The statistical powerhouse who dominated the 1990s but missed the Hall of Fame
In short: In the 1990s, Mark Grace was arguably the most consistent hitter in Major League Baseball, outperforming every other player in total hits and doubles. Yet, despite a career defined by precision and reliability, he remains one of the few legends to miss the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Mark Grace was a cornerstone of the Chicago Cubs for much of his 16-season career. A left-handed hitter and thrower, he became a reliable presence at first base, earning three All-Star selections in 1993, 1995, and 1997. His ability to make contact was exceptional; in 1993, he led the team in batting average (.325), on-base percentage (.393), hits (193), walks (71), doubles (39), and RBIs (98). He also achieved the rare feat of hitting for the cycle on May 9, 1993.
Grace's statistical dominance was most evident during the 1990s. He collected 1,754 hits and 364 doubles during that decade, more than any other player in that same timeframe. He belongs to a small, debated group of Major League Baseball players: alongside Pete Rose, he is the sole individual to top a decade in hits while remaining excluded from the Baseball Hall of Fame. Despite his 2023 induction into the Cubs' Hall of Fame, he missed the National Baseball Hall of Fame because his 2009 vote was only 4.1%, well below the 75% requirement.
Beyond his time in Chicago, Grace played a vital role in the Arizona Diamondbacks' 2001 World Series championship. During the bottom of the 9th in Game 7, he struck a leadoff single against Mariano Rivera, sparking the rally that brought the franchise its inaugural title. After retiring in 2003, Grace transitioned to a career in television, serving as a color commentator for both the Diamondbacks and Fox Sports.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Mark Grace
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