SF Giants legend Jeff Kent inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame

"Kent played six seasons with the Giants as part of his 17-year career, winning the National League Most Valuable Player award in 2000, making three All-Star teams in San Francisco and helping the Giants reach the 2002 World Series. Kent, a Bellflower native and former Cal star, will enter the National Baseball Hall of Fame next July 26 ahead of longtime Giants teammate Barry Bonds, who was also on the ballot but failed to receive the required 75% of votes to gain induction."

"Kent, 57, owns the record for most home runs hit as a second baseman (351) as well as four Silver Sluggers. He had 171 home runs over his six years with the Giants, and his 1,518 RBIs are the third-most all-time among primary second basemen. He spent 10 years on the writers' ballot but peaked at 46.5% of the vote, so his induction via the Contemporary Era committee represents a major shift."

Jeff Kent earned Hall of Fame election via the Contemporary Era committee and will be inducted next July 26. Kent spent six seasons with the San Francisco Giants during a 17-year career, won the 2000 National League MVP, made three All-Star teams in San Francisco, and helped the Giants reach the 2002 World Series. Kent holds the record for most home runs by a second baseman (351), won four Silver Sluggers, hit 171 homers with the Giants, and compiled 1,518 RBIs, third-most among primary second basemen. The Giants acquired Kent from Cleveland in 1996 in the trade that sent Matt Williams away. Kent hit .290 for his career and .297 with the Giants. His relationship with Barry Bonds included a notable 2002 dugout argument, and Kent left the team in free agency that winter. Giants CEO Larry Baer praised Kent’s competitiveness and lasting legacy.

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