After years of slowly climbing the list, Bert Blyleven, once again, painstakingly inched closer to Cooperstown. In his 13th year on the list, he got 74.2% of the votes. He was shy five nods… you need 75% to get in. Talk about a heartbreak.
Ugh, I’m so upset.
The Twins drafted #28 in 1969. His first game was the next spring in 1970. Blyleven pitched his final game in October 1992. That’s nuts. He was a professional pitcher for FOUR DECADES with an insane curve ball. Now Blyleven does announcing for the Twins broadcasts on FSN North (yes, I’ve been circled!)
Blyleven wasn’t just a great pitcher. He was a charismatic player and has been an ambassador to the sport. Too many players these days look at the game as a business… Blyleven never did. It was obvious he loved the sport and still enjoys it today.
He doesn’t have the best numbers, but his career spanned 22 years! One of the most memorable games was in 1982 when he struck out nine batters - looking. If you look at the depth of his career, there’s no doubt he should be in the Hall. Blyleven had a low ERA when he was pitching for some bad teams.
Analysts say he will for sure be inducted to Cooperstown next year. For me, it’s just not soon enough.
