Carlos Beltrán’s Surprising Hall Call Sparks Debate as Chipper Jones Names Andrew Jones the Greatest Outfielder Ever
There’s something truly stirring about watching legends finally step through that hallowed door — the National Baseball Hall of Fame — and this week brought a fresh chapter to that timeless saga. Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones, two titans of the diamond, have officially joined Cooperstown’s elite club after clearing the 75% vote hurdle set by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Tuesday’s announcements weren’t just about numbers on a ballot; they were moments brimming with emotion, celebration, and long-overdue recognition.
I could almost picture Beltrán surrounded by loved ones, the kind of scene where a simple phone call turns into an uproar of joy. Meanwhile, Jones found out in a rather unexpected fashion — not by a private call from the Hall but alongside fans and fellow ex-players on MLB Network during a golf event in the Dominican Republic. And what followed were waves of praise from teammates, franchises, and fans alike, cementing their legacies on and off the field.
Chipper Jones, a Hall of Famer and a voice not to be taken lightly, unreservedly crowned Andruw as the finest defensive outfielder baseball has ever known, cracking the mystery as to why it took nearly a decade to earn this honor. At the same time, Beltrán’s peers like Jeff Kent and David Wright chimed in with hearty congratulations, spotlighting the dedication and talent these players exhibited throughout their careers. Wherever you look, the reverberations of this moment echo — from team statements to social media posts — a testament to the impact these athletes made across the very fabric of baseball.
You’ve gotta appreciate these stories; they remind us why baseball’s past still grips us so tightly and why traditions like the Hall of Fame remain so vital. It’s not just about stats — though 400 homers and 1,300 RBIs are nothing to scoff at — but the spirit, determination, and unmistakable grit. In a world hungry for heroes, Beltrán and Jones just reminded us what greatness looks like.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame has two new members.
Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones got their calls on Tuesday after both eclipsed the 75% threshold required from a ballot of Baseball Writers’ Association of America voters. As expected, it was an emotional day for both.
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Beltrán shared the moment he got the call from Cooperstown as he was surrounded by friends and family. BBWAA member Jack O’Connell informed Beltrán of his election on speaker phone, prompting a celebratory roar from Beltrán’s supporters.
Jones, apparently, wasn’t informed of his election via a call from the Hall — not initially, at least. Jones appeared to learn the good news alongside the rest of the viewers on MLB Network, which broke the news.
He did so while surrounded by fellow former big leaguers at a golf tournament in the Dominican Republic.
Both players were on the receiving end of congratulations from their former teams and teammates. Braves chairman Terry McGuirk released a statement lauding Jones as “one of the most dominant centerfielders of his generation.”
The official Braves social media account took it a step further, declaring Jones as “the greatest centerfield of all time.”
Chipper Jones on Andruw Jones: ‘Nobody did it better’
Jones’ former teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Chipper Jones agrees and declared Jones as the best defensive outfielder of all time. He doesn’t understand why it took Jones nine ballots to get his call.
Chipper Jones on Andruw Jones and his Hall of Fame worthiness.
“This guy was the best guy to ever do it out there. In my opinion it’s not arguable. Nobody did it better.” pic.twitter.com/BwXGuUaffk
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) January 20, 2026
“This guy was the best guy to ever do it out there,” Chipper said. “You could say arguably. In my opinion it’s not arguably. He’s the best that’s ever done.
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“To boot, 400 homers and 1,300 RBI. That’s not nothing. Maybe Willie [Mays]. Maybe peak [Ken] Griffey [Jr.], you know, for a period of time. But nobody did it better, nobody did it better out there.”
Beltrán’s former teammates weigh in
Beltrán’s former Houston Astros teammate, Jeff Kent, was elected to the Hall in December via a vote of the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee. He’ll join Beltrán and Jones in the 2026 induction ceremony. Kent issued a message congratulating Beltrán on his election.
“I want to send my congratulations on being elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame class,” Kent wrote. “I’m proud of you. I know your family is proud of you, and I can’t wait until you and I meet up again in Cooperstown where we’ll be inducted into the most prestigious class in all of sports — the Baseball Hall of Fame.
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“Good luck my brother. I look forward to seeing you in July.”
Beltrán’s former teammate with the New York Mets, David Wright, also issued his regards in a statement.
“What an amazing accomplishment and well deserved,” Wright wrote. … “When I think of five-tool players, you are on of the first faces that come to mind. And to top it off with your work ethic.
“I was able to witness firsthand your dedication and willingness to improve even though you were at the top of your game. Thank you for those lessons that stuck with me my entire career.”
Teams celebrate their former players
Beltrán and Jones each played for the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers. Both teams issued their congratulations to their former players Tuesday night.
As did other teams that Beltrán played for:
The #SFGiants congratulate Carlos Beltrán on his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Carlos’ excellence as a switch-hitter, defender and leader over an outstanding career earned him a place among baseball’s all-time greats. We join the baseball community in… pic.twitter.com/gCFcqbGpnw
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) January 20, 2026
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