RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 5 sourcesJeff Kent is officially in Cooperstown.
The former San Francisco Giants infielder was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday alongside Andruw Jones and Carlos Beltran. Kent’s career, which spanned from 1992 to 2008, is solidified in history.
In 1992, Kent’s career began with the Toronto Blue Jays before he was traded to the New York Mets in August of that year. Kent remained with the Mets until 1996 before being traded to the Cleveland Guardians .
Kent’s time in Cleveland was short-lived, and he was traded again in November 1996. This time, it was to San Francisco, and that is where he would find stability and begin to blossom.
Kent remained with the Giants from 1997 through the 2002 season, and in 2000, he beat out teammate Barry Bonds for the Most Valuable Player Award after notching a .334 batting average, a .424 on-base percentage, a .596 slugging percentage, and a 1.020 OPS. Kent also hit 33 home runs in his MVP season.
Following the 2002 campaign, Kent made a move on his own terms, leaving as a free agent to join the Houston Astros . He remained with the Astros for the 2003 and 2004 seasons before joining the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent.
Kent remained in Los Angeles through the end of his career. Now, 18 years later, he is being honored for his greatness.
For Kent, the experience of playing for so many different organizations was positive. If anything, it made him a better player. Beyond being an MVP, he was also a five-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
While Kent’s induction is certainly a moment he will never forget, there is also a level of intimidation that came with it.
Kent made it clear in an interview with Jon Morosi of MLB Network that, alongside Beltran and Jones, he was standing next to guys that "are bigger than you, that have done more than you."
More than anything, the experience for Kent was something to treasure. To be among other former greats was something that meant a lot to him, and seeing his family in the front row during his speech led to an overflowing of emotions.
For Kent, the aspect of family supersedes baseball. To have his loved ones present made the moment wholesome and even more special. Kent gave a special shoutout to his wife, Dana, who has played an integral role in making him the best player and spouse that he can be.
Kent emphasized that without her, he would not be in this position, and the support she created at home was a pillar in his success. Now, the fruits of his labor can be celebrated.
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