A great moment this week for a trio of former big leaguers, who each were inducted into the Hall of Fame in a place that helped shape their careers.
Former outfielder Brett Gardner, former catcher Matt Wieters and former first baseman Justin Smoak were each inducted into the Charleston (S.C.) Hall of Fame.
Smoak and Wieters were high school teammates from the area while Gardner played college ball at the College of Charleston.
Television reporter Scott Eisberg was there and had comments from the trio on the local news:
One heck of a class.
Tonight, the Charleston Baseball Hall of Fame inducts an esteemed class. 37 years of combined MLB experience.
Welcome to the #chs Hall- Stratford HS grads Matt Wieters and Justin Smoak. CofC great & Holly Hill native Brett Gardner.
Hear from all of them.
Gardner spent 14 years with the Yankees, making an All-Star team and winning a Gold Glove award. He won the 2009 World Series with the Yanks as well, and was a career .256 hitter. He also stole 274 bases and hit 139 home runs.
Smoak spent 11 years in the big leagues with the Rangers, Mariners, Blue Jays, Brewers and Giants. A power-hitter, he hit 196 career home runs, including 38 in 2017. He also made an All-Star team.
Wieters played 12 big league seasons with the Orioles, Nationals and Cardinals. He made four All-Star teams and won two Gold Glove awards. He was a first-round pick in the draft (2007, Georgia Tech).
Congratulations to all!
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