[Izz]

Hall of Fame - Kelvin Ackland

Ackland had played past his best-before date in his quest to be the 1st to 3000 hits, and still hadn't quite made it, but he was certainly deemed a worthy addition to the Hall. Inducted in Auckland colours, the quiet Australian kept his acceptance speech short and sweet. He'd won 3 Gold Gloves, picked up 1 SotY, and been to the All Star Game 8 times during his nearly 20-year career. He'd also won the batting award in 2028, hitting .338 for the season, and collected 2 Championship rings, both with Auckland (2027, 2040).

Still the all-time league leader in doubles (and likely to hold that title for quite some time - next closest was Mildren on 554 and then all the way back to Bransington on 444), Ackland would be remembered by most as a staple of the Auckland lineup and a very good, if a bit no-frills, allround hitter.