Ex-MLB star pleads with Hall of Fame voters to reconsider candidacy: 'I didn't get credit for wha...

As the Class of 2025 for the National Baseball Hall of Fame has been revealed, 6-time MLB All-Star Kenny Lofton reiterates his wish of getting a fair shake at entering the Hall himself.
Mr. Luella Gottlieb · 8 days ago · 2 minutes read


Cooperstown's Overlooked Gem: Kenny Lofton's Quest for Baseball Immortality

An Era of Giants

While the baseball world celebrates the Hall of Fame inductions of CC Sabathia, Ichiro Suzuki, and Billy Wagner, there are those who deservedly yearn for the same recognition.

One such player is Kenny Lofton, a six-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glover, and 17-season MLB veteran.

Unrecognized Greatness

Despite amassing 2,428 hits, a 68.4 WAR, and impacting the game in countless ways, Lofton remains on the outside looking in.

"I didn't get credit for what I did," Lofton lamented. "I still don't get credit."

The Steroid Era's Shadow

Lofton's first Hall of Fame ballot was stacked with steroid-tainted players, clouding his performance.

However, experts argue that Lofton's statistics equal or even surpass those of Hall of Famers like Ichiro Suzuki.

WARriors and Sabermetrics

WAR, a key metric for Hall of Fame voters, shows Lofton's exceptional dominance. With a 68.4 career WAR, he ranks 10th among center fielders, ahead of many enshrined in Cooperstown.

Sabermetrician Jay Jaffe's JAWS metric further solidifies Lofton's Hall of Fame case, placing him as one of the best center fielders ever.

Stolen Bases and Defensive Prowess

Lofton's 622 stolen bases rank him 15th all-time, a testament to his offensive threat. His defensive skills also showcased the complete package, making him a feared adversary.

Peer Recognition

Hall of Famer Barry Larkin hailed Lofton's greatness, while opponents from the World Series confessed their dread at facing him.

"Our main thing was keeping you off the bases... We didn't have to meet a lot... We just kept saying, keep that damn Kenny Lofton off the bases," – David Justice, former All-Star outfielder

Missed Opportunities

Despite the evidence, Lofton hasn't gained the Hall of Fame nod. He's been overlooked by the Regular Election, and his Contemporary Committee bid in 2022 fell short.

"At this point, I'm questioning if I played the game the right way," Lofton admitted.

A Call for Fairness

"All I'm asking from people is look at my numbers a little bit more... Compare me to people who are already in the Hall of Fame," Lofton pleads.

"At this point, they're looking around that... I just want the committee to look at it and say, 'He's the best at it."'

Whether or not Lofton enters Cooperstown, his legacy as a truly great baseball player should not be forgotten.