| Birthdate | 11/17/1944 |
| Death Date | 8/31/2020 |
| Debut Year | 1967 |
| Year of Induction | 1992 |
| Teams | Mets, Red Sox, Reds, White Sox |
| Position | Pitcher |
Tom Seaver set the record highest voting percentage (98.84%) in the history of the Hall; he’s also the first player in Cooperstown with a Mets cap.
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Tom Seaver had just completed what might be his greatest season when he penned this letter. The 12-time All Star finished 20-10 with a sterling 1.76 earned run average.
Seaver led the league in ERA, strikeouts and WHIP. One has to wonder if today’s more sophisticated Cy Young voters would have recognized his greatness over actual winner Fergie Jenkins whose ERA was a full run higher. In the letter, Seaver writes about his admiration of his college coach, Rod Dedeaux.
Tom Seaver enjoyed one of the finest pitching careers in the history of baseball. When he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1992, Seaver set the record for highest voting percentage.
The first player inducted with a Mets cap on his plaque, Seaver is one of 15 first-ballot Hall of Famers to receive the William J. Slocum Award.
Other first-ballot men to receive it include Babe Ruth, Walter Johnson, and Stan Musial. Seaver played against many who’ve been honored with the Slocum. Among them are Willie Mays, Lou Brock, Willie Stargell, Reggie Jackson, Nolan Ryan, and George Brett – all first ballot selections to the Hall.
In the collection is the Slocum Award given to legendary Dodger announcer Vin Scully in 1995.
The Bill Slocom Award is one of the most prestigious awards baseball has to offer. The little-known honor has been given to more than 50 members of the Hall of Fame.
Read More >"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball…"
~Jacques Barzun, 1954
