Former manager Lou Piniella, renowned for his leadership roles with the Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, and Tampa Bay Rays, narrowly missed induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday. Piniella, who also had a notable playing career with the Yankees, Royals, Indians (now Guardians), and Orioles, fell short by just one vote.
In the recent Hall of Fame voting conducted by the Contemporary Era Committee, former Major League manager Jim Leyland secured his place with 15 votes, totaling 93.8%.
On the other hand, Lou Piniella received 11 votes, achieving a 68.8% approval. Other candidates such as Bill White (10 votes, 62.5%), Cito Gaston, Davey Johnson, Ed Montague, Hank Peters, and Joe West received fewer than five votes each.
The Hall of Fame voting total:
Jim Leyland (15 votes, 93.8%); Lou Piniella (11 votes, 68.8%); Bill White (10 votes, 62.5%); Cito Gaston, Davey Johnson, Ed Montague, Hank Peters and Joe West each received less than five votes.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 4, 2023
Jim Leyland, who clinched the World Series with the 1997 Marlins and reached the World Series twice with the Tigers, emerged successfully from the voting process.
During his illustrious 23-year managerial career with the Yankees, Reds, Mariners, Rays, and Cubs, Piniella amassed a win-loss record of 1,835-1,713. Notably, he guided the Reds to a World Series victory in 1990 and led the Mariners to the playoffs in four different seasons. The Cubs also made it to the postseason twice under his guidance.
Throughout his managerial tenure, Piniella had the privilege of working with baseball legends like Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez, and Alex Rodriguez.
Despite his remarkable contributions to the sport, Piniella faced disappointment as he narrowly missed Hall of Fame induction for the second time, leaving many, including longtime Seattle Times writer Larry Stone, expressing sympathy and hoping for his eventual inclusion.
I feel terrible for Lou Piniella, passed over for the Hall of Fame by the Contemporary Baseball Era committee for the second time. And once again, he fell one vote short. Lou is a Hall of Famer. I hope he gets in one day. I know he’s devastated.
— Larry Stone (@StoneLarry) December 4, 2023
Stone conveyed on social media his feelings of regret for Piniella, emphasizing his belief that Piniella deserves a place in the Hall of Fame and expressing hope for his induction in the future, considering the evident impact and legacy he has left on the sport.
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