Ken Griffey Jr., the dazzling outfielder whose backwards cap signified joy to a generation of young fans and who hit more home runs than all but five players in major league history, and Mike Piazza, the best hitter the Dodgers have developed since moving to Los Angeles more than half a century ago, were elected Wednesday to baseball’s Hall of Fame.
Griffey, in his first year of eligibility, was selected on a record 99.32% of the ballots. The previous record: Tom Seaver, elected with 98.84% of the vote in 1992.
Piazza, in his fourth year on the ballot, received 83% of the vote.