Trending News|July 28, 2015 10:26 EDT
MLB 2015 News: Johnson, Martinez, Smoltz and Biggio Enter Baseball Hall of Fame
Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz and Craig Biggio were all decorated baseball players during their time, and now, they've added yet another accolade to their name as the foursome has been inducted into the Hall of Fame Sunday.
"We waited 32 years for another Dominican," Martinez told the 40,000-strong contingent that witnessed the induction, referring to San Francisco Giants great Juan Marichal, who was elected in 1983. "I hope all Dominicans remember this. I don't think the Dominican Republic will have a better image than me and Marichal on Father's Day (in the Dominican Republic) to be up there."
As noted by a Yahoo Sports report, Johnson, Martinez and Smoltz combined for 735 wins, 11,113 strikeouts and nine Cy Young Awards. For his part, Biggio, who played four positions in his 20-year career in major league baseball, was an All-Star both as a catcher and as a second baseman.
"We changed the culture in Houston by making it a baseball city," the Long Island native said. "To the Astros fans, you guys are the greatest fans in the world."
Johnson, meanwhile, became the tallest player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The 6'10" pitcher won four consecutive Cy Young Awards with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and led them to the 2001 World Series championship.
"Thank you, mom. You're the Hall of Famer," Johnson said to his mother who was watching in front row.
Smoltz helped the Atlanta Braves reach the postseason 14 times, and was part of the 1995 World Series-winning roster. As noted by Yahoo Sports, he's the first pitcher to win more than 200 games and save at least 150. He also holds the distinction of being the first Hall of Famer who underwent Tommy John surgery.
"I'm a miracle," he said. "I'm a medical miracle. I never took one day for granted."