On Hall of Fame Induction Day, here’s how Beltrán, Jones and Kent got to Cooperstown

Key Points:

• Carlos Beltrán, Andruw Jones, and Jeff Kent were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame after long waits, with Beltrán and Jones overcoming controversies and Kent gaining entry through the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee.
• Beltrán, a versatile switch-hitting center fielder, faced a delayed induction due to his involvement in the 2017 Astros sign-stealing scandal but was ultimately recognized for his consistent 19-year excellence and strong advanced metrics.
• Jones, known for his exceptional defense and power-hitting as a center fielder, overcame a low initial vote percentage and off-field issues to join the Hall, joining an elite group of outfielders with 10 Gold Gloves and over 400 home runs.
• Kent, a historic offensive force at second base holding records for home runs, RBIs, and slugging percentage at his position, was elected by the Era Committee after 11 years on the writers’ ballot without election due to a crowded ballot and strong competition.
• Each inductee paid tribute to the teams and individuals who shaped their careers, with Beltrán choosing the Mets cap for his plaque, Jones acknowledging the support of teammate Chipper Jones, and Kent expressing gratitude to manager Dusty Baker for leadership.