Odds and Sods

In a week where all three major American sports have been saddled with salacious scandal, Baseball’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony should provide a much desired ray of light. Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn, their careers largely overshadowed by steroid-fueled sluggers, were the greatest of players on the field, and, more importantly, even greater people off it. They were two many who were heroes to many, and actually lived up to it. In what might be the ultimate juxtaposition, Barry Bonds could break Hank Aaron’s record as a peripheral side-show when the eyes of the entire baseball community are set on Cooperstown, celebrating two players who did it the right way.

Here are the resumes for Baseball’s newest Hall of Famers.

Cal Ripken Jr.

- 19 Time MLB All-Star

- 2 Time AL MVP (1983, 1981)

- Rookie of the Year (1982)

- 2 Gold Glove Awards SS (1991, 1992)

- 1 World Series Title (1983)

- 431 HR (Most With Baltimore Orioles)

- 3,184 hits (One of only Seven Players to have both 400 HR and 3,000 hits)

- 2,632 Consecutive Games Played (Most All-Time)

Tony Gwynn

- 15 Time MLB All-Star
- 8 National League Batting Titles

- 5 Gold Glove Awards RF

- 2 World Series Appearances (1984, 199

- .338 Career Batting Average (Highest of Players to Begin Career After World War II)

- 3,141 hits

- 319 SB