2024’s Baseball Hall class has deep roots to Appalachian League

The induction ceremony for the Baseball Hall of Fame in July will include a great representation of the Appalachian League.

Tennessee great and Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton were among the three players voted in by baseball writers. Joe Mauer, who began his professional career with the Elizabethton Twins, earned his place in Cooperstown along with 3rd baseman Adrian Beltre.

From one Volunteer in a Hall of Fame to another… pic.twitter.com/tSj2hMugNl

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) January 24, 2024

Number 7. pic.twitter.com/2oRIJ922lA

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) January 24, 2024

The modern-day inductee is Jim Leyland, who won with the Marlins in the ‘97 World Series and began his managerial career in 1971 with the Bristol Tigers.

One call changed it all.

The moment Jim Leyland and his wife Katie heard he was elected to the Class of 2024! pic.twitter.com/V8o9UL35DK

— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (@baseballhall) December 4, 2023

Tazewell County, Virginia native and Mets closer Billy Wagner missed the hall call by just 5 votes. Wagner will appear on the writers’ ballot for the final time in 2025.

(IMAGE: Bristol Broadcasting Co News Archives)