Context on Hall of Fame Plaque Logos

In today’s announcement, we will discover the outcomes of the BBWAA vote for the 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame class. While statistics and legacies are often the focal points of discussion, logo selection for players’ plaques is equally significant.

Each inductee receives a plaque honoring their career in Cooperstown, prominently displaying a logo of a baseball team, typically the one they are most associated with or had the most impact.

However, this topic has sparked debates, one notable instance being Wade Boggs, who faced rumors about choosing a logo for the Tampa Bay Rays, despite spending the majority of his career with the Boston Red Sox.

Boggs clarified, “This was never, ever a subject…” indicating such offers were unfounded. Despite the player’s preferences, the Hall of Fame retains final decision-making power over which logos are used, working collaboratively with electees.

Additionally, while many inductees prefer to showcase their most significant teams, others may choose a blank logo, as in the case of Greg Maddux, who couldn’t settle on one team between the Braves and Cubs.

Key Inductees for 2025

Included in this year’s inductions are Dick Allen, who is widely expected to wear a Phillies cap, and Dave Parker, likely to represent the Pirates. On the BBWAA ballot, Ichiro Suzuki seems an obvious choice for the Mariners, while CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner face decisions based on their multifaceted careers spanning several teams.

The consensus is that players will have a say, but the Hall will ultimately make the final call. Keeping in mind the rich history of inductees and the craftsmanship of plaques, each decision encapsulates both player histories and the narratives of the teams they represent.