Latest news with #DwightEvans
Boston Globe
6 days ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Dwight Evans has another shot at the Baseball Hall of Fame. Here's what the data says about his candidacy.
The eight-man field will be assembled in the coming weeks. Any players selected would be enshrined in the Class of 2026. It could be the last chance for Evans, who has been in this position several times before, only to be disappointed. 'It's one of those things you try not to think too much about,' Evans said. 'But how can you not?' Former Red Sox right fielder Dwight Evans, now 73, is eligible for the Hall of Fame's Contemporary Baseball Era ballot that will be voted on in December by a 16-member committee. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff The former Red Sox right fielder spent three years on the ballot voted on by members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Advertisement Evans received only 5.9 percent of the vote in 1997. He improved to 10.4 percent in 1998, then fell off the ballot in 1999 after receiving only 3.6 percent of the vote. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up There were 11 future Hall of Famers on the ballot in 1997, 10 in '98, and 12 in '99. In an era when most voters were loathe to vote for more than four or five players, Evans stood little chance. '[The writers] look at your overall numbers,' Evans said. 'What you did in your generation when you played against your peers, they don't look at that as much. I feel like that was why I fell off [the ballot] as quick as I did.' Advertisement Evans was considered by the Contemporary Baseball Era oversight committee in 1999, but fell four votes shy. Dave Parker, who was voted in by a different committee last winter, was a vote behind Evans. Evans was eligible again in 2022, but the Hall decided to deal with the controversial candidacies of Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Rafael Palmeiro, and Curt Schilling that year, and Evans was excluded. Only Fred McGriff was elected. Now Evans has another chance. Statistics, both traditional and advanced, give him a strong case. How Dwight Evans's stats compare with Hall of Fame players Compare Evans's stats with the average Hall of Fame position player below, and use the pulldown menu to select a specific player — including players who were on this year's ballot, future Hall of Fame ballots, and notable others. Key: G = games played | R = runs | H = hits | SB = stolen bases | HR = home runs | OPS = On-base percentage plus slugging | ASG = All-Star selection Hall of Famer Jim Rice, who played with Evans from 1974-89, feels strongly that his former teammate should be with him in Cooperstown. 'Give me a reason why he shouldn't be in,' Rice said. 'Dewey had the longevity, and when you look at his career, he was a complete player. 'He wasn't what I would call a flashy player. But for a long time he was one of the best players in the game.' By almost any statistical measure, Dwight Evans was one of the best all-around players in the game during the time he played. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff The fairest way to evaluate a player is within the context of his time. Evans made his debut with the Red Sox as a 20-year-old in 1972, playing 18 games at the end of the season. He went on to hit .272 with a .370 on-base percentage and .470 slugging percentage over 20 seasons and 10,569 plate appearances. Advertisement Only 18 other players in history have reached those marks over at least 10,500 plate appearances. Of that group, 12 are in the Hall of Fame. Two others — Miguel Cabrera and Albert Pujols — are likely choices once they reach the BBWAA ballot. The other four — Bonds, Palmeiro, Alex Rodriguez, and Gary Sheffield — have so far been denied admission because of their ties to performance-enhancing drugs. From 1973-91, Evans had 66.8 bWAR, the all-encompassing statistic as calculated by Only six players had more in that time — Mike Schmidt (106.8), George Brett (88.3), Rickey Henderson (84.6), Robin Yount (73.6), Gary Carter (70.1), and Cal Ripken Jr. (69.3). All are in the Hall of Fame. Evans was third in runs (1,468), fourth in doubles (480), fifth in extra-base hits (936), and seventh in home runs (384) during that period. All that while winning eight Gold Gloves. By almost any statistical measure, Evans was one of the best all-around players in the game during the time he played. 'Had Dwight played today, there would be much greater appreciation for the type of elite player he was,' said Theo Epstein, who built two World Series-winning teams for the Red Sox, and another for the Cubs. 'In his era, there wasn't as much awareness of the importance of getting on base. We weren't yet capable of quantifying the impact of superior defense. A guy who hit .270/.370/.470 and played a great right field could fly under the radar a bit. 'Dwight put up those numbers over the course of a 20-year career. These days, that guy is recognized as a star — and paid like one in the market, too. To me, Dwight is well over the line as a Hall of Famer.' Advertisement Where his Hall of Fame credentials lag are in categories out of his control. Evans was only a three-time All-Star and received MVP votes in five of his 19 full seasons. His best finish was third in 1981. The snubs were to some degree a product of Evans playing nearly his entire Red Sox career surrounded by All-Stars. Carl Yastrzemski was a nine-time All-Star during the time Evans was with the team. Rice made it eight times. Carlton Fisk and Fred Lynn were selected six times each. 'How many of our guys were they going to take?' said Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley, who played with Evans from 1978-84. 'Dewey was overshadowed. He had a breakout year in '81, and then we went on strike. He could have been MVP that year. 'I feel like he was totally overlooked until the analytics came in and people realized just how good he was. Personally, I loved him as a player.' Dwight Evans won eight Gold Gloves during his 20-year major league career. Dan Goshtigian, Globe Staff Then there's the 'fame' aspect of the Hall of Fame. Evans was 15 of 50 (.300) with a .977 OPS, seven extra-base hits, seven walks, and 14 RBIs over 14 career games in the World Series. In two of the greatest World Series in history — the Red Sox-Reds matchup in 1975, and the Red Sox-Mets clash in 1986 — Evans was one of the brightest stars. His catch in Game 6 of the 1975 Series off Joe Morgan is considered one of the greatest defensive plays in history. Evans is second in Red Sox history in games (2,505), fourth in hits (2,373), fourth in doubles (474), third in walks (1,337), and fourth in bWAR (66.5). Advertisement The names around him on those lists — Ted Williams, Yastrzemski, Wade Boggs, and David Ortiz — were all first-ballot Hall of Famers. 'He belongs in,' said Baseball Hall of Fame honoree Peter Gammons, who covered Evans on a daily basis when he worked for the Globe. 'In 1975, [Reds manager] Sparky Anderson said he was the best player on that team. He did so many things well.' Gammons also points out that Evans was knocked unconscious by a pitch from the Mariners' Mike Parrott late in the 1978 season. Evans struggled into the '79 season, before regaining his balance at the plate. 'He had to overcome a lot,' Gammons said. 'Then he was one of the best players in the 1980s.' Eckersley, Rice, and other former teammates believe Evans lacked a bigger profile because he shunned the spotlight. Unlike some players, Evans didn't banter with reporters after games or make many television appearances during his career. 'He was getting dressed and going home right after the game,' Rice said. 'People didn't understand it, but his teammates did.' Evans and his wife, Susan, had two sons, Timothy and Justin. Both were born with neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerve tissue throughout the body. Timothy was born in 1973, and Justin in 1976. Both required constant medical care that included frequent surgical procedures. To assist his wife in caring for their sons, Evans usually returned to his home in Lynnfield as quickly as he could after games. 'My home life was very precious to me,' Evans said. 'If I did something in the game and I had to speak to the press, I made sure it was short and quick. I had to get home or sometimes get to the hospital. Advertisement 'I played with a lot of players who were in the limelight. I was quiet. I didn't need that.' Dwight and Susan Evans pose with children (left left) Kirstin, Timothy, and Justin in 1978. Jack O'Connell/Globe Staff/The Boston Globe Justin died in 2019 at the age of 42. Timothy died 10 months later in 2020, when he was 47. Evans has been to Cooperstown several times. He did a book signing last summer, and was there when Fisk (2000) and Rice (2009) were inducted. At this stage in his life, Evans hopes his day is coming. 'It bothers me when I see players whose stats were the same as mine or a little bit better and they're in,' Evans said. 'I shake my head a little, but what can I say? 'I played golf with [Hall of Famer] Jim Kaat recently. He had 283 wins and he had to wait to get in. That's sad. I feel sad for Dave Parker, who had to wait as long as he did. 'It would be tremendous to get it. Is it going to make me a better person? I don't think so. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. If it does, I would be excited.' Below are all Hall of Fame position players voted in by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Also included are players of note who are not in the Hall. Use the buttons to select a position and see how the players compare. You can also click on the colored squares at the top to hide and show categories. Peter Abraham can be reached at
Fox News
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
House Democrat announces he won't seek re-election in 2026
Democratic Rep. Dwight Evans of Pennsylvania announced that he will not pursue re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives next year, but noted that he will finish his current term. According to a press release, the congressman indicated that he is "in good health and fully capable of continuing to serve," but has "decided that the time is right to announce that I will not be seeking re-election in 2026." The lawmaker disclosed last year that he had a minor stroke. Evans, who began serving in the U.S. House in November 2016, had previously served in the Pennsylvania state House of Representatives since 1981. "After careful consideration and deep reflection over this past weekend, I have decided that I will not seek re-election in 2026. It has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime to serve the people of PA-03. I will forever be grateful to the residents of Philadelphia for the trust they placed in me," he said in a statement. He indicated that he will work to help Democrats reclaim the House majority. "I intend to spend the months ahead focused on increasing voter turnout in Philadelphia. Our voices matter, and our votes are our power. I will also do everything I can to help Democrats take back the majority in the House of Representatives," he said in the statement. "Finally, I want to say this to my fellow elected officials: We must do a better job of listening — truly listening — to the people we represent. The challenges our constituents face are real, and they deserve leaders who are present and willing to act boldly on their behalf," he noted. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., also noted in a press release issued on Monday that he will not run in 2026. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., indicated in a statement issued on Sunday that will not seek re-election.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pa. Congressman Dwight Evans won't seek reelection in 2026, announces plans to retire
U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D-3rd District) U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D-3rd District) announced on Monday that he will not run for reelection in 2026. 'After some discussions this weekend and thoughtful reflection, I have decided that the time is right to announce that I will not be seeking re-election in 2026,' he said. 'Serving the people of Philadelphia has been the honor of my life. I am deeply proud of what I have been able to accomplish over my 45 years in elected office — from revitalizing neighborhoods block by block to fighting for justice, economic opportunity, investments in infrastructure and education.' 'I cannot express the gratitude that I have for the trust that voters put in me as their voice in both state and federal office,' he added. 'It has been a privilege of a lifetime to serve as their advocate in government.' In May 2024, Evans suffered a stroke and did not vote for several months during his recovery. He was reelected to another term last year. In his statement, Evans said that he is in 'good health and fully capable of continuing to serve.' He intends to serve the remainder of his current term that ends on Jan. 3, 2027. Evans career in elected office spans several decades. He served in Pennsylvania's General Assembly for multiple decades before he defeated indicted incumbent Congressman Chaka Fattah in the Democratic Party primary in 2016 to win a seat in the U.S. House. He has cruised to reelection four times and represents a safe Democratic district, according to national ratings outlets. Evans is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, where he serves on the Subcommittees on Health, and Worker and Family Support. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported in December that multiple Democrats would be interested in running for the seat, if Evans decided to not seek reelection in 2026. A few confirmed interest in the seat following Evans announcement. Earlier this year, Evans' first quarter fundraising total, was the lowest in the state's congressional delegation. State Sen. Sharif Street, who also serves as the chairman of the state's Democratic Party, said 'We'll be filing paperwork tomorrow that will answer that question.' State Rep. Chris Rabb (D-Philadelphia) previously set up an exploratory committee for the seat in October 2023, but decided against challenging Evans. 'I had no intention of running against the congressman, but now that he has announced that he's not running for re-election. I'm seriously considering it,' Rabb told the Capital-Star on Monday. State Rep. Morgan Cephas, who serves as the chair of the Philadelphia caucus in the state House, told POLITICO on Monday that 'me and my team are strongly considering a bid.' Dave Oxman, a physician, and Robin Toldens, who the Inquirer reports is a former city government employee and real estate agent, are both Democrats who have already filed to run for Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District Peter Hall and Ian Karbal contributed to this report.
NBC News
30-06-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
Trump administration live updates: Senate votes on Republican agenda bill amendments
Rep. Dwight Evans, D-Pa., announced in a statement this morning that he won't seek re-election next year. "After some discussions this weekend and thoughtful reflection, I have decided that the time is right to announce that I will not be seeking re-election in 2026. I will serve out the full term that ends Jan. 3, 2027," said Evans, who made clear that he's in good health. "I am deeply proud of what I have been able to accomplish over my 45 years in elected office — from revitalizing neighborhoods block by block to fighting for justice, economic opportunity, investments in infrastructure and education," he added. "I cannot express the gratitude that I have for the trust that voters put in me as their voice in both state and federal office. It has been a privilege of a lifetime to serve as their advocate in government.' Evans, 71, has served in the House since 2016, representing Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District, which covers parts of Philadelphia. He's the 10th House Democrat to announce plans not to seek re-election next year or seek other office.
30-06-2025
- Politics
US Rep. Dwight Evans of Philadelphia says he won't run for reelection
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans said Monday that he will not seek reelection to his Philadelphia seat, capping a career in public office that stretches back 45 years. Evans, a Democrat, said in a statement that he decided that 'the time is right' to retire after his term is up in early 2027. Evans, 71, said he is in good health and capable of serving, a year after he suffered what he has called a minor stroke. Evans is serving his fifth term. He originally ran for Congress in 2016 against then-U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah, a fellow Democrat who had been seeking a 12th term in Congress while under federal indictment. Prior to that, Evans served for 36 years in the state House of Representatives, rising to become Appropriations Committee chairman, and the first Black chairman of the powerful committee. He was first elected when he was just 26. Evans' Philadelphia district is heavily Democratic and a crowded 2026 Democratic primary — possibly including state Sen. Sharif Street, the state Democratic Party chair — is possible to determine a successor in the seat.
