Toronto – A historic day for Blue Jays fans: Dave Stieb, who had been overlooked for years in Hall of Fame voting, was officially inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame after receiving strong support from the MLB Veterans Committee. The news sparked pride in Toronto, where Stieb was considered the soul of the team.
Over 15 years with the Blue Jays (1979–1992, returning in 1998), Stieb left behind a huge legacy: 175 wins, a 3.44 ERA, 1,658 strikeouts, and seven All-Star selections.
The no-hitter on September 2, 1990 – the only no-hitter in Blue Jays history – remains a glorious and memorable moment.
However, his road to Cooperstown was not smooth. Stieb appeared on the ballot in 2004 but received only 7 votes (1.4%) from baseball writers, then was removed from the list of candidates.
Disappointment was not uncommon, but Stieb never gave up hope. On many fan and professional analysis forums, supporters called for his re-election, emphasizing the timeless value of his career.
This emotional comeback shows the power of perseverance and re-evaluation over time. With modern analytical data such as WAR (Wins Above Replacement), many experts believe Stieb is truly worthy: he has a higher rating than some players who have entered the Hall of Fame before.
At the announcement ceremony, Blue Jays fans expressed joy. Some posted signs saying “Finally, Stieb is in Cooperstown!”, many fans wore jerseys number 37 (Stieb’s jersey number) and carried Canadian flags to celebrate. Meanwhile, Stieb himself – now 68 years old – was emotional: “I thought the opportunity was gone, but today, every year on the field, every shot, every injury… was worth it.”
With this decision, Toronto was given a piece of history: Stieb was not only a one-time icon of the team, but also a testament to the fact that his work, talent and passion will never be forgotten. Cooperstown now has his name – along with true legends.
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