Ex-Tigers Morris, Trammell elected to Hall of Fame
Dec 11, 2017 - 1:01 AM Former Detroit Tigers stars Jack Morris and Alan Trammell were elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday by the entity's Modern Era Baseball committee in Orlando, Fla.Morris, a pitcher, and Trammell, a shortstop, both failed to gain entry during their 15 years on the regular ballot. Morris gained two-thirds of the vote in 2012 -- his 13th time on the ballot -- but didn't receive the required 75 percent in either of his final two years.
In balloting by the 16-member Modern Era panel, with 12 votes needed for election, Morris got 14 votes and Trammell received 13. Ted Simmons, an eight-time All-Star catcher, just missed election to Cooperstown, getting 11 votes. Committee members were limited to voting to no more than four candidates.
"I'm so proud that Jack and I will be going in together," Trammell said. "The way I describe it is a little bit of a Tiger flavor."
Morris added, "I can't think of a better scenario to go in with a former teammate and a guy that I respect and love so much, and I know it's going to be good day.
"It's going to be a warm and fuzzy day for Tigers fans because the tradition of Tiger baseball is magnified because of finally getting acknowledged from that great '84 team."
Tigers president and CEO Christopher Ilitch said in a statement, "On behalf of the entire Detroit Tigers organization, it's an honor to congratulate Alan Trammell and Jack Morris on their election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
"This announcement is truly a proud moment for all of us, and for the legions of Tigers fan who watched these all-time greats excel during their years wearing the Olde English 'D'. Their achievements on the field, and character off, exemplify what's best about the sport of baseball -- and I'm thrilled the Modern Era Committee saw fit to enshrine Tram and Jack in Cooperstown.
"All of us with the Tigers are looking forward to August, when we will be honoring these legends by retiring their numbers at Comerica Park."
Morris (now 62) and Trammell (now 59) were teammates on the powerhouse 1984 Tigers team that defeated the San Diego Padres in five games to win the World Series.
"I can't think of any two players more deserving of this honor than Tram and Jack," Detroit general manager Al Avila said. "These two Tigers greats played an integral role on the 1984 World Series championship team."
Morris, a five-time All-Star, compiled a 254-186 record in 18 big-league seasons with the Tigers (1977-90), Minnesota Twins (1991), Toronto Blue Jays (1992-93) and Cleveland Indians (1994). He had a high 3.90 ERA but pitched 28 shutouts and had 175 complete games.
Morris won 20 or more games on three occasions. He also was MVP of the 1991 World Series for the Twins and was 7-4 with a 3.80 ERA in 13 overall postseason starts. He won another championship with the Blue Jays in 1992.
Trammell played his entire 20-year career with the Tigers and batted .285 with 185 homers and 1,003 RBIs. He had 2,365 career hits and stole 236 bases and was a five-time Gold Glove winner.
The six-time All-Star's best season was 1987, when he established career highs of 28 homers, 105 RBIs and a .343 batting average. He finished second in the American League MVP balloting behind Toronto's George Bell.
Trammell was MVP of the 1984 World Series when he batted .450 with two homers against his hometown Padres. Overall, he hit .333 with three homers and 11 RBIs in 13 postseason games.
"I congratulate Alan Trammell and Jack Morris on their election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame," former Tigers outfielder and Baseball Hall of Famer Al Kaline said. "Playing for the Tigers was truly a privilege and to go into the Hall of Fame as a Tiger is a milestone that I am thrilled to now share with both of them. "
Candidates passed over were pitchers Tommy John and Luis Tiant, catcher Ted Simmons, first basemen Steve Garvey and Don Mattingly, outfielders Dale Murphy and Dave Parker and former players union executive Marvin Miller.
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