The recently released 2014 National Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot contains the names of several former Brewers players. Such former Brewers include Ray Durham, Hideo Nomo, Richie Sexson, and Eric Gagné, each making his first respective appearance on the ballot.
Though these players don't have a realistic chance of enshrinement, the 2015 ballot will feature one of the more controversial figures in team history. Gary Sheffield, who began his 22-year career in Milwaukee, spent parts of four seasons with the Brewers.
Sheffield was drafted out of high school by Milwaukee with the sixth overall pick in 1986. Drafted as a shortstop, Sheffield struggled at the position in the minor leagues and consequently spent time at third base and in the outfield.
After dominating with his bat at the minor league level, Sheffield was promoted to the majors during roster expansions in September 1988. An injury to shortstop Dale Sveum paved the way for Sheffield to take over at his natural position. However, injuries and inconsistencies forced the Brewers to shift Sheffield back to third base and allow Bill Spiers to take over at shortstop. Sheffield publicly claimed the move to be racially motivated.
Sheffield Homers for First Career Hit
Sheffield enjoyed a solid 1990 season with the Brewers, batting .294 while cranking 30 doubles and swiping 25 bases. However, it was too little, too late for the Brewers' former number one prospect. Sheffield had become a clubhouse cancer, complaining of mistreatment from teammates, management, and fans.
In an injury-plagued 1991 season, Sheffield batted just .194 in 175 at-bats. During Spring Training of the following year, Sheffield and Brewers fans were finally granted their collective wish. Sheffield was traded to San Diego in exchange for prospects Ricky Bones, José Valentin, and Matt Mieske. Sheffield publicly stated that he had been "freed from jail" and felt ready to flourish as a major leaguer.
Everyone knows what happened next.
Sheffield enjoyed an MVP-caliber 1992 season, hitting .330 en route to the NL batting crown. Sheffield also finished second in the league in both home runs (33) and RBIs (100) in his near-Triple Crown campaign.
Sheffield would go on to enjoy a productive career in the major leagues, though he never maintained a single home for very long. Following his trade from the Brewers and breakout season with the Padres, Sheffield would spend time with the Marlins, Dodgers, Braves, Yankees, Tigers, and Mets. Along the way, Sheffield found new and creative ways to ruffle feathers and stir up controversy. During the twilight of his career, Sheffield was cited in the infamous Mitchell Report, documenting players who had allegedly used performance-enhancing substances.
In total, the nine-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger Award winner belted 509 homers and drove in 1,676 runs. Sheffield slugged his 500th career home run against Milwaukee on April 3, 2009 at Citi Field. He was an integral part of the Florida Marlins' 1997 World Championship, one of few organizations with which Sheffield did not wear out his welcome.
There's no doubt the numbers are there, though controversy and steroid speculation are right there with the accolades. So I ask you, Brewers fans. Does Gary Sheffield deserve to be enshrined in Cooperstown?
Thank you for reading, and have a nice weekend!
Barrel Man
