Ron Guidry (1975-1988, entire career with the Yankees): 170 wins – 91 losses, 3.29 ERA, 1.959 strikeouts, 4 All-Stars, 5 Gold Glove (a rare pitcher), Cy Young 1978 (25-3, 1.74 ERA – one of the best seasons in MLB history), and 2 World Series (1977-1978). His peak from 1977-1983 was incredible: 3 times leading the AL in strikeouts, 2 times leader in shutout, and the most feared “big-game pitcher” of the Reggie Jackson – Thurman Munson – Graig Nettles dynasty. Guidry pitched no-hitter on June 17, 1979, against the California Angels, and was the most perfect pitcher in the Yankees’ postseason at that time (1.69 ERA across 3 World Series).

Why did Guidry snub for so long? The BBWAA initially gave him a maximum of 8.8% of the vote in 2000, then dropped to 0% in 2004 – a highly controversial “oversight.” The main reasons: career wins were limited to 170 (not reaching 200), the steroid era made voters more critical of pre-1990 pitchers, and fierce competition from other legends (Goose Gossage, Bert Blyleven, Jack Morris – who were snubbed before entering the team). But his modern advanced stats (WAR 48.0, JAWS top 30 starter, peak WAR elite) and postseason clutch saved him in the Veterans Committee – where former players, executives, and historians provide a more comprehensive assessment.

“This is the day justice is served,” said Derek Jeter – a former teammate and Hall of Famer – emotionally. “Gator (nicknamed Guidry) was the soul of the Yankees in the 70s and 80s. He pitched with heart, with fire, and with a humility that commanded the respect of the entire clubhouse. The Bronx Bombers finally have their ‘Louisiana Lightning’ in Cooperstown – where he’s long belonged.”

Yankees fans on social media are exploding: “Guidry in the Hall – finally fair!”, “From Cy Young 1978 to Gold Glove 5 times – he deserves more than many who have been in!”, “The Yankees dynasty 1977-78 is now complete: Munson, Nettles, Reggie, Goose, and now Gator!”. Many are comparing Guidry to Catfish Hunter or Jim Kaat – Yankees pitchers who were snubbed before being recognized later.

The induction ceremony, scheduled for summer 2026, will be a major event in Cooperstown: Guidry will step onto the podium wearing his legendary #49 pinstripe jersey, alongside his family and former teammates such as Reggie Jackson, Goose Gossage (who was inducted into Hall 2008), and possibly Don Mattingly or Andy Pettitte (who are awaiting their turn). This is not only a reward for Guidry, but also a message to forgotten Yankees legends: the Veterans Committee is becoming more open, and names like Thurman Munson, Don Mattingly, and Bernie Williams could be next.

Ron Guidry – from a Louisiana boy to the “Lightning” of Yankee Stadium – has finally been recognized by the baseball world. Not for his incredible number of wins, but for those summer nights when he rocked the Bronx with his 95mph fastball and razor-sharp slider. Yankees fans, raise a glass: Welcome to Cooperstown, Gator!