Baseball fans everywhere — especially in the Bronx — are celebrating today as Graig “Puff” Nettles, one of the most iconic third basemen in New York Yankees history, has officially been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

A true fan favorite known for his clutch bat, slick glove, and fiery leadership, Nettles now takes his rightful place among the legends of the game. His resume speaks for itself:
✅ 2× World Series Champion (1977, 1978)
✅ 6× All-Star
✅ 2× Gold Glove Award winner
✅ Yankees captain (1982–1984)
✅ One of the most feared third basemen of his era

A Defensive Artist with a Dangerous Bat

Nettles was known not only for his power at the plate — racking up 390 career home runs — but also for his jaw-dropping defense at third base. His defensive brilliance shined brightest during the 1978 World Series, where he made multiple diving stops and game-saving plays, cementing his reputation as a postseason hero.

Yankee fans nicknamed him “Puff”, not just for his cool demeanor under pressure but for how he could seemingly appear out of nowhere to snuff out rallies with his glove.

A Long Overdue Honor

Despite his incredible achievements, many fans and analysts have long felt that Nettles’ Hall of Fame induction was overdue. Now, justice has finally been served. As he stepped to the podium, the former Yankee captain gave a speech filled with gratitude, humility, and a touch of classic Bronx swagger.

“I played the game hard. I played it to win. And I played it for the fans — especially those in New York. This is for you.”

Forever a Yankee

With his enshrinement, Graig Nettles joins fellow Yankee legends like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Derek Jeter, and Reggie Jackson in Cooperstown — a pantheon of greatness that he helped define during the franchise’s dominant run in the late 1970s.

Congratulations, Puff. The hot corner in Cooperstown just got a lot sharper.