Bordick going into Orioles Hall of Fame

SARASOTA, Fla. - Former shortstop Mike Bordick, who set the major league record for most errorless games and chances at his position, will be inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame before the Aug. 13 game against the Detroit Tigers at Camden Yards. Bordick played for the Orioles from 1997 to 2000, and again from 2001 to 2002 after being traded to the Mets for a package of players that included Melvin Mora. Bordick, who currently serves as the Orioles' coordinator of offensive fundamentals, didn't know he was on the ballot. "I got a phone call a few days ago and they said I was inducted and I had to make sure they had the right guy, to be honest with you. I don't know what I did to actually deserve that, but it's definitely a great honor," he said. "I'm in one of the Maine Hall of Fames, but when you think about who's in the Orioles', the list that they have, it's pretty flattering." Bordick's arrival in 1997 led to Cal Ripken's return to third base. Bordick set records for most consecutive errorless games (110) and chances (543) by a shortstop in 2002. He has the third-highest fielding percentage (.982) among shortstops with at least 1,000 games played in major league history, trailing only Omar Vizquel (.985) and Jimmy Rollins (.983). "I guess the errorless streak means something because I guess I hung my hat on my defense," said Bordick, a career .260 hitter. "That's what got me to the big leagues. But maybe just being a pro and learning from some of the greatest guys, their work ethic and all with Oakland. Guys like Carney Landsford and Terry Steinbach and Dave Stewart, seeing how they went about their business on a daily basis. And then to come over and have the greatest one of all time, Cal Ripken, and see how he handled it, both on and off the field, I think helped a player like me." Originally signed by the A's as a non-drafted free agent after playing in the Cape Cod League in 1986, Bordick was on Oakland's active roster for the 1990 World Series, but didn't appear in a game. He also played in the 2000 World Series with the Mets and was named to the American League All-Star team before the trade. I'll pass along more quotes from Bordick later today. Also on the ballot this year were three of Bordick's former teammates: Roberto Alomar, Rafael Palmeiro and Jesse Orosco. Eligibility requirements include spending at least three years with the Orioles. Head athletic trainer Richie Bancells will receive the Herb Armstrong Award for non-uniformed personnel. Bancells is in his 24th season as head athletic trainer, his 28th with the club and his 35th in the organization.