Modern Savior Emerges for Hall of Fame’s Overlooked Position
The upcoming Baseball Hall of Fame class announcement on January 20 has sparked conversations about second basemen candidates. Four notable players are on this year’s ballot: Chase Utley, Dustin Pedroia, Howie Kendrick, and Daniel Murphy. Their inclusion highlights the rarity of second basemen receiving Hall of Fame recognition from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA).
Second Basemen in Hall of Fame History
Since Jackie Robinson’s induction in 1962, only five second basemen have been elected by the BBWAA. This limited recognition poses challenges for this year’s candidates. The five elected players are:
- Joe Morgan (1990)
- Rod Carew (1991)
- Ryne Sandberg (2005)
- Roberto Alomar (2011)
- Craig Biggio (2015)
Only five players at this pivotal position have been honored, with none since 1989, which adds weight to the current ballot contenders.
Candidate Profiles
Chase Utley is celebrated for his analytical appeal and strong performance during his career. A key player for the Philadelphia Phillies from 2003 to 2011, he contributed to significant team success, including a World Series title in 2008. His career statistics include:
| Player | Hits | Home Runs | Stolen Bases | WAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Utley | 1,885 | 259 | 154 | 64.6 |
Utley was consistently strong in various metrics, often ranking high in WAR among players during his peak years.
Dustin Pedroia, another frontrunner, is known for a trophy-laden career, including four Gold Gloves and a Rookie of the Year award in 2007. Pedroia’s accolades include:
| Dustin Pedroia | 1,805 | 140 | 138 | 51.8 |
His career included a standout MVP season in 2008, yet injuries hampered his later years, ultimately leading to an early retirement in 2021.
Fresh Faces on the Ballot
Howie Kendrick and Daniel Murphy represent the new wave of candidates. Kendrick enjoyed success with the Los Angeles Angels and later contributed to the Washington Nationals’ 2019 championship run. His service includes:
| Howie Kendrick | 1,747 | 127 | 126 | 35.0 |
Daniel Murphy also made a significant impact, especially in the 2015 postseason, where he hit seven home runs. His performance includes:
| Daniel Murphy | 1,572 | 138 | 68 | 20.8 |
Hall of Fame Consideration
Both Utley and Pedroia are viewed as having the best chances for eventual Hall of Fame induction. Historical context emphasizes the importance of their performances compared to those of previous second basemen who made it into Cooperstown.
As the voting season progresses, Utley has gained substantial traction, currently at 69.1% support. Pedroia is also gaining ground, climbing to 26.1% of the votes. Kendrick and Murphy, however, are unlikely to continue on the ballot past this season.
Utley’s potential induction would mark a significant moment for the second base position, a role that has faced consistent oversight in Hall of Fame discussions.
