Hunter Pence Falls Off Hall of Fame Ballot, But His Legacy in San Francisco Is Cemented
The Hall of Fame class was announced Tuesday, and while Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones punched their tickets to Cooperstown, one beloved name among Giants fans won’t be joining them. In his first year on the ballot, Hunter Pence received just two votes-falling short of the 5% threshold needed to remain eligible in future years.
It’s not a shocking outcome. Pence’s Hall of Fame case was always more about intangibles than traditional benchmarks. He didn’t rack up the gaudy career totals that usually catch voters’ eyes, but what he did bring-day in and day out-was energy, leadership, and an unmistakable presence that helped shape a championship culture in San Francisco.
A Career That Defied Convention
Pence’s numbers don’t scream Hall of Famer, but they do tell the story of a player who was consistently productive for over a decade. A four-time All-Star, he was the kind of hitter who could change the tone of a game with a quirky swing or a clutch at-bat. He wasn’t a perennial MVP candidate, but he was a key contributor on two World Series-winning teams and a heartbeat of the clubhouse during the Giants’ dynasty run in the early 2010s.
Injuries may have shortened his peak, but in his prime, Pence was a tough out, a smart baserunner, and a dependable right fielder. He played the game with a unique blend of hustle and heart that made him impossible not to root for.
Familiar Names Join Pence Off the Ballot
Pence wasn’t the only notable name to fall off the ballot this year. Former Dodger Matt Kemp also received two votes, and longtime Royals outfielder Alex Gordon garnered just one. Giants fans will remember Gordon for the tense moment he created in Game 7 of the 2014 World Series-his soft liner in the ninth inning nearly flipped the script before Madison Bumgarner slammed the door.
Ryan Braun, a former MVP whose career was marred by a PED suspension, also failed to receive enough support to stay on the ballot. His omission underscores the ongoing debate around performance-enhancing drugs and how they continue to shape Hall of Fame voting. The standards remain inconsistent, and the conversation around what makes someone “worthy” of induction is as complicated as ever.
San Francisco’s Version of Immortality
While Pence won’t be enshrined in Cooperstown, his legacy in San Francisco is already secure-and in some ways, that might mean more. The Giants have a tradition of honoring their own, with a Walk of Fame that celebrates players who made a lasting impact on the franchise. Barry Bonds and Will Clark have had their numbers retired, and they’re revered as legends regardless of what the national writers decide.
Pence fits that mold. He’s a Giants icon not because of his stats, but because of his spirit.
From his unforgettable speeches to his all-out hustle, he embodied everything fans love about the game. He played with joy, grit, and a relentless drive that helped define a golden era of Giants baseball.
The Final Word
Even without a Hall of Fame plaque, Hunter Pence’s career was something special. He brought a unique energy to the field, helped deliver two championships to San Francisco, and became one of the most beloved figures in franchise history. That kind of legacy doesn’t need a bronze bust to be remembered.
So no, Hunter Pence won’t be heading to Cooperstown-but in the hearts of Giants fans, he’s already immortal.