Some Major League Baseball legends are linked to specific teams in the minds of fans. Players like Babe Ruth with the Boston Braves and Ryne Sandberg with the Phillies, as well as Ken Griffey Jr. with the White Sox, are all synonymous with their respective franchises. However, there are instances where these iconic players donned uniforms rarely associated with them. As the baseball world eagerly awaits the announcement of the 2024 Hall of Fame results on Jan. 23, let’s take a look back at some forgotten team-player pairings from the 26 Hall of Fame candidates on this year’s ballot.
Let’s start with Bobby Abreu, who began his career with the Houston Astros, where he made 210 plate appearances in 1997. During his time in Houston, Abreu hit his first two home runs in the same game on April 23. However, with a .248 batting average with the Astros, Abreu was left unprotected in the ’97 expansion draft. He was subsequently selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and then traded to the Phillies.
Then there’s José Bautista, who had a rather eventful 2004 season, starting with the Baltimore Orioles before ending up with the Pittsburgh Pirates after stints with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the Kansas City Royals. Bautista finally found a long-term home with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he established himself as a premier slugger.
San Francisco Giants fans will remember the brief but impactful stint of Carlos Beltrán with their team during the 2011 season. Beltrán was acquired from the New York Mets as the Giants looked to cement their place at the top of the NL West and make a repeat World Series run. Unfortunately, despite Beltrán’s performance, the Giants fell short of expectations.
Another player with a temporary change of scenery was Mark Buehrle, who spent the 2012 season with the Miami Marlins after signing a contract alongside José Reyes and Heath Bell. However, the Marlins’ ambitious spending did not translate into success on the field, and all three players were traded the following year.
Bartolo Colon, a player known for his journeyman career, spent a season with the Atlanta Braves in 2017. This came after a memorable stint with the New York Mets, where he became a fan favorite and earned the nickname “Big Sexy.”
Adrián González, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2000 Draft, found himself with the Texas Rangers in his early career after being traded by the Florida Marlins due to injury concerns. He went on to achieve great success with the San Diego Padres before eventually landing with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In 2009, Matt Holliday moved from the Colorado Rockies, known for its hitter-friendly stadium, to the Oakland A’s. Holliday’s performance dipped in his brief stint with the A’s before he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he quickly rebounded.
The illustrious career of Andruw Jones, best known for his time with the Atlanta Braves, briefly included a stint with the Texas Rangers, where he played first base in eight games, a departure from his usual spot in center field.
Finally, José Reyes, who was once a star with the New York Mets, struggled with the Colorado Rockies, recording a lackluster performance before being released and ending up back with the Mets.
These lesser-known team-player pairings provide a fascinating glimpse into the careers of these Hall of Fame candidates, showcasing the diversity of experiences that contribute to their baseball legacies. As the 2024 Hall of Fame results draw near, fans reminisce about the remarkable journeys of these players across different teams and eras.
