Payton (Football) Finished Fourth in the Online Vote:

A Chicago Bear for his entire professional playing career, Walter Payton would be the one to eclipse Jim Brown’s rushing record, and for a time, he was the all-time leader in rushing yards (16,726) and all-purpose yards (21,264).

Payton would rush for at least 1,200 yards nine times, making both the 1970s and 1980s All-Decade Teams. A beloved player, Payton always gave back to the community, winning the Man of the Year Award in 1977, the same season he won the MVP.

He died young at 45, falling victim to a rare liver disease. The NFL would rename an accolade he once won, the Man of the Year Award, the Walter Payton Man of the Year.

Perhaps the best way to describe Payton is with a quote from his former coach, Mike Ditka, who said, "the greatest player he had ever seen, but even greater as a human being.”

Billie Jean King (Tennis) Finished Fifth in the Online Vote:

In 1973, Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs, a 55-year-old former men's champion, in the "Battle of the Sexes," a televised event that drew more eyeballs to tennis and made her a household name. Of course, she was so much more than that.

On the court, King won 129 titles, including 11 majors. A six-time Wimbledon winner, King was also an accomplished doubles competitor, winning every possible Grand Slam doubles event except the Australian Open. However, she was a finalist in that tournament twice 

King's most significant contribution to women's tennis was her push for equality and pay equity. She co-founded the Women's Sports Foundation and was instrumental in convincing Virginia Slims to sponsor a separate women's tour. Because of the work she did at the U.S. Open, the men's and women's championship prizes were the same.

It is no misnomer to say that King was ahead of her time and a champion of equality.

Reggie White (Football) Finished Sixth in the Online Vote:

An All-American at Tennessee, Reggie White’s pro career began in the USFL with the Memphis Showboats. He landed in Philadelphia when the USFL folded, and he quickly became the franchise's best defensive player. White was a Defensive Player of the Year in 1987 and was chosen to six straight first-team All-Pros.

White shocked the football world by signing with the Green Bay Packers, and on his back, the team returned to power in the NFL. Along with quarterback Brett Favre, White took the Packers to a Super Bowl XXXI win, Green Bay's first since Super Bowl II. As a Packer, "The Minister of Defence" won his second Defensive Player of the Year Award 11 years after he won his first.

White retired in 2000 with 198.0 sacks, second all-time behind Bruce Smith.  With this induction, the USAHOF, finally adds a defensive NFL player.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee (Track & Field) Finished Seventh in the Online Vote:

Considered one of the greatest female athletes regardless of sport or nationality, Jackie Joyner-Kersee won medals in four different Olympic Games, placing her in rare company.

Competing for UCLA in track and basketball, Joyner-Kersee made the U.S. Olympic Team in 1984 in the heptathlon, winning the Silver Medal in her familiar city of Los Angeles. Joyner-Kersee truly arrived in 1987, winning the heptathlon and long jump at the Rome World Championships, and she repeated that success by winning both disciplines at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

She wasn’t done. In 1992 in Barcelona, she retained her heptathlon gold, won Bronze in the long jump, and achieved Bronze again in the long jump at the 1996 Atlanta games. Amidst all this success, Joyner-Kersee was a four-time gold medalist in the heptathlon at the Goodwill Games.

Sports Illustrated would name her the greatest female athlete of all time, an honor that tells you all you need to know about her accomplishments.

Barry Sanders (Football) Finished Eighth in the Online Vote:

Barry Sanders won the Heisman as a member of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, and the elusive running back immediately became one of the most explosive offensive players in the National Football League. 

Sanders won the Offensive Rookie of the Year and was named to the Pro Bowl, an accolade he earned every year he played. A Detroit Lion for his entire professional career, Sanders was the reason for any success the team had. He would lead the league in rushing four times, and in the years he didn't, he was never lower than fifth overall.

Known for his elusiveness and durability, Sanders was on track to pass Walter Payton as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, but he retired abruptly after the 1998 Season, while he was still at the top of his game, and only a year removed from a 2,000-yard season.

Ken Griffey Jr. (Baseball) Finished Ninth in the Online Vote:

The 1990s had their share of superstars, controversies, and up-and-down times, but there was one smile that lit up every ballpark he entered, and it belonged to Ken Griffey Jr.

The son of former Cincinnati Reds star Ken Griffey Sr, Griffey dominated the 1990s, winning four American League Home Run Titles, ten Gold Gloves, and was a perennial All-Star. While unable to lead the Seattle Mariners to a World Series Championship, his five-tool skills made him baseball’s most-watched player.

Despite still being active, Griffey Jr. was named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.

Rickey Henderson (Baseball) Finished Tenth in the Online Vote:

One of the more eccentric baseball players, Rickey Henderson, was also one of the quickest, swiping 1,406 bases and shattering the previous record from Lou Brock. The master of the base paths was an expert hitter who was a member of the 3,000-hit club. Known primarily for his time with the Oakland Athletics, Henderson is considered the greatest leadoff hitter in baseball.

In addition to his all-time stolen base record, Henderson is also the Majors' all-time leader in runs scored (2,295) and leadoff home runs (81).

Dale Earnhardt (Auto Racing) Finished Eleventh in the Online Vote:

Dale Earnhardt did not cast an imposing figure, but when he was in his stock car, clad in black, the "Intimidator" had no problem bullying anyone on the track.

Earnhardt’s driving style made him a fan favorite and a consistent winner throughout the 1980s and 90s. Winning 76 races in NASCAR, Earnhardt matched Richard Petty’s seven Winston Cup championships, signifying that he was the best NASCAR racer of the year. Earnhardt only won the Daytona 500 once, but he secured the checkered flag in the Southern 500 and Coca-Cola 600 three times.

Sadly, Earnhardt died in a fiery car crash on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500, sending shockwaves throughout the sport. While Earnhardt’s death was tragic, it did lead to increased safety measures in the sport.

Kristi Yamaguchi (Figure Skating) Finished Twelfth in the Online Vote:

Initially a pairs skater, Kristi Yamaguchi elected to focus on a singles career, which proved to be the correct decision.

Yamaguchi quickly rose through the ranks, winning Silver at the 1991 U.S. Nationals and winning the Worlds that year. She continued her upward momentum, winning Olympic Gold in Albertville and retaining her World Title a month later. Yamaguchi’s blend of athleticism and artistry was among the best the sport has ever seen.

Yamaguchi becomes the first Asian-American to be inducted into the USAHOF.

Jerry Rice (Football) Finished Thirteenth in the Online Vote:

With all due respect to every other Wide Receiver in pro football, there is no other greater player at that position than Jerry Rice.

Rice, a three-time Super Bowl Champion with the San Francisco 49ers, holds every receiving record, and it isn't even close. His records include 1,549 receptions, 22,895 receiving yards, 197 receiving touchdowns, 208 touchdowns, and 23,546 all-purpose yards. Rice was so good for so long that it was considered automatic for nearly two decades that he would be a pivotal contributor to the offense, and his last 1,000-yard year happened 16 years after his first. 

Can anyone ever do that again?

Bob Cousy (Basketball) Finished Fourteenth in the Online Vote:

An All-American at Holy Cross, Bob Cousy was dubbed the “Houdini of the Hardcourt” for his playmaking skills and evolution of basketball passing. Cousy became a legend with the Boston Celtics, which is fascinating considering that Celtics coach Red Auerbach and Celtics owner Walter A. Brown never wanted Cousy at all.

They passed on him in the 1950 Draft, and when the team that took him, Tri-Cities, folded, the Celtics brass were upset that he was assigned to Boston. As both Auerbach and Brown would later admit, they were wrong. 

Cousy would become the best guard in the sport and the cornerstone of which the dynasty was built. Auerbach continued to add stars, and Cousy, the man Boston did not want, won an MVP and led the Celtics to their first NBA Championship in 1957. The 13-time All-Star and 10-time First Team All-NBA Selection led the Celtics to five more NBA titles.

George Mikan (Basketball) Finished Fifteenth in the Online Vote:

Basketball was a different game when George Mikan began playing in the early 1940s, so much so that it was believed his 6’ 10” frame was a liability rather than an asset.

Seriously, that was the belief.

Mikan began as a clumsy kid and ended his career in the game as one of the best. A star at DePaul, Mikan joined Chicago of the NBL, taking them to a championship, and then did so for the Minneapolis Lakers shortly after. As they joined the NBA, Mikan took them to four more titles, using his size on both ends of the basket to dominate the league's early years, and was their biggest star (both literally and figuratively).

Pete Rose (Baseball) Finished Sixteenth in the Online Vote:

When Ty Cobb retired with 4,191 Hits, it seemed to be an unbreakable mark. Pete Rose had other ideas.

Staying injury-free and producing hits at a high rate for two decades, Rose was not a player who compiled; he excelled. Rose led the "Big Red Machine" to two World Series championships in the 1970s and won the coveted MVP and three batting titles along the way.

He not only holds the hit record (4,256) but is the Majors' all-time leader in singles (3,215), games played (3,562), at-bats (14,053), and plate appearances (15,890).

Rose was banned from baseball when it was discovered that he bet on games, including his own. This kept him from entering the Baseball Hall of Fame, but you decided that he belongs in the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.

Honus Wagner (Baseball) Finished Seventeenth in the Online Vote:

Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in the first-ever class in 1936, Honus Wagner was not just the best shortstop of his era but has been called by many as the best at that position.

Wagner, who was nicknamed "The Flying Dutchman," is considered to be the best Pittsburgh Pirate of the first half of the 1900s is still thought of as one of the best baseball players ever, and his eight National League Batting Titles help attest to that.

The shortstop put forth 3,430 hits with a lifetime batting average of .329 with 722 stolen bases, and perhaps you are the lucky one who owns that valuable baseball card!

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Auto Racing) Finished Eighteenth in the Online Vote:

The son of the legendary Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., was born to race on the NASCAR circuit…and dominate it.

Earnhardt Jr. had some big shoes to fill, and he accomplished that with a pair of Busch Series Championships and Daytona 500s, and because of his lineage, the NASCAR fans were behind him every step of the way. It can be argued that Earnhardt Jr. is the most popular driver in history, as he was named the Most Popular Driver 15 years in a row (2003-17).

Can you think of anyone in their respective sport who could win that award if it existed for 15 straight years?

With the selection of both Earnhardt and Earnhardt Jr., the United States Athletic Hall of Fame now has its first father and son inducted.

Mike Schmidt (Baseball) Finished Nineteenth in the Online Vote:

From the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, Mike Schmidt was the most dominant Third Baseman in the Majors. Nobody else was even close.

A power hitter who won eight Home Run Titles, Schmidt also excelled with his glove, capturing ten Gold Gloves. It was through his leadership and skill that the Philadelphia Phillies finally broke through and won their first World Series in 1980. Without him, there was no way that he would have even contended for Baseball’s greatest prize.

Dan Gable (Wrestling) Finished Twentieth in the Online Vote:

From the state of Iowa, Dan Gable stayed home early in his athletic career, going to Iowa State, where he was the most successful wrestler in school history. Gable won two national championships (1968 and 1969), but a third one escaped him, as he lost to Larry Owings of the University of Washington in the 142 lb final. This was the only loss of Gable’s college career against 117 wins. 

When a fighter in any discipline loses for the first time, doubt can creep into their mind, leading them to second-guess everything and become vulnerable. Gable instead got better, easily winning the World Wrestling Championship in Bulgaria that summer, and at the 1972 Munich Olympics, he won Gold in the 68 kg class without surrendering a point.

Gable later became a successful wrestling coach at Iowa State, where from 1976 to 1997, he had a record of 355-21-5 and won 15 NCAA national wrestling team championships.

Gable’s selection brings the USAHOF its first Wrestler.

Randy Couture (Mixed Martial Arts) Finished Twenty-first in the Online Vote:

One of the first elite Mixed Martial Arts fighters in the UFC, Randy Couture is the first fighter to have won World Titles in multiple weight classes.

A three-time All-American wrestler at Oklahoma State, Couture debuted at UFC 13 as a late substitution and surprised everyone by winning the tournament. Couture would later beat Maurice Smith for the UFC heavyweight championship, only to relinquish it over a contract dispute. He came back at UFC 28 to beat Kevin Randleman, and he defended his title twice before losing to Josh Barnett.

Couture continued to fight, winning the UFC Light Heavyweight Title three times (one interim) and engaging in classic battles with Chuck Liddell. He won the heavyweight title for a third time in 2007, when he was 45 years old, making him the oldest person to win a title in the UFC (and still is). After successfully defending his title, he lost it to Brock Lesnar.

As of this writing, Couture holds the records for the most UFC title reigns (6) and UFC championship matches (15).

Couture becomes the first Mixed Martial Arts practitioner to enter the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.

Jack Johnson (Boxing) Finished Twenty-second in the Online Vote:

We can't imagine the racism that Jack Johnson endured during his lifetime. Nobody should have to.

Jack Johnson fought for the first time in 1897, and years later, it was evident that he was the best heavyweight in the game. The problem was that as an African-American, James J. Jeffries, the reigning heavyweight champion, refused to fight him, and with no sanctioning body, there was no way to force the fight.

Jeffries retired, and Johnson defeated Tommy Burns, a Canadian, to win the title in 1908. Johnson was not a shy figure, and he embraced his notoriety, which pressured Jeffries out of retirement as the "Great White Hope" to fight Johnson, but in the "Fight of the Century," it was Johnson who emerged as the winner.

Johnson was hated by a large segment of the population, even more so because he married a white woman. He would eventually lose the belt to Jess Willard (he may or may not have thrown the fight), but what Johnson accomplished for African-Americans, regardless of how his demeanor was perceived, is undeniable.

Gale Sayers (Football) Finished Twenty-third in the Online Vote:

One of the most explosive running backs in NFL history, Gale Sayers was a two-time All-American at Kansas who still boasts the rookie record for Touchdowns (22). A two-time Rushing Champion, Sayers received MVP votes in his first five seasons with the Chicago Bears and was considered the best RB in the game following Jim Brown's retirement. Sayers's ability to change speeds at a dime made it difficult for him to grab, and once he had an open field, it was lights out. As he was the Bears' only significant offensive weapon, all attention was on Sayers, making his accomplishments more impressive.

A devastating knee injury in the 1970 pre-season was the catalyst for the Running Back playing only four more games over the rest of his career. Still, his prime was so potent that he entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first ballot, and remains the youngest to do so at 34.

Bob Gibson (Baseball) Finished Twenty-fourth in the Online Vote:

One of the most intimidating men ever to stand on a pitcher's mound, Bob Gibson played his entire 17-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he won two World Series rings, and it is not a stretch to say that St. Louis would not have those titles without him.

The second player after Walter Johnson to fan 3,000 batters, Gibson was the World Series MVP in both the Cardinals’ 1964 and 1967 wins. In Gibson's 1968 Cy Young and MVP-winning season, he went 1.12 in ERA, the lowest in the live-ball era, and is, without question, the greatest pitcher in Cardinals history.

Jack Dempsey (Boxing) Finished Twenty-fifth in the Online Vote:

If Babe Ruth was the most important American athlete of the 1920s, was Jack Dempsey far behind?

Dempsey was good-looking, talented, and one of the most entertaining pugilists ever to step through the ropes. Dempsey beat Jess Willard for the heavyweight title in 1919 and would defend the championship multiple times in the 1920s, drawing large crowds eager to see Dempsey win. Dempsey was the man who set the first “million-dollar gate” record when he fought French war hero Georges Carpentier, and his bouts helped draw interest in broadcasting live sporting events.

These 25 legends join Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Richard Petty (Auto Racing), Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Ty Cobb, Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, Rogers Hornsby, Willie Mays, Jackie Robinson, Babe Ruth, Nolan Ryan, Ted Williams, Cy Young (Baseball), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson, Bill Russell (Basketball), Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Joe Louis, Mike Tyson (Boxing), Peggy Fleming, Dorothy Hamill (Figure Skating), Sammy Baugh, Jim Brown, Otto Graham, Red Grange, Don Hutson, Joe Montana, Johnny Unitas (Football), Jack Nicklau, Arnold Palmer (Golf), Bonnie Blair (Speed Skating), Matt Biondi, Mark Spitz (Swimming), Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, John McEnroe (Tennis), Florence Griffith-Joyner, Carl Lewis, Edwin Moses, Jesse Owens (Track & Field), Babe Didrickson-Zaharias (Track & Field & Golf) and Jim Thorpe (Track & Field, Football & Baseball) into the United States Athletic Hall of Fame. 

In the interest of transparency, we always announce the remaining vote getters in order of finish.

Contributors:

6. Ed Sabol (Football Filmmaker )
7. Ralph Hay (NFL Founder)
8. Walter A. Brown (NHL & NBA Team Owner)
9. Mike Ilitch (NHL & MLB Team Owner)
10. Ed Barrow (MLB Team Executive)
11. Wayne Embry (NBA Team Executive)
12. Larry O’Brien (NBA Commissioner)
13. Walter O’Malley (MLB Team Owner)
14. Jerry Buss (NBA Team Owner)
15. Ralph Wilson (NFL Team Owner)
16. Bud Adams (NFL Team Owner)
17. Bill James (Baseball Statistician)
18. Ford Frick (MLB Commissioner)
19. Weston Adams (NHL Team Executive)
20. Roone Arledge (Television Executive)
21. James E. Sullivan (Amateur Sports Executive)
22. George Weiss (MLB Team Executive)
23. James E. Norris (NHL Team Owner)
24. Joe Carr (NFL President)
25. Bill Nunn (NFL Scout)
26. Amy Trask (NFL Team Executive)
27. Jeremy Jacobs (NHL & NBA Team Executive)
28. Dick Ebersol (Television Executive)
29. Art Rooney (NFL Team Owner)
30. Charles Bidwill (NFL Team Owner)
31. Robert Kraft (NFL Team Owner)
32. Bill Veeck (MLB Team Owner)
33. Bobby Beathard (NFL Team Executive)
34. Peter Ueberroth (MLB Commissioner & Olympic Organizer)
35. Tim Nugent (Wheelchair Basketball Creator)
36. Al Spalding (Sports Equipment Manufacturer)
37. George Steinbrenner (MLB Team Owner)
38. Arthur Wirtz (NHL Team Owner)
39. Tim Mara (NFL Team Owner)
40. George Young (NFL Team Executive)
41. Don King (Boxing Promoter)
42. Larry MacPhail (MLB Team Executive and Owner)
43. Gil Brandt (MLB Team Scout)
44. Pat Bowlen (NFL Team Owner)
45. Bud Greenspan (Sports Filmmaker)
46. Steve Sabol (NFL Filmmaker)
47. Tex Schramm (NFL Team Executive)
48. Bob Arum (Boxing Promoter)
49. Marvin Miller (MLB Union Lawyer)
50. Frederic McLaughlin (NHL Team Owner)
51. Clint Murchison (NFL Team Owner)
52. Leroy T. Walker (Olympic Executive)
53. Maurice Podoloff (NBA Commissioner)
54. Pat Gillick (MLB Executive)
55. Lou Lamoriello (NHL Team Executive)
56. Wellington Mara (NFL Team Owner)
57. Jerry Jones (NFL Team Owner)
58. Paul Allen (NFL, NBA, and MLS Team Owner)
59. Billy Beane (MLB Executive)
60. Mark Cuban (NBA Team Owner)
61. Clark Griffith (MLB Team Owner)
62. Art McNally (NFL Supervisor of Officials)
63. Bud Selig (MLB Team Owner and MLB Commissioner)
64. Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta (UFC Owners)
65. Jerry Reinsdorf (MLB and NBA Team Owner)
66. Ted Turner (MLB Team Owner, Goodwill Games creator, and Television Executive
67. Max Winter (NFL and NBA Team Owner)
68. Avery Brundage (Olympic Executive and IOC President)
69. Jerry Colangelo (NBA Team Executive)
70. Ned Irish (NBA Team Owner)
71. Craig Patrick (NHL Team Executive)
72. Roger Goodell (NFL Commissioner)
73. Jim Finks (NFL Team Executive)
74. Ban Johnson (American League Executive)
75. Jerry Krause (NBA Team Executive)
76. Lee MacPhail (MLB Team Executive and American League President)
77. Effa Manley (Negro League Executive)
78. Bill Polian (NFL Team Executive)
79. Dan Reeves (NFL Team Owner)
80. Dan Rooney (NFL Team Owner)
81. Eddie DeBartolo Jr. (NFL Team Owner)
82. Tim Finchem (PGA Tour Commissioner)
83. Warren Giles (MLB Team Executive and National League President)
84. Will Harridge (American League President)
85. Paul Tagliabue (NFL Commissioner)
86. Gary Bettman (NHL Commissioner)
87. Joe Dey (PGA Commissioner)
88. Peter Holt (NBA Team Owner)
89. J. Walter Kennedy (NBA Commissioner)
90. Mitch Kupchak (NBA Team Executive)
91. Jack McClosky (NBA Team Executive)
92. Tex Rickard (Sports Promoter)
93. Deane Beman (PGA Commissioner) 

Coaches:

6. Phil Jackson (Basketball)
7. Paul “Bear” Bryant (Football)
8. Pat Riley (Basketball)
9. Ara Parseghian (Football)
10. Pop Warner (Football)
11. Sid Gillman (Football)
12. John Heisman (Football)
13. Connie Mack (Baseball)
14. John Madden (Football)
15. Chuck Noll (Football)
16. Bobby Knight (Basketball)
17. Weeb Ewbank (Football)
18. Knute Rockne (Football)
19. Phog Allen (Football and Basketball)
20. Don Shula (Football)
21. Fielding Yost (Football)
22. Cus D’Amato (Boxing)
23. Adolph Rupp (Basketball)
24. Joe McCarthy (Baseball)
25. Frank Leahy (Football)
26. Hayden Fry (Football)
27. Bud Grant (Football)
28. Bernie Bierman (Football)
29. Howard Jones (Football)
30. Bill Walsh (Football)
31. Mike Krzyzewski (Basketball)
32. Henry Iba (Basketball)
33. Pete Newell (Basketball)
34. Bobby Bowden (Football)
35. Jim Valvano (Basketball)
36. Sparky Anderson (Baseball)
37. Tom Landry (Football)
38. Bobby Cox (Baseball)
39. Chuck Daly (Basketball)
40. Geno Auriemma (Basketball)
41. Carlo Fassi (Figure Skating)
42. Don Nelson (Basketball)
43. Ed Temple (Track & Field)
44. John Kundla (Football)
45. George Allen (Football)
46. Frank Beamer (Football)
47. Gregg Popovich (Basketball)
48. Casey Stengel (Baseball)
49. Bill Fitch (Basketball)
50. Tommy Lasorda (Baseball)
51. Joe Paterno (Football)
52. Dean Smith (Basketball)
53. Bud Wilkinson (Football)
54. Ron O’Brien (Diving)
55. Emmanuel Steward (Boxing)
56. Freddie Roach (Boxing)
57. Leo Durocher (Baseball)
58. Abie Grossfeld (Gymnastics)
59. Marv Levy (Football)
60. John McGraw (Baseball)
61. Candy Jim Taylor (Baseball)
62. Darrel Royal (Football)
63. Dusty Baker (Baseball)
64. Bo Schembechler (Football)
65. Bill Snyder (Football)
66. Barry Switzer (Football)
67. Walter Alston (Baseball)
68. Tom Osborne (Football)
69. Nick Saban (Football)
70. Lenny Wilkens (Basketball)
71. Bruce Bochy (Baseball)
72. Peter Laviolette (Hockey)
73. Jimmy Johnson (Football)
74. Frank Selee (Baseball)
75. Eddie Sutton (Basketball)
76. Jarry Tarkanian (Basketball)
77. Terry Francona (Baseball)
78. Woody Hayes (Football)
79. Whitey Herzog (Baseball)
80. Red Holzman (Basketball)
81. Tony LaRussa (Baseball)
82. John McKay (Football)
83. Bill Cowher (Football)
84. Bill Parcells (Football)
85. Tom Flores (Football)
86. Eddie Futch (Boxing)
87. Wilbert Robinson (Baseball)
88. John Thompson (Basketball)
89. Joe Torre (Baseball)
90. Tara VanDerveer (Basketball)
91. Earl Weaver (Baseball)
92, Jim Boeheim (Basketball)
93. Larry Brown (Basketball)
94. Andy Reid (Football)
95. Tom Heinsohn (Basketball)
96. Miller Huggins (Baseball)
97. Urban Meyer (Football)
98. Bo Ryan (Football)
99. C. Vivian Stringer (Basketball)
100. John Tortorella (Hockey)
101. Dick Williams (Baseball)
102. Roy Williams (Basketball) 
103. Mack Brown (Football)
104. Jim Calhoun (Basketball)
105. John Chaney (Basketball)
106. Cheryl Reave (Basketball)
107. Clair Bee (Basketball)
108. Lou Duva (Boxing)
109. Bill Self (Basketball)
110. Bill Sharman (Basketball)
111. Billy Southworth (Baseball)
112. Rudy Tomjanovich (Basketball)
113. Jim Tressel (Football)
114. Jody Conradt (Basketball)
115. Lefty Driesell (Basketball)
116. Jim Leyland (Baseball)
117. Pete Carroll (Football)
118. Ned Hanlon (Baseball)
119. Bucky Harris (Baseball)
120. Bob Huggins (Basketball)
121. George Karl (Basketball)
122. Al Lopez (Baseball)
123. Bill McKenchie (Baseball)
124. Lute Olson (Basketball)
125. Rick Pitino (Basketball)
126. Jack Ramsay (Basketball)
127. Jerry Sloan (Basketball)
128. Steve Spurrier (Football) 

Athletes:

26. Walter Johnson (Baseball)
27. Mary Lou Retton (Gymnastics)
28. Jeff Gordon (Auto Racing)
29. George Foreman (Boxing)
30. Wilma Rudolph (Track & Field)
31. Warren Spahn (Baseball)
32. Joan Benoit (Track & Field)
33. Yogi Berra (Baseball)
34. Brett Hull (Hockey)
35. Caitlyn (Bruce) Jenner (Track & Field)
36. Pete Sampras (Tennis)
37. Gail Devers (Track & Field)
38. Jimmie Foxx (Baseball)
39. Sandy Koufax (Baseball)
40. Maureen Connolly (Tennis)
41. Greg Maddux (Baseball)
42. Stan Musial (Baseball)
43. John Elway (Football)
44. Shaquille O’Neal (Basketball)
45. Rocky Marciano (Boxing)
46. Evelyn Ashford (Track & Field)
47. Earl Anthony (Bowling)
48. Althea Gibson (Tennis)
49. Bruce Smith (Football)
50. Helen Wills (Tennis)
51. Dara Torres (Swimming)
52. Hakeem Olajuwon (Basketball)
53. Dick Butkus (Football)
54. Andre Agassi (Tennis)
55. Lawrence Taylor (Football)
56. Scott Hamilton (Figure Skating)
57. Sam Snead (Golf)
58. Tony Hawk (Skateboarding)
59. Jerry West (Basketball)
60. Sugar Ray Leonard (Boxing)
61. Dan Marino (Football)
62. Elgin Baylor (Basketball)
63. Sugar Ray Robinson (Boxing)
64. Mike Modano (Hockey)
65. Joe Greene (Football)
66. Patty Berg (Golf)
67. Mia Hamm (Soccer)
68. Bob Feller (Baseball)
69. Wyomia Tyus (Track & Field)
70. Bo Jackson (Football & Baseball)
71. Jenny Thompson (Swimming)
72. Mickey Mantle (Baseball)
73. Johnny Bench (Baseball)
74. Tom Seaver (Baseball)
75. Greg LeMond (Cycling)
76. Mickey Wright (Golf)
77. Alan Page (Football)
78. Dick Button (Figure Skating)
79. Phil Mahre (Skiing)
80. Christy Mathewson (Baseball)
81. Monica Seles (Tennis)
82. Rafer Johnson (Track & Field)
83. Kathy Whitworth (Golf)
84. Dick “Night Train” Lane (Football)
85. Ray Ewry (Track & Field)
86. Bobby Jones (Golf)
87. Michelle Akers (Soccer)
88. Cal Ripken Jr. (Baseball)
89. Chuck Lidell (Mixed Martial Arts)
90. Willie Mosconi (Billiards)
91. George Blanda (Football)
92. Barry Bonds (Football)
93. Randy Johnson (Football)
94. Frank Robinson (Baseball)
95. Michael Johnson (Track & Field)
96. Bill Shoemaker (Horse Racing)
97. Henry Armstrong (Boxing)
98. Al Oerter (Track & Field)
99. Josh Gibson (Baseball)
100. Ben Hogan (Golf)
101. Dennis Conner (Sailing)
102. Bob Mathias (Track & Field)
103. Tracie Ruiz (Synchronized Swimming)
104. Mark Allen (Triathlete)
105. Debbie Meyer (Swimming)
106. Satchel Paige (Baseball)
107. Eddie Arcaro (Horse Racing)
108. Bob Beamon (Track & Field)
109. Deion Sanders (Football & Baseball)
110. Cynthia Cooper (Basketball)
111. Sheryl Swoopes (Basketball)
112. Chris Chelios (Hockey)
113. Lisa Leslie (Basketball)
114. “Bullet” Bob Hayes (Football & Track & Field)
115. Evander Holyfield (Boxing)
116. Dawn Staley (Basketball)
117. Emmitt Smith (Football)
118. Don Budge (Tennis)
119. Cheryl Miller (Basketball)
120. Nancy Lopez (Golf)
121. Greg Loganis (Diving)
122. Tracy Caulkins (Swimming)
123. Dave Scott (Triathlete)
124. Bill Tilden (Tennis) 

Thank you all again!

The 2026 Ballot will be out next March.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the top 50 of each major North American sports team. That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists and consistently look to update them when necessary and based on necessity. As such, we are delighted to present our post-2024 revision of our top 50 St. Louis Cardinals.

As for all of our top 50 players in baseball, we look at the following: 

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National League.

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles that are not reflected in a stat sheet.

Please note that our algorithm has changed, which yielded minor changes throughout the baseball lists.

Last year, the Cardinals won 83 Games, but did not make the playoffs.  The rebuilding squad saw minimal movement in the top 50, and the only new entrant was based on the new algorithm.

As always, we present our top five, which saw no changes

1. Stan Musial

2. Albert Pujols

3. Rogers Hornsby

4. Bob Gibson

5. Ozzie Smith

You can find the entire list here.

The only new addition was Ripper Collins, who as discussed above, enters via the new system.

We thank you for your continued support of our lists on Notinhalloffame.com.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the top 50 of each major North American sports team.  That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists out, and we always consistently look to update them when we can and based on necessity.  As such, we are very happy to present our post-2023 revision of our top 50 St. Louis Cardinals.

As for all of our top 50 players in baseball, we look at the following:

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in Major League Baseball.

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles that are not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, St. Louis had a very disappointing season, and were nowhere close to the playoffs.  Regardless, there was one new entrant and one change.

As always, we present our top five, which saw no changes:

1. Stan Musial

2. Albert Pujols

3. Rogers Hornsby

4. Bob Gibson

5. Ozzie Smith 

You can find the entire list here.

Adam Wainwright reached 200 Wins last year, but bluntly, he was not very good. He had an ERA near 8 and a bWAR of -2.0. As such, he dropped a spot, going from #10 to #11.

The only new entrant was Paul Goldschmidt.  The 2022 National League MVP debuts at #46.

We thank you for your continued support of our lists on Notinhalloffame.com.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the 50 of each major North American sports team.  That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists out and we always consistently look to update them when we can and based on necessity.  As such, we are very happy to present our post 2022 revision of our top 50 St. Louis Cardinals.

As for all of our top 50 players in baseball we look at the following: 

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National League. 

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, the storied history of the Cardinals saw another playoff appearance, but with the 100 years more of existence, it is hard to crack into the top 50.  There are noe new entrants into the top 50, with only one elevation.

As always, we present our top five, which had no changes.

1. Stan Musial

2. Albert Pujols

3. Rogers Hornsby

3. Bob Gibson

5. Ozzie Smith

You can find the entire list here.

Please note that Pujols, who returned to St. Louis for one final season, was not able to overtake Musial for the top spot.

The only change was Starting Pitcher, Adam Wainwright, who inched up one rank to #10.

We welcome your input and comments and as always, we thank you for your support.

In our eyes, one of the greatest Pitchers in Major League Baseball has just passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was 84 years old.

Debuting with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959, Gibson played his entire MLB career with the team, retiring after the 1975 season.  Gibson was an eight-time All-Star won the 1968 National League Cy Young and MVP, and two years later he was again a Cy Young winner.  

Gibson hurled the Redbirds to two World Series Wins (1964 & 1967) and he was the MVP of both Fall Classics.  Over his career, Gibson had a record of 251-174, a 2.91 ERA and 3,117 Strikeouts.

Gibson entered the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981, which was his first year of eligibility. 

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to extend our condolence to the friends, fans and family of Bob Gibson.  

We here at Notinhalloffame.com thought it would be fun to take a look at the major awards in North American team sports and see how it translates into Hall of Fame potential.

Needless to say, different awards in different sports yield hall of fame potential.  In basketball, the team sport with the least number of players on a roster, the dividend for greatness much higher.  In baseball, it is not as much as a great individual season does not have the same impact.

Last time, we looked at the Bert Bell Award.  This time we went back to baseball, and the World Series MVP.

The World Series was first played in 1903, but they did not award an MVP of the Fall Classic until 1955.  It goes without saying only a great team can win a World Series, but in a seven-game series any player can get on a hot streak.

So how many World Series MVPs have made the Baseball Hall of Fame?

Let’s find out!

The following are the past players who have won the World Series MVP who are eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.

Whitey Ford, New York Yankees, Pitcher (1961)             

Based on who won the World Series MVP from 1955 to 1960, we think it safe to day that Whitey Ford will forever be the first chronological World Series MVP to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame.  Ford was a career-Yankee who would help the Bronx Bombers win six World Series Titles.  In 1961, Ford won the Cy Young Award with a 25-4 record, and in the World Series he won both starts.  Ford pitched 14 Innings without allowing a single run, and the Yankees would defeat the Cincinnati Reds in five games.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974.

Sandy Koufax, Los Angeles Dodgers, Pitcher (1963)        

Sandy Koufax was on year two of his second-half of brilliance, and in the regular season he would win the first of five consecutive ERA Titles.  In the World Series, his Dodgers were paired against the New York Yankees, and Koufax won both starts.  He would throw for 18 Innings with a 1.50 ERA.  Los Angeles would sweep New York.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

Bob Gibson, St. Louis Cardinals, Pitcher (1964)              

Bob Gibson would do well in 1964 with a 19-12 record, but he was still not yet a superstar.  The World Series would change that.  He led the St. Louis Cardinals to a win over the New York Yankees where he went 2-1 with 27 Innings and 31 Strikeouts.  Gibson would go to the All-Star Game annually from 1965 to 1970 but had plenty left to offer. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981.

Sandy Koufax, Los Angeles Dodgers, Pitcher (2)(1965)   

Koufax became the first player to repeat as the World Series MVP, and doesn’t it seem appropriate?  In between his World Series MVPs, Koufax won the Cy Young and MVP.  This year, Los Angeles faced the Minnesota Twins and Koufax went 2-1 with a 0.38 ERA.  He played two more seasons, winning the Cy Young in both of them.  Koufax retired after that with a record of 165-87 and 2,396 Strikeouts.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

Frank Robinson, Baltimore Orioles, Outfield (1966)       

The Cincinnati Reds made a colossal error when they traded Frank Robinson to the Baltimore Orioles after 1965 season. Robinson proceeded to have the best year of his life, becoming the first player to win the MVP in both leagues. It got even better, as Robinson led the Orioles to their first World Series, and he would have two Home Runs with a 1.217 OPS in Baltimore’s sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982.

Bob Gibson, St. Louis Cardinals, Pitcher (2) (1967)         

Gibson’s star rose since 1964, and in 1967, he had an even better World Series performance than his first.  Gibson pitched three complete games, winning them all, and only allowed three earned runs.  His 1.00 ERA was matched with an equally spectacular WHIP of 0.704.  Gibson would have a phenomenal 1968 in the “Year of the Pitcher” where he led the National League with a 1.12 ERA and a 0.853 WHIP.  He won the Cy Young and MVP that season, and he would play until 1975, ending a career spent entirely with the St. Louis Cardinals.  Gibson had a record of 251-174 with 3,117 Strikeouts.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981.

Brooks Robinson, Baltimore Orioles, Third Base(1970)  

Brooks Robinson was already a superstar by this point, as he was already a World Series champion (1966), an MVP (1964), and he was on year 11 of 15 straight All-Star Games.  The 16-time Gold Glove winner batted .429 with two Home Runs in the Orioles five-game victory over the Reds.  Robinson played his entire career with Baltimore and would accumulate 2,848 Hits, 268 Home Runs and 1,357 Runs Batted In.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Roberto Clemente, Pittsburgh Pirates, Outfield(1971)   

A legend with 3,000 career Hits, Clemente was already a World Series Champion (1960), and an MVP (1966).  In 1971, the 15-time All-Star batted .414 with two Home Runs in the Pirates seven-game win over Baltimore.  Clemente only played one more season and died shortly after in a plane crash.  He was delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.  He was fast-tracked to the Baseball Hall of Fame the year after.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.

Reggie Jackson, Oakland Athletics, Outfield (1973)       

Reggie Jackson won the American League MVP this year, and would win the first of what would be four Home Run Titles.  In the seven-game win over the New York Mets, Jackson batted .315 with a Home Run, in what was Oakland’s second of three straight World Series Championships.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.

Rollie Fingers, Oakland Athletics, Pitcher (1974)           

This was the last of three straight Oakland World Series titles, and the future Hall of Fame closer was in the beginning of his turn as an elite closer.  In this World Series, Fingers appeared in four Games, won one of them, had two Saves with an ERA of 1.93.  Fingers would later win the Cy Young and MVP in 1983 when he was with the Milwaukee Brewers. He would play until 1985 and accumulate 341 Saves over his 17-year career.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992.

Johnny Bench, Cincinnati Reds, Catcher (1976)             

The Catcher of the “Big Red Machine”, was a two-time MVP by this point and had already won two Home Run Titles.  In this year’s World Series, Bench batted .533, a 1.667 OPS with two Home Runs and six Runs Batted In.  The 14-time All-Star played his entire career with Cincinnati and would collect 2,048 Hits, 389 Home Runs and 1,376 RBIs.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.

Reggie Jackson, New York Yankees, Outfield (2)(1977)  

This was the first of two straight World Series Championships for the New York Yankees, and it was this year where Reggie Jackson became “Mr. October”.   In Game Six of the 1977 World Series, Jackson belted three Home Runs on three first pitches against Dodger hurlers, and that was the clinching game.  He would bat .450 with an OPS of 1.792 with five taters.  Jackson played until 1987, and would retire with 2,584 Hits, 563 Home Runs, 1,702 RBIs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.

Willie Stargell, Pittsburgh Pirates, First Base (1979)       

Winning the MVP this year (though he probably should not have), Willie Stargell did earn both NLCS and World Series MVP.  The career-Pirate helped his team defeat Baltimore in seven games with a .400 Batting Average with three Home Runs and seven RBIs.  He played 21 seasons and retired in 1982 with 2,232 Hits, 475 Home Runs and 1,540 RBIs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

Mike Schmidt, Philadelphia Phillies, Third Base (1980)  

This season, Mike Schmidt won the first of what would be three MVPs and it was also the year he set career-highs (also league-leading) in Home Runs (48) and Runs Batted In (121).  Schmidt also finished first in Slugging Percentage (.624) and OPS (1.004).  The Phillies would win his first World Series this year as Schmidt batted .381 with a two Home Runs and seven RBIs.  Philadelphia would beat Kansas City in six games.  Schmidt played his entire career with the Phils and would retire in 1989. Overall, he would appear in twelve All-Star Games, win six Silver Sluggers, ten Gold Gloves and had 2,234 Hits with 548 Home Runs and 1,595 RBIs.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.

Alan Trammell, Detroit Tigers, Shortstop (1984)            

This year, Alan Trammell was on his second of what would be six All-Star Games and the Detroit Tigers were an unstoppable team in 1984.  In this World Series, Detroit took out the San Diego Padres in five games with Trammell batting .450 with two Home Runs, six RBIs and a 1.300 OPS.  He would play his entire career with the Tigers, retiring in 1996 with 2,365 Hits, 185 Home Runs, four Silver Sluggers and three Gold Gloves.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

Jack Morris, Minnesota Twins, Pitcher (1991)                

Jack Morris already won a World Series title in 1984 with the Detroit Tigers, but this title was especially sweet.  In the 1991 World Series, Morris pitched in three games, winning two games with a 1.17 ERA.  In Game 7, Morris pitched a ten-inning shutout to win the Fall Classic for the Twins.  Morris went on to win two more World Series Rings with the Toronto Blue Jays.  He retired in 1994 with a record of 254 Wins against 186 Losses with 2,478 Strikeouts.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

Paul Molitor, Toronto Blue Jays, Third Base and Designated Hitter (1993)   

Paul Molitor was with the Milwaukee Brewers for 15 years before joining the Toronto Blue Jays in 1993, who were the defending World Series Champions.  That year, Molitor would go to his fifth All-Star Game, and led the American League in Hits (211) and would bat .332.  The Blue Jays returned to the World Series, and in their successful title defense, Molitor batted .500 with two Home Runs, eight RBIs and a 1.571 OPS.  Moltor played until 1998, and retired with 3,319 Hits, 234 Home Runs, 1,307 RBIs with a Batting Average of .303.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.

Tom Glavine, Atlanta Braves, Pitcher (1995)                  

The Atlanta Braves were one of the most loaded teams of the 1990s, but it only translated into one World Series win. That was in 1995, and the World Series MVP went to one of the big three, Tom Glavine.  He would win the 1991 Cy Young, and later the 1998 Cy Young, and this season was a nice 16-7 year, a 3.08 ERA, and a third place finish in the Cy Young vote.  In the World Series, Glavine won both starts and had an ERA of 1.29, a WHIP of 0.714 and 11 Strikeouts.  He retired in 2008 with a 305-203 record and 2,607 Strikeouts.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees, Pitcher (1999)         

Considered to be the greatest Relief Pitcher of all-time, Mariano Rivera would win five World Series Rings, and was a 13-time All-Star. In the 1999 World Series, Rivera appeared in three games, winning one, saving two, and he did not allow a run. Rivera’s overall post-season record was 8-1, 42 Saves, 0.70 ERA, 0.759 WHIP over 141 Innings.  Let that sink in!   When Rivera retired, he was the all-time leader in Saves (652), Games Finished (952) and a career WHIP of 1.000.  Rivera became the first player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame with a unanimous vote.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019.

Derek Jeter, New York Yankees, Shortstop (2000)          

Playing his entire career with the New York Yankees, Derek Jeter was not only the leader of the team, but was the most popular player and recognizable player of his day.  In the 2000 World Series, he batted .409 with two Home Runs, two RBIs and an OPS of 1.344.  Jeter would overall go to 14 All-Star Games, and was a five-time Silver Slugger and five-time Gold Glove winner.  He retired in 2014 with 3,465 Hits, 260 Home Runs, 1,311 RBIs and a Batting Average of .310. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.

Randy Johnson, Arizona Diamondbacks, Pitcher (co-winner) (2001)    

Sharing the World Series MVP with Curt Schilling, Randy Johnson was on the third of four straight Cy Young Awards, one of the most incredible runs of any pitcher in the history of the game.  With the Arizona Diamondbacks, Johnson took the team that was still under ten years old to the World Series, and he won three World Series Games with a 1.04 ERA against the Yankees.  He also had a WHIP of 0.692 with 19 Strikeouts.  Johnson played until 2009, and retired with a record of 202-166 with 4,875 Strikeouts.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

The following are the players who have won the World Series MVP who are eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame and have not been selected:

Johnny Podres, Brooklyn Dodgers, Pitcher (1955)

The winner of the first World Series MVP, coincided with the only championship that the Dodgers would win in Brooklyn.  This was Podres third year in baseball, and he had been an average starter at best.  He would win both his starts, including a shutout in Game 7.  Over 18 Innings, he had a 1.00 ERA with 10 Strikeouts. Podres would play until 1969, mostly with the Dodgers and he retired with a record of 141-116 with 1,435 Strikeouts. He won two more World Series Rings with the Dodgers after they relocated to Los Angeles.  Eligible Since 1975.  Podres was on the ballot for three years and finished as high as 0.8% in both 1975 and 1978. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com

Don Larsen, New York Yankees, Pitcher (1956)

After only lasting 1.2 Innings in Game 2 (though all four runs were unearned due to errors), Larsen came back to throw a perfect game, the only time that this happened in the history of the World Series.  The Yankees beat the Dodgers in seven games, and Larsen’s Game 5 meant you could not possibly give the World Series MVP to anyone else.  Aside from the most spectacular pitching performance ever, Larsen was an average pitcher at best.  The 11 regular season Wins that he had in this regular season, was the most he had, and Larsen would only post 81 Wins against 91 Losses.  Eligible Since 1973.  Larsen was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 12.3% in 1979. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com

Lew Burdette, Milwaukee Braves, Pitcher (1957)

This was the only World Series that the Braves would win while competing in Milwaukee.  Burdette, who was an All-Star this year, had a 17-9 regular season record, would win all three of his World Series starts, throwing for 27 Innings with a 0.67 ERA.  Burdette would go to a second All-Star Game two years later and would retire in 1967 with a 203-144 record.  179 of those wins were with the Braves.  Eligible Since 1973.  Burdette was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 24.1% in 1984. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com

Bob Turley, New York Yankees, Pitcher (1958)

This was the best season of Bob Turley’s career as he was an All-Star for the third (and final) time, and he would have a career-high 21 Wins.  For the regular season, he won the Cy Young, and was the runner-up for the MVP.  In the World Series, he lost his first start, but won the next two, aiding the Yankees in their seven-game win over the Milwaukee Braves.  In the process, the Yanks became the second team to overcome a 3-1 deficit to win the World Series.  It was all downhill for Turley, as he never had another 10 Win season again, and he retired with 101 Wins against 85 Losses.  Eligible Since 1969.  Although he was eligible, he was not on the ballot.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Larry Sherry, Los Angeles Dodgers, Pitcher (1959)

1959 was Sherry’s second year of an 11-year journeyman career.  In the six-game series win over the Chicago White Sox, he appeared in four games, pitched in 12.2 Innings and had a 2-0 record with 2 Saves.  He had a 0.71 ERA and a 0.789 WHIP over the Fall Classic. Sherry would have a record of 53-44 with 82 Saves.  Eligible Since 1974.  Although he was eligible, he was not on the ballot.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Bobby Richardson, New York Yankees, Second Base (1960)

The sixth World Series MVP finally went to a position player, and while it is not a Hall of Famer, it is of course a New York Yankee!  Bobby Richardson was already a two-time All-Star, and he would go to five more over his career.  Historically speaking, this was also the first, and to date, only player to win the World Series as the member of the losing team.  Richardson would bat .367 with 11 Hits in the Series.  While the Yanks lost this one, Richardson would win three rings with the team.  He retired in 1966 with 1,432 career Hits.  Eligible Since 1972.  Richardson was on the ballot for three years and finished as high as 2.0% in 1972.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Ralph Terry, New York Yankees, Pitcher (1962)

Ralph Terry would only go to one All-Star Game in his career, which would be 1962.  That season, he led the American League in Wins (23) and Innings Pitched (298.2) and was 14^thin MVP voting.  Terry was on the World Series Title the year before with New York, and in this championship, he went 2-1 with an ERA of 1.80 and WHIP of 0.766.  This was the best year he had, and he played until 1967, retiring with a record of 78-59.  Eligible Since 1973.  Although he was eligible, he was not on the ballot.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Mickey Lolich, Detroit Tigers, Pitcher (1968)

Mickey Lolich had an up and down 1968, and was overshadowed by Denny McClain, who was a 30-Game winner that year.  However, in the 1968 World Series, it was Lolich who was the star, winning all three starts with a 1.67 ERA.  He would later go to three All-Star Games, and finished his career with a 217-191 record and 2,832 Strikeouts.  Eligible Since 1985.  Lolich was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 25.5% in 1988. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Donn Clendenon, New York Mets, First Base (1969) 

A very unlikely winner of the World Series MVP, Donn Clendenon was traded midway through the 1969 season from the Montreal Expos and he would platoon at First Base with Ed Kranepool.  Clendendon did not even play on the NLCS, but played in four of the five World Series Games where he batted .367 with three Home Runs and four RBIs.  He played until 197 and had 1,273 Hits with 159 Home Runs.  Eligible Since 1978.  Although he was eligible, he was not on the ballot.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Gene Tenace, Oakland Athletics, Catcher (1972)

It was in the 1972 post-season where Gene Tenace finally won the starting Catcher’s job, and in what was the first of three straight World Series wins by Oakland, Tenace was on fire.  He would bat .348 with four Home Runs and nine RBIs. He would play until 1983, winning a fourth World Series win with the Cardinals in 1982.  Eligible Since 1989.  Tenace was on the ballot for one year and finished with 0.2% of the ballot. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Pete Rose, Cincinnati Reds, Third Base (1975)

Pete Rose was at the heart of Cincinnati’s Big Red Machine, and he was already an MVP.  In this World Series, Rose and the Reds beat Boston and had a .370 Batting Average with 10 hits with five Walks.  Rose would help the Reds win another World Series in 1976, and the first for Philadelphia in 1980.   He played until 1986 and would retire as the all-time leader in Hits with 4,256.  Eligible Since 1992.  Rose was declared ineligible by the Baseball Hall of Fame due to gambling on baseball. Ranked #1A on Notinhalloffame.com.

Bucky Dent, New York Yankees, Shortstop (1978)

Bucky Dent was never known for his hitting, but the three-time All-Star came to life in the 1978 World Series.  Prior to that, he hit the Home Run tin the tie-breaker where the Yankees beat the Red Sox to win the AL East.  He batted .417 with seven RBIs in the World Series, earning him his second ring, as he was with the Yanks the year before.  Dent played until 1984 and retired with 1,114 Hits.  Eligible Since 1990.  Dent was on the ballot for one year and finished with 0.7% of the ballot. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Ron Cey, Los Angeles Dodgers, Third Base (co-winner) (1981)

For the first and only time in World Series MVP history, there were three co-winners.  Prior to this win, Ron Cey was a six-time All-Star, and had already appeared in three World Series for the Dodgers, albeit in losing efforts.  This year, he batted .350 with a Home Run and six RBIs.  He played until 1987, and had 1,868 Hits and 316 Home Runs when he retired.  Eligible Since 1993.  Cey was on the ballot for one year and finished with 1.9% of the ballot. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Pedro Guerrero, Los Angeles Dodgers, First Base (co-winner) (1981)

For the first and only time in World Series MVP history, there were three co-winners.  This season would see the first of five All-Star years for Pedro Guerrero, and in the World Series, he batted .333 with two Home Runs, seven RBIs and an OPS of 1.179.  Eligible Since 1998.  Guerrero was on the ballot for one year and finished with 1.3% of the ballot. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Steve Yeager, Los Angeles Dodgers, Catcher (co-winner) (1981)

For the first and only time in World Series MVP history, there were three co-winners.  A light hitting Catcher but well-respected handler of pitchers, Steve Yeager had two key Home Runs with a ,286 Batting Average in the World Series. Eligible Since 1998.  Yeager was on the ballot for one year and finished with 0.5% of the ballot. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Darrell Porter, St. Louis Cardinals, Catcher (1982)

Darrell Porter had been a four-time All-Star prior to this World Series, and in this season’s Fall Classic, the Catcher batted .286 with one Home Run and five RBIs.  Notable, he batted .556 in the NLCS, and won the NLCS MVP that season. He played until 1987, and retired with 1,369 Hits and 188 Home Runs.  Eligible Since 1993.  Porter was on the ballot for one year but did not receive any votes.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Rick Dempsey, Baltimore Orioles, Catcher (1983)

For the third year in a row, a Catcher won the World Series MVP.  Dempsey, who was never known for being a great hitter delivered on this stage with a .385 Batting Average and a Home Run in Baltimore’s five-game Series win over Philadelphia.  Dempsey would later win a second World Series Ring with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1988. He played until 1992.  Eligible Since 1998.  Dempsey was on the ballot for one year and finished with 0.2% of the vote.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Bret Saberhagen, Kansas City Royals, Pitcher (1985)

In his second year in the Majors, Bret Saberhagen won the Cy Young with a 20-6 record and a league-leading 1.056 WHIP. In the World Series win over the Cardinals, he would win both starts and have a stellar 0.50 ERA and 0.667 WHIP. Saberhagen would win his second Cy Young in 1989.  The hurler would play until 2001 and retire with a record of 167-117 and 1,715 Strikeouts. Eligible Since 2007.  Saberhagen was on the ballot for one year and finished with 1.3% of the vote.  Ranked #65 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Ray Knight, New York Mets, Third Base (1986)

While it could be joked that the World Series MVP was really Bill Buckner, Ray Knight had an incredible World Series.  He would bat .391 with an OPS of 1.005 with one Home Run and five RBIs.  Knight was an All-Star twice and he played until 1988 with 1,311 Hits.  Eligible Since 1994.  Knight was on the ballot for one year and finished with 0.2% of the vote.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Frank Viola, Minnesota Twins, Pitcher (1987)

Finishing sixth in Cy Young voting this year, Frank Viola ascended to the ace of the Twins pitching staff.  In the seven-game World Series win over the St. Louis Cardinals, Viola started three of them and went 2-1 over 19.1 Innings with an ERA of 3.72 and 16 Strikeouts.  Viola would win the Cy Young the following season, and he played until 1996, retiring with a record of 176-150.  Eligible Since 2002.  Viola was on the ballot for one year and finished with 0.4% of the vote.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Orel Hershiser, Los Angeles Dodgers, Pitcher (1988)

Before 1988, Orel Hershiser was already the ace of the Dodgers pitching staff, but he was about to embark on the best season of his career.  This year, Hershiser won the Cy Young while leading the National League in Wins (23) and posting an ERA of 2.26 with 178 Strikeouts.  Hershiser would win the NLCS MVP, appearing in four games, winning one, and earning an ERA of 1.09.  In that World Series, he won both starts against the Oakland A’s winning both games with an ERA of 1.00 and a WHIP of 0.722.  Hershiser played until 2000 and would have a record of 204-150 with 2,014 Strikeouts.  Eligible Since 2006.  Hershiser was on the ballot for two years and finished as high as 11.2% in 2006.  Ranked #71 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Dave Stewart, Oakland Athletics, Pitcher (1989)

From 1987 to 1990, Dave Stewart finished in the top four in Cy Young voting, and was the ace of the Oakland staff that went to three straight World Series (1988-90).  1989 was the only one of the three that the A’s would win, and in this year, he would win both starts against the San Francisco Giants with a 1.69 ERA and 14 Strikeouts.  Stewart played until 1995, retiring with a 168-129 record and 1,741 Strikeouts.  Eligible Since 2002.  Stewart was on the ballot for two years and finished as high as 7.4% in 2001. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jose Rijo, Cincinnati Reds, Pitcher (1990)

Jose Rijo and the Cincinnati Reds would shock Oakland in a four-game sweep in the World Series, and Rijo won both starts, with a phenomenal 0.59 ERA and 14 Strikeouts.  The Puerto Rican played until 1995, and after a five-year layoff due to injury, he returned for two years before retiring for good in 2002. He would have a record of 116-91. Eligible Since 2008.  Rijo was on the 2001 ballot and received 0.2% of the ballot, and appeared again in 2008, but had no votes that year.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Pat Borders, Toronto Blue Jays, Catcher (1992)

An unlikely World Series MVP, Pat Borders never had a season where he hat over 125 Hits and only had two 100 Hit plus years. Regardless, his bat was on fire in the 1992 World Series where he batted .450 with nine Hits, one Home Run and three RBIs.  This would be the first World Series win for the Toronto Blue Jays, and he would help them win it again in 1993.  He played until 2006.  Eligible Since 2011.  Although Borders was Hall of Fame eligible, he was never on the ballot.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. 

John Wetteland, New York Yankees, Pitcher (1996)

John Wetteland played two seasons with the New York Yankees, and this was the second of them.  For the first and only time, the closer would lead the league in Saves (43), and he was an All-Star for what would be the first of three times. Wetteland appeared in five games in the ’96 World Series against the Braves, and he would net four Saves with a 2.08 ERA and six Strikeouts.  He played until 2000, retiring with 330 Saves.  Eligible Since 2006.  Wetteland was on the ballot for one year and received 0.8% of the vote.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Livan Hernandez, Miami Marlins, Pitcher (1997)

In Florida’s shocking World Series win, Livan Hernandez was a rookie, who was the runner-up for the Rookie of the Year Award. Hernandez was incredible in the post-season, winning the NLCS MVP (2-0), and he won both his starts in the ’97 World Series against the Cleveland Indians, albeit with a 5.27 ERA. Hernandez played until 2012, and was a two-time All-Star.  He finished his career one game over .500, with a record of 178-177.  Eligible Since 2018.  Hernandez was on the ballot for one year and received 0.2% of the vote.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Scott Brosius, New York Yankees, Third Base (1998)

Scott Brosius became very popular when he arrived in 1998 to New York.  This would be his only All-Star year, and in the World Series he batted .471 with two Home Runs and six RBIs.  Brosius played for three more years, and retired with two more World Series Rings and 1,001 Hits.  Eligible Since 2007.  Brosius was on the ballot for one year and but did not receive any votes.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Curt Schilling, Arizona Diamondbacks, Pitcher (co-winner) (2001)

In the regular season, Curt Schilling finished second in Cy Young voting to his teammate, Randy Johnson, which would be the same hurler who he shared the World Series MVP with.  In this World Series, Schilling pitched in three games, winning one with an ERA of 1,69 with 26 Strikeouts.  He would win two more World Series rings with the Boston Red Sox, and he retired in 2007 with a record of 216-146 with 3,116 Strikeouts.  Eligible Since 2013.  Schilling has been on the ballot for eight years and has finished as high as 70.0% in 2020.  Ranked #5 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Troy Glaus, Anaheim Angels, Third Base (2002)

Troy Glaus was a four-time All-Star, two of which happened before 2002, and two after.  In the Angels first World Series win, Glaus batted .385 with an OPS of 1.313. and three Home Runs and eight RBIs.  He would play until 2010 and retired with 320 Home Runs.  Eligible Since 2016.  Glaus was on the ballot for one year and but did not receive any votes.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Josh Beckett, Florida Marlins, Pitcher (2003)

We think it can be safely stated that the Marlins are the most unlikely two-time World Series Champions, but that is sports for you!  Their second World Series MVP was Josh Beckett, who was in his third year in the Majors.  In this World Series, he would pitch in two Games, going 1-1 with a 1.10 ERA and 19 Strikeouts.  A future three-time All-Star, Beckett would later help the Red Sox win the 2007 World Series, and he played until 2014, retiring with a 138-106 record.  Eligible Since 2020.  Beckett was on the ballot for one year and but did not receive any votes.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Manny Ramirez, Boston Red Sox, Outfield (2004)

One of the huge reasons that the “Curse of the Bambino” was finally eradicated in 2004 was because of Manny Ramirez, who was on year seven of eleven straight All-Star Game appearances.  In the four-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals, Ramirez batted .412 with a Home Run and four RBIs.  His controversial career came to an end in 2011, and would have 2,574 Hits, 555 Home Runs and 1,831 RBIs.  Eligible Since 2017.  Ramirez has been on the ballot for four years and has finished as high as 28.2% in 2020. Ranked #6 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jermaine Dye, Chicago White Sox, Outfield (2005)

An All-Star in 2000, and later in 2006, Jermaine Dye would win his first and only World Series ring in 2005 with the Chi-Sox. In the White Sox sweep of the Astros, Dye had a Home Run, three Runs Batted In, and a .438 Batting Average. He played until 2009, and would have 1,779 Hits with 325 Home Runs.  Eligible Since 2015.  Dye was on the ballot for one year and but did not receive any votes.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

David Eckstein, St. Louis Cardinals, Shortstop(2006)

This was the first of two straight All-Star Game years for David Eckstein, and he had already won a World Series Championship with the Anaheim Angels in 2002.  Eckstein batted .364 with four RBIs in this World Series, and he played until 2010.  Eligible Since 2016.  Eckstein was on the ballot for one year and received 0.5% of the vote.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Mike Lowell, Boston Red Sox, Third Base (2007)

Mike Lowell finished fifth in MVP voting this year, which would be the highest he would ever finish.  A four-time All-Star, Lowell already had a World Series Ring with the Marlins, and in this World Series sweep over the Colorado Rockies, he would bat .400 with a Home Run with four RBIs.  Lowell played until 2010, and he retired with 1,619 Hits and 223 Home Runs. Eligible Since 2016.  Lowell was on the ballot for one year and but did not receive any votes.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Hideko Matsui, New York Yankees, Outfield (2009)

Hideki Matsui was already a two-time All-Star, and with his MVP in the 2009 World Series, he became the first Japanese to win the award.  In the six-game win over the Philadelphia Phillies, “Godzilla” blasted three Home Runs, had eight RBIs, and had a disgusting Slash Line of .615/.643/1.385, meaning he had an OPS over 2.000.  He played in the Majors until 2012.  Eligible Since 2018.  Matsui was on the ballot for one year and received 0.8% of the vote.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Edgar Renteria, San Francisco Giants, Shortstop (2010)

This was the penultimate season of Edgar Renteria, who was a five-time All-Star, who had previously won a World Series Ring in 1997 as a Florida Marlin.  In the 2010 World Series, the Venezuelan Shortstop had two Home Runs, six RBIs and batted .412.  Retiring in 2011, Reneteria had 2,327 Hits with 140 Home Runs.  He was also a three-time Silver Slugger and twice a Gold Glove winner.  Eligible Since 2018.  Matsui was on the ballot for one year and received 0.8% of the vote.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Let’s update our tally, shall we?

So, who is up next?

The following are the players who have won the World Series MVP in the NFL who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Baseball Hall of Fame:

David Freese, St. Louis Cardinals, Third Base (2011)

David Freese will mostly be remembered over his career for his 2011 playoffs, where he won both the NLCS MVP and World Series MVP. In Game 6 of the World Series, Freese tied the game to send it into extra innings.  In the 11^thinning, he homered to win it, and force a Game 7, which the Redbirds won.  Overall, in the World Series, he had seven RBIs, the aforementioned Home Run, and a .348 Batting Average.  He played until 2019, and had 1,041 Hits.  Eligible in 2025.

David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox, Designated Hitter and First Base (2013)

This season would be the ninth of ten of All-Star seasons, for David Ortiz, which would also see him earn his third and final World Series Ring.  In the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Ortiz had the following Slash Line: .688/.760/1.188.  Incredible right?  He played until 2016, and would end his career with 2,472 Hits, 541 Home Runs, and 1,768 RBIs.  Eligible in 2022.

Ben Zobrist, Chicago Cubs, Second Base (2016)

In what Ben Zobrist’s first of four years in Chicago, the Cubs finally broke their curse and won their first World Series in well over a century.  In the regular season, Zobrist was an All-Star for the third and final time, and he would win the World Series for the second straight year, as he was with the Royals in 2015.  In this World Series, he batted .357 with 10 Hits and two RBIs.  He played until 2019 and retired with 1,566 Hits and 167 Home Runs. Eligible in 2025.

Steve Pearce, Boston Red Sox, Outfield (2018)

This was the penultimate year for Steve Pearce, who over 13 years would never have a 100 Hit season.  In the 2018 World Series, his bat was on fire with a three Home Run, eight RBI performance with a .333 Batting Average.  He would only have 572 Hits over his career.  Eligible in 2025.

The following are the players who have won the World Series MVP who are still active.

Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies, Pitcher (2008)

Cole Hamels led the National League in WHIP this year and in the World Series, he pitched two games, going 1-0 with an ERA of 2.77.  Hamels also won the NLCS MVP.  35 Years Old, Playing for the Atlanta Braves.

Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants, First Base (2012)

Exceptionally popular, Pablo Sandoval would bat .500 in the four-game sweep over the Detroit Tigers and the “Panda” would have three Home Runs and four RBIs.  33 Years Old, Playing for the San Francisco Giants.

Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants, Pitcher(2014)

Bumgarner was on year two of a four-year run of All-Star Game years, and he would finish fourth in Cy Young voting.  In the 2014 playoffs, Bumgarner was on fire winning both the NLCS MVP and the World Series MVP.  In the latter, he went 2-0 with a 0.43 ERA, and earned a save in the deciding Game 7 over the Kansas City Royals.  30 Years Old, Playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals, Catcher (2015)

An All-Star for the third straight year, Salvador Perez batted .364 in Kansas City’s five-game World Series win over the New York Mets.  He would also have two Doubles and two RBIs.  30 Years Old, Playing for the Kansas City Royals.

George Springer, Houston Astros, Outfield (2017)

This was the breakout year for George Springer, and the breakout for the Houston Astros, who won their first World Series this year. In the seven-game series over the Los Angeles Dodgers, Springer blasted five Home Runs, with seven RBIs, with a .379 Batting Average and an even 1.000 OPS.  30 Years Old, Playing for the Houston Astros.

Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals, Pitcher(2018)

In the regular season, Stephen Strasburg led the National League in Wins (18), and was fifth in Cy Young voting.  In the World Series, he pitched twice, winning both games with 14 Strikeouts and a 2.51 ERA.  31 Years Old, Playing for the Washington Nationals.

You can’t win the World Series MVP, without making the World Series, and winning teams have stars, average players, and those who seize the moment.  The World Series MVP reflects all of those players.

So, what is up next?

We are going to return to the ice, and look at the Art Ross Trophy, which is awarded annually to the player who has the most Points in a season.

As always, we thank you for your support, and look for that soon.

We don’t think there is much of a stretch to say that Bob Gibson is the greatest St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher of all time.

How can he not be?