Hall of Fame Since Baseball Draft

[redsmetz]

Out of curiousity, I wanted to see how many players are in the Hall of Fame since the MLB Draft was initated in 1965. Thus far 15 players who have gone through the draft have completed their careers and have entered the Hall. This includes this year's inductee, Bruce Sutter (more on him later).

Here is the breakdown for the 15:

1st Round selectees:

Carlton Fisk, Red Sox, 1967
Reggie Jackson, KC A's, 1966
Dave Winfield, Padres, 1973 (drafted in 40th round in 1969 by O's - DNS)
Robin Yount, Brewers, 1973

2nd Round selectees

Johnny Bench, Reds, 1965
George Brett, Royals, 1971
Mike Schmidt, Phillies, 1971

3rd Round selectees

Gary Carter, Expos, 1972 (see note below)
Dennis Eckersley, Indians, 1972

4th Round selectee

Ozzie Smith, Padres, 1977 (drafted in 7th round by Tigers in 1976 - DNS)

7th Round selectee

Wade Boggs, Red Sox, 1976

12th Round selectee

Nolan Ryan, Mets,1965

20th Round selectee

Ryne Sandberg, Phillies, 1978

Miscellanous

Tom Seaver, drafted by Dodgers in 10th round in 1965, DNS, drafted by Braves in a Winter draft, signing voided and Mets won rights to Seaver in a special lottery.

Bruce Sutter, drafted by Senators in 21st round in 1970, DNS, was signed as a Free Agent by the Cubs in 1971. Sutter becomes the first player not signed via the draft since its inception to make the Hall of Fame.

DNS- Did Not Sign

Note on Carter: Interestingly the Expos chose a catcher with their 1st round pick, Bob Goodman, who never played in the majors.

Of course, there are numerous players who will become eligible in coming years. Thus far, not counting Sutter, Sandberg is the lowest drafted player t make the Hall.

One last note of interest. Four players have entered the Hall who were signed as Free Agents in 1964, the year before the first draft

Rollie Fingers, KC A's
Rod Carew, Twins
Catfish Hunter, KC A's
Don Sutton, Dodgers