Former Colorado Rockies legend Todd Helton was very close to being elected to the Hall of Fame in his fifth year of eligibility on the ballot.
Unfortunately for him, it was not to be, as Scott Rolen was the only player who ended up being elected to Cooperstown.
Helton being snubbed yet again was a surprise to many, as he had made a significant jump in the voting and ended being just 11 votes short of being elected.
On Twitter, MLB analyst Jared Carrabis vouched for Helton and criticized the Hall of Fame for their continued snub of the slugger and those who use the “Coors Field thing.”
Todd Helton is a Hall of Famer. I don’t know what we’re doing here with that one. Don’t give me the Coors Field thing either because his numbers were great on the road, too. Get ‘em in next year.
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) January 25, 2023
Some doubt Helton’s credibility due to him playing his entire career in Colorado and constantly playing at Coors Field, where naturally, the ball carries quite well thanks to the high altitude.
But Helton’s road numbers were quite good too, which renders the Coors Field argument irrelevant.
Carrabis also expressed hope that next year, the writers and the Hall of Fame will ultimately recognize their mistake in snubbing the Rockies star and elect him to Cooperstown where he belongs.
Again, Helton was quite close to being elected this year, coming just 11 votes short.
Rolen barely snuck in, reaching the Hall by a mere five votes.
There will be several newcomers on the ballot next season, including Adrian Beltre.
But if Helton got this close in 2023, perhaps he’ll experience an even bigger leap in 2024 and finally get the recognition that many feel he deserves after such a legendary career.
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