Pine Bluff native Torii Hunter has been nominated for the 2021 Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.
Hunter’s career began at Pine Bluff High School before being selected by the Minnesota Twins as the 20th overall pick in the 1993 MLB draft. Hunter made his debut with the Twins as a pinch runner in Baltimore on August 22, 1997. It was not until 1999 that Hunter began starting regularly, playing in 135 games for the Twins. He finished with only one error in 292 chances in the outfield.
During his pro career Hunter played 19 seasons with the Twins, Angels and Tigers.
He was a nine-time Gold Glove Award winner in outfield (2001-09), third-best total of any center fielder in history.
He was named to five All-Star Games (2002, 2007, 2009-10, 2013) and earned two Silver Slugger Awards (2009, 2013).
He finished in Top 10 of American League MVP voting in 2002 (6th), topped .300 mark in batting twice (2012-13), recorded 100-or-more RBI in two seasons (2003, 2007) and reached the 90-RBI mark six other times (2001-02, 2006, 2009-10, 2012).
Hunter totaled 20-or-more home runs in 11 seasons (2001-04, 2006-11, 2015) and led his league in center fielder assists three times (2000-01, 2006), double plays twice (2005-06) and putouts once (2001).
Additionally, Hunter totaled 3,948 career put outs in center field, 30th all-time, and reached 20-stolen base mark in three seasons (2002, 2004-05)
He has appeared in 11 Postseason series over eight seasons, hitting .274 with four homers and 20 RBI in 48 games.
Any electees will be inducted during Hall of Fame Weekend on Sunday, July 25, at 1:30 p.m. at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown.
