Former Michigan Accordionist, John Smoltz, was  elected into Baseball Hall of Fame on January 6, 2015. 

Joe Recchie President of the Michigan Accordion Society says “I am very proud of my Cousin John Smoltz who was offically elected into baseball’s Hall of Fame this afternoon on his very first year ballot!

John is the second Michigan born Baseball player to be elected into the Hall of fame in 66 years! The first previous Michigan Born Hall of famer was John’s Cousin who was Detroit Tiger great Charlie Gerhingher! Very impressive accomplishment and very proud to be a blood relative and also proud that he is also an Accordionist!, this will be a great celebration.”

Mike Axia, CBS Baseball writer said, “The Baseball Writers Association of America announced this year’s four-player Hall of Fame class, which includes Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Craig Biggio and John Smoltz. The actual induction ceremony will be held in July.

While all four players were obviously all-time greats well-deserving of being elected into the Hall of Fame, Smoltz deserves some special recognition. Why? Because he is the first pitcher to make the Hall of Fame after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Now, there is a catch here. Smoltz is not the first player in the Hall to Fame to have Tommy John surgery. Paul Molitor had the procedure as well, but he is a position player. Smoltz is the first pitcher in the Hall of Fame to have had Tommy John surgery. Smoltz had his elbow rebuilt back in 2000, right smack in the prime of his career.”

For more info please visit:
http://abcnews.go.com/…/johnson-martinez-smoltz-biggio-elec…
http://www.freep.com/…/john-smoltz-hall-fame-voti…/20943059/