Joe Gordon Elected to Hall of Fame Through Vets Committee

(Zell's Pinstripe Blog)

Joe Gordon was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame today through the Veterans Committee. Gordon was a nine-time All-Star second baseman for the Yankees and Indians, an American League MVP, and a 5X World Series Champion.

Gordon played 11 seasons with the Yankees and Indians. He finished in the top 10 in the MVP voting 5 times. He played in six World Series, winning 5 of them. (4X champ with the Yanks) There were 20 players on the ballot.

Gordon was picked by a 12-person committee looking over the players from that era. He received 10 votes. (83.3 percent; a player must receive 75 percent of the vote) Gordon will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 26, 2009 at the annual ceremonies in Cooperstown, NY.

Joe Gordon’s Career Stats: .268 AVG  914 R  1530 H  253 HR  975 RBI  89 SB  .357 OBP .466 SLG

(5X World Series Champion, 9X All-Star , AL MVP)

"

“He was an acrobat,” said Hall of Fame left-hander Bob Feller, who played with Gordon for the Indians from 1947-50. “He was always in front of the ball.”

“We are thrilled and proud to welcome Joe Gordon to the Hall of Fame family,” said Hall of Fame chairman of the board Jane Forbes Clark.

“The Veterans Committee for this ballot had the challenge of considering players who retired long ago, but the Hall of Famers and historians on the committee did their homework with diligence and effort, and we thank them.”

"

according to The LoHud Yankees Blog   …..Howard Rubenstein issued a statement attributed to George Steinbrenner:

"

“As a young man in Cleveland, I remember what a spectacular ballplayer Joe Gordon was. He was a great second baseman, a great Yankee, and an inspiration to millions of Americans for many years. The Yankees are proud of his election.”

"

Watch Video: Veterans Committee elects Joe Gordon to HOF