There Are Only 12 Baseball Players From Illinois in the Hall of Fame

Opening Day is finally here, and just like everything else these days, baseball is going to look a little different.

Just about every stadium is going to be at a limited capacity, with the exception of Texas. For some reason, the Rangers are allowing the place to operate at full capacity. I can't even fathom how crazy that sounds.

While that's a whole other discussion, let's focus on something not so ridiculous, the Major League Baseball season is officially here.

I wanted to see just how well represented Illinois is in the Major Leagues. There's a slew of players from Illinois active and retired but did you know there's not a whole lot in the Hall of Fame?

I didn't know what to expect when I landed on the National Baseball Hall of Fame website when I started my search.

However, I did expect more than just 12 players born in Illinois who are currently in the Hall of Fame.

Keep in mind, there are 23 people from Illinois enshrined, but nearly half are listed as either executives, umpires, or managers.

I wanted to see Hall of Famers from Illinois who had a primary position on the field, so here's the list according to baseballhall.org:

• Jim Bottomley, St. Louis Cardinals. Primary Position: 1st Basemen.
• Lou Boudreau, Cleveland Indians. Primary Position: Shortstop.

• Ricky Henderson, Oakland Athletics. Primary Position: Left Fielder.

• Freddie Lindstrom, New York Giants. Primary Position: 3rd Basemen.
• Joe McGinnity, New York Giants. Primary Position: Pitcher.
• Kirby Puckett, Minnesota Twins. Primary Position: Center Fielder.

• Robin Roberts, Philadelphia Phillies. Primary Position: Pitcher

• Red Ruffing, New York Yankees. Primary Position: Pitcher.
• Ray Schalk, Chicago White Sox. Primary Position: Catcher.
• Red Schoendienst, St. Louis Cardinals. Primary Position: Second Basemen.

• Jim Thome, Cleveland Indians. Primary Position: 1st Basemen.

• Robin Yount, Milwaukee Brewers. Primary Position: Shortstop.

It kind of goes to show just how difficult it really is to get into the Hall of Fame. I'm disappointed there isn't one Chicago Cubs player born in Illinois who made the Hall of Fame either.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

.

Sweet Lenny is the brand manager of 97ZOK, Q98.5, and Operations Manager for Townsquare Media Rockford. Catch him afternoons 3 to 7 on 97ZOK. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and like his page on Facebook.