Alan Trammell and Jack Morris elected to the Hall of Fame

The Modern Era Committee had its say on Sunday, and remedied a pair of wrongs that have never sat well in the Motor City. Tigers great Alan Trammell is finally a Hall of Famer. Even better, fellow hero of ‘84, Jack Morris, was also elected to Cooperstown on Sunday. The pair will be enshrined into the National Baseball Hall of Fame together, and the only thing that could’ve made it more perfect would’ve been Lou Whitaker getting his rightful due as well.

Morris was the top vote getter among the committee’s list of nominees. He was named on 14 of the 16 ballots. Trammell was right behind him with 13 votes. In the process, they beat out candidates such as Luis Tiant, Steve Garvey, and Tommy John.

The committee’s 10-man ballot consisted of players who played the bulk of their careers between the years 1970-1987. Trammell and Morris are now set to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, on July 29, 2018.

Jack Morris career began with Detroit in 1977. He threw a no-hitter early in the 1984 season, and was a key part of the Tigers’ World Series victory. In 1991, he left Detroit to sign a one-year deal with the Minnesota Twins, powering them to a World Series victory with a outstanding series that culminated with his classic 10-inning shutout over the Atlanta Braves in Game 7. He was named 1991 World Series MVP. Morris would move to Toronto in 1992 and collected his third and fourth World Series rings in consecutive seasons with the Blue Jays.

Morris ended his career with a record of 254-186, with an ERA of 3.90. He struck out 2478 batters across 3824 innings, and is regarded as one of the last true workhorse aces in the game. Since his retirement, Morris has dabbled in coaching, but transitioned to a career as a broadcast analyst for both the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers.

Trammell’s 20 year career as the Tigers’ shortstop also began in 1977 and ended with his retirement following the 1996 campaign. Alongside Lou Whitaker, who many argue should be enshrined in the Hall of Fame as well, Trammell formed one of all-time great double play combinations in the sport’s history.

Trammell peaked for a five year stretch from 1983-1988 during which he was worth over five WAR every year. His best season came in 1987. That year he was a viable candidate for the American League MVP award, cracking 28 home runs with a 152 wRC+ while playing his usual outstanding defense. He was worth 7.7 fWAR that year, losing the MVP to Toronto Blue Jays slugger, George Bell. Bell clubbed 47 home runs, but by modern metrics wasn’t nearly as valuable as Trammell that season.

This is a long overdue honor for one of the great people in the game. Trammell is undoubtedly one of the great shortstops of all-time, and his service to the Tigers’ organization as both manager and coach have continued his indelible mark on the only franchise he ever called home during his 20 year playing career. He continues to impact young players as a roving instructor and mentor in the Tigers’ farm system to this day.

While Morris’ path took him away from Detroit, he’s still one of the city’s favorite sons. He was the ace for the last World Series winner the Tigers have produced, and continues to be held in high regard by Tigers’ fans who remember his durability and competitive fire on the mound.

Tigers owner Chris Ilitch also confirmed in the team’s congratulatory press release, that both players will have their numbers retired in a ceremony next August.

The whole staff here at Bless You Boys is delighted that this day has finally come. We extend our heartfelt congratulation to Alan Trammell, Jack Morris, and their families. Bless you boys.