McGriff nets just 11.7 percent of Hall vote
First baseman drops on ballot after receiving 20.7 percent in 2013
ST. PETERSBURG -- Fred McGriff did not get voted into the Hall of Fame on Wednesday in his fifth appearance on the ballot.
The Tampa, Fla., native received 67 votes or 11.7 percent. He received 20.7 percent last year; his strongest finish came in 2012, when he was named on 23.9 percent of the ballots.
McGriff was an original Devil Ray, starting at first base in the team's first game against the Tigers at Tropicana Field on March 31, 1998. During part of five seasons with Tampa Bay, the "Crime Dog" hit .291 with 99 home runs and 359 RBIs.
McGriff's best season with the Devil Rays came in 1999, when he hit .310 with 32 home runs and 104 RBIs. In 19 Major League seasons, he hit .284 with 493 home runs and 1,550 RBIs.
In addition, McGriff won three Silver Slugger Awards, made the All-Star team five times and has the distinction of leading both leagues in home runs (American League, 1989; National League, '92).
During a career spent with six teams, McGriff was a model of consistency, hitting 30 home runs in seven consecutive seasons and 10 times overall. His career high came in 1993, when he hit 37 while splitting time with the Padres and Braves.