The former starting pitcher Bert BLYLEVEN, who was born in Zeist, Netherlands, missed the Major League Hall of Fame again. He received 336 votes (61,9%) and missed the necessary 75%. He will have another chance next year. He finished in fourth place behind Rich “Goose” GOSSAGE, Jim RICE and Andre DAWSON. GOSSAGE was the only one, who got enough votes (466 – 85,8%).
BLYLEVEN was drafted by the Minnesota Twins organisation in 1969 and made his major league debut one year later at the age of 19. He stayed 22 years in the big leagues, winning 287 games (250 losses) for the Twins, Rangers, Pirates, Indians and Angels. He had a career earned run average of 3.31. He won two World Series with Pittsburgh (1979) and Minnesota (1987). He has been a broadcaster for the Minnesota Twins since 1995.
It was his eleventh year on the ballot of the Baseball Writer’s Association of America and his highest total ever. He is eligible for four more years.