Legendary Red Sox outfielder Jim Rice was elected to Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame on his 15th and final ballot in 2009, 20 years after he retired from baseball. He received 76.4% (412/539), just barely surpassing the required 75% for election.

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Rice from 1974-1989

Rice’s 1978 MVP season

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Rice a Deserved Hall of Famer?
By KC

Monday afternoon, and more than 20 years after his career ended, Jim Rice was finally elected to Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame. He became only the third player to ever be elected on his last try, joining Red Ruffing (1967) and Ralph Kiner (1975). He received barely enough to be elected, appearing on just 412 of 539 total ballots for 76.4% of the vote, surpassing the required 75%.

Congratulations to Jim Rice, as he was tortured for far too long about the process. But, does Rice really deserve to have his plaque hanging in Cooperstown? Was he a Hall of Fame player during his career? After a long hard look at his numbers, a few SoB staff writers are split.

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Archived Articles

2009

• Rice a Deserved Hall of Famer? (01/13/2009)
• Jim Rice Elected to Hall of Fame (01/12/2009)

2008

• The Future for Jim Rice (01/08/2008)
• Jim Rice Misses Hall of Fame Again (01/08/2008)

Related Links

• National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
• List of Hall of Famers

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