Trout, other stars react to Griffey's record-setting election

by
Reuters

Ken Griffey Jr. was elected into Cooperstown on Wednesday in record-setting fashion.

"The Kid" received 437 of 440 votes, setting the all-time record by appearing on 99.3 percent of possible ballots. After captivating the majors for more than two decades with his sweet swing, the players that looked up to him during his career took time to applaud the 13-time All-Star on his Hall of Fame career:

Here are the best reactions:

"The thing I remember about Griffey is that swing. That smooth swing. If I look back now, me and my buddies would be in the backyard. I am a righty and I would get up there lefty and just pretend. - Mike Trout, via Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times.

"Both as a teammate and as a player, it was obvious that he was a Hall of Famer. The news today isn't a surprise, but it is well deserved." - Edgar Martinez

"Just want to give a congrats and even a thank you to my favorite player growing up! Always play like a Kid!" - Jason Kipnis

"I am thrilled that Ken broke my record. I played with his dad and when I did, Jr. was always running around the clubhouse. He had HOF'er written all over him then." - Tom Seaver

"I'm excited to hear the names that will be coming to join us at HOF this year. I'm glad I won't be the rookie anymore. Congratulations to all. - Pedro Martinez

Congratulations @therealkengriffeyjr 99.3% why not 100% 24 #HOF 2016 #tonyperez24 # Williemays24 🙏💪✊

A photo posted by Miguel Cabrera (@miggy24) on

The Digest

Everything you need to know about the 2016 Hall of Fame vote

by theScore staff
The Sporting News / Sporting News / Getty

The votes are in and the tickets are punched: Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Piazza are headed for Cooperstown.

Griffey's record-setting election - he appeared on an unprecedented 437 of the 440 ballots submitted by the BBWAA - puts a bow on the career of one of the greatest players in baseball history.

Wednesday's announcement also marks the first time a No. 1 pick has gained entrance into Cooperstown, a stark contrast to the distinction held by Piazza as the lowest-drafted player voted to the Hall.

That and other storylines dominating the 2016 Hall of Fame discussion:

NEXT STOP: COOPERSTOWN

ALL ABOUT THE KID

JUICED UP RESULTS

END OF THE ROAD

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