Former Phillies 1B Jim Thome is Elected to the Hall of Fame
Wednesday evening marked the announcement of the results from the 2018 National Baseball Hall of Fame vote. Former Phillies Jim Thome, Billy Wagner, Curt Schilling, Scott Rolen, Jamie Moyer, Kevin Millwood and Brad Lidge all were on the ballot as options. After the votes cast by the Baseball Writers Association of America were tabulated, Thome had the 75% required and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Thome hit 612 home runs during his major league career, compiling a WAR of 76.9 in 22 seasons in baseball. Thome ranks eighth all-time in home runs. Thome slugged .551 throughout his career and holds the major league record with 13 walk-off home runs.
Thome was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 13th round of the 1989 amateur draft and made his major league debut with the club in 1991. Thome spent 2003 - 2005 and part of 2012 with the Phillies.
Prior to the announcement, the Phillies put together a fine collection of Phillies moments to look ahead to the occasion:
Also elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame were former Braves third baseman Chipper Jones, closer Trevor Hoffman, best known for his time with the San Diego Padres and former Montreal Expos and Anaheim Angels outfielder Vladimir Guerrero. Designated hitter Edgar Martinez missed out once again.
Receiving votes from the Phillies alumni but not named were Schilling (51%), Wagner (11.2%), Rolen (10.2%) and Moyer (2.4%). Millwood and Lidge did not receive votes.