Baseball legends Lee Smith and Harold Baines heard something on Sunday every player dreams of: they will be Hall of Famers. The pair was elected via the Today's Game Era Committee and will be enshrined this summer in Cooperstown. 

The 16-member voting panel reviews players who have been retired for 15 seasons and were not selected by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Any candidate needs to receive at least 75 percent of the vote to be elected. 

Smith was a unanimous selected and Baines received 12 of 16 votes. They now open the door for players at their non-traditional positions (closer, designated hitter) to receive greater Hall consideration. 

Smith ranks third in baseball history with 478 saves. He holds a big league record with 12 consecutive seasons making at least 60 appearances. 

Overall, Smith recorded ten straight seasons of 30 saves and 13 consecutive years with at least 25 saves. On three occasions, he finished in top five in Cy Young Award voting. 

Baines racked up impressive numbers at the plate, with 2,866 hits, 488 doubles and 384 home runs. He was a six-time All-Star and won a Silver Slugger Award in 1989. 

Baines spent the majority of his career with the Chicago White Sox, who selected him with the top overall pick in 1977. His jersey is retired by the White Sox and he is a member of the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame.

To inquire about Lee Smith or Harold Baines speaking fees and appearance costs, contact the agents at Athlete Speakers by calling us at 800-916-6008 or by Starting Your Booking Request Now.