If I told you there was a player in the Major Leagues who batted .308 with 427 home runs, 1,335 RBIs, 1,048 runs, went to 12 All Star games, won 10 Silver Sluggers and finished top 10 in MVP voting 7 times, what would you think?

That sounds pretty legendary doesn’t it?

Sounds like the kind of career that would be remembered forever in the Hall of Fame.

Yesterday, the latest inductees into the Hall of Fame were announced. This year’s class includes: Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson, Craig Biggio and John Smoltz, all players who are very deserving of this prestigious award.

Who just missed getting in? That guy with those stats up there.

Yes, Mike Piazza missed out on the Hall of Fame for the 3rd consecutive year. Although it is extremely likely that we will see Piazza finally make it next year based off how close he came this year, it is still a travesty that a player of his caliber has been snubbed three times.

What makes Mike Piazza’s numbers even more valuable is that he did this out of the catcher position. Catcher is a position that is often fielded by a player who is not really looked upon for offense. Mike Piazza is without a doubt the greatest offensive catcher of all time.

During his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets, Piazza was not only the best hitting catcher in all of baseball, but one of the best hitters in general, something very rare, yet immensely valuable.

When I think of Hall of Fame players I like to be able to recall a moment from each one of them. For someone to have that kind of prestige, I think it is only right for them to have a key moment in their career that will live forever.

Mike Piazza has one of the greatest moments in SPORTS history.

Just ten days after the attacks on 9/11, the first sporting event after the attacks took place at Shea Stadium. The Mets were playing the rival Atlanta Braves in the heat of a playoff run. The Mets were down 2-1 in the 8th inning until Mike Piazza came to the plate with a man on base and sent a ball deep over the centerfield walls giving the Mets a 3-2 victory and a reason to smile.

I remember this like it was yesterday. A city so distraught had something to cheer about for a little bit. This home run still sends chills down my spine to this day.

That was Mike Piazza’s career defining moment.

The only case anyone has given against Piazza has been that he has backne. Yes, this man is being kept out of the Hall of Fame over backne. Backne is a side effect for steroid users, and although Piazza has never been accused of using steroids, some let this backne cast a shadow of doubt over him.

So much for living in a country where you are innocent until proven guilty.

Well, this should be the last time Piazza gets snubbed. Even though he did not make the Hall of Fame for the third straight year, we should still celebrate his career and remember him for how great he truly was. New Yorkers should especially appreciate Piazza for all that he meant for this City.

Here’s to Piazza getting in for 2016!