Detroit Tigers: A look ahead to the 2019 Hall of Fame Ballot

Gary Sheffield

Sheffield has now spent four years on the ballot, and unfortunately his results are not trending in the right direction. Sheffield earned 11.7%, 11.6% and 13.3% of the vote in his first three years, but only earned 11.1% last year. With a 10-man voter limit, it appears the voters are realizing that Sheffield’s candidacy is a futile one, and are turning their attention elsewhere. Now, Sheffield will have to climb 63.9% of the vote in just five years, a nearly impossible task.

Sheffield played for eight different teams in his 22 seasons. He blasted 509 home runs and slashed .292/.393/.514 in his illustrious career.

The outfielder and designed hitter joined the Tigers in November of 2006 in a trade with the New York Yankees. The Tigers surrendered three ‘prospects’ in the deal; Anthony Claggett, Humberto Sanchez and Kevin Whelan.

Sheffield spent two years in the Motor City, hitting .247 with 44 home runs, 31 stolen bases and a .788 OPS. He was released after the 2008 season and signed with the New York Mets to close out his career.

Overall, Sheffield’s numbers are right on the line of Hall of Fame worthy. His inclusion on the Mitchell Report is certainly dissuading many voters, particularly the ones who have shunned noted steroid users like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Manny Ramirez – among others.

Sheffield was a great slugger, but his career looks very unlikely to end with a plaque in Cooperstown.