5 Future Members Of The Orioles Hall Of Fame

 

This past weekend The Oriole's inducted three new members into their Hall Of Fame. Long time O's broadcaster Tom Davis who hosted pre and post game shows on nearly every local broadcast from HTS (Home Team Sports), WJZ channel 13, WNUV channel 54, Comcast Sportsnet, and Masn.  

Joe Orsulak who was a bit before my time I was too young to really see him, but by all accounts he was an OK player. And finally the man himself, that exemplified the Oriole Way in the 2010's, embraced and became a part of this city. While giving so much back, and will always be synonymous with the Orioles, Adam Jones.

With these recent inductions I started thinking about former personnel that deserves to be in the O's Hall of fame. I've picked 5 people and I thought long and hard about 2 current players, Manny Machado and Cedric Mullins. Who I believe will end up there one day, but decided to focus on those removed from the game for a while. So let's get to it.

Jonathan Schoop

Jonathan Schoop joined the Oriole's organization in 2008, working his way through the minors and earning awards like The Brooks Robinson minor league player of the year award in 2011. As well as playing in the all stars future game that year.

He joined the roster full time in 2013 and alongside J.J. Hardy and Manny Machado was a dangerous infield trio. He was an integral part of their 2014 and 2016 playoff teams and made the all-star game in 2017. Traded in 2018 mid-season to the Milwaukee Brewers, his production fell off across stints with the Tigers and Twins. His time with the Orioles was a fun ride and he deserves his flowers.

Matt Weiters

Before Jackson Holliday, Matt Weiters was the blue chip prospect who would lead the Orioles to championships. He was the teams first round draft pick in 2007 with the fifth pick. A switch hitting catcher with power, the sky was the limit for him. He was called up to the majors in 2009 and bought a wave of potential and excitement with him.

While his power numbers never truly matched the hype. He was lights out when it came to throwing out baserunners, essentially daring them to run on him. During his time wearing the black and orange, he won two gold glove awards in 2011 and 2012. As well as an all-star in 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2016. He left the team after the 2016 season to join the Washington Nationals, then a brief stint with the Cardinals.

In the eyes of many, he will ways be an Oriole and deserves to enter the hall.

Scott Erickson

This one I was shocked isn't already in the hall of fame. Not sure if its politics, or I hear Erickson could be prickly so that may play a part in why he's not a member yet. If they had thought about it before 2020, his recent legal troubles is probably the main reason he hasn't been inducted so far this decade.

When he joined the team in 1995 via trade, he put up respectable numbers. He then became a solid number 2 pitcher behind Mike Mussina, and had his best year in 1997. Winning 16 games and having a 3.69 era. He also became known for completing games and throwing alot of pitches that turned into ground balls.

After the 2000 season, things began to nosedive for him. With Mussina leaving after that season, Erickson missed the entire 2001 season with an injury when he had the chance to become the ace. He returned in 2003 and pitched opening day that season, but that was the highlight of his remaining time with the O's.

When he gets his personal life together, he should be inducted into the hall.

Buck Showalter 

When Buck Showalter was hired to replace Juan Samuel during the 2010 season, he bought respectability back to the organization. He also bought hope to fans, for the O's to return to their winning ways. A steady hand as manager, he guided the team to the playoffs in 2012, 2014, and 2016. Winning the AL manager of the year award in 2014.

While leading and nurturing talent like Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, Manny Machado, Jonathan Schoop, Matt Weiters, Chris Tillman, and J.J. Hardy among others. His 669 wins as Orioles manager is second only to Mr. Earl Weaver. Had he been more time to lead the team past 2018 he may have surpassed that record.

Fans miss what Buck bought to Baltimore. Sooner rather than later he deserves to put on that green jacket.

Rafael Palmerio

It's been 20 years since Rafael Palmerio's hall of fame worthy career was shattered. When he was suspended for using performance enhancing drugs. A member of the 500 home run and 3,000 hits club, its a shame his accomplishments enhanced or not went down the drain.  

During his time with the O's especially in the mid-90's. He was a fearsome middle of the order batter, and could have been in the conversation as one of the best first basemen during his era. Playing alongside Cal Ripken, Brady Anderson, Bobby Bonilla, Eddie Murphy, and B.J. Surhoff. He was a key component of the Baltimore Bombers moniker given to the team, known for hitting home runs. A problem that still haunts the team to this day.

I think its time his past mistakes are acknowledged but not held against him. If others who have done far worse in other areas of life, can still be elected or allowed to run their businesses. Rafael Palmerio should be allowed to return to Camden Yards and get his flowers.