Homer Simpson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York Saturday during a ceremony that celebrated the 25th anniversary of the classic The Simpsons episode Homer at the Bat.
The episode, which aired in February 1992, featured guest appearances by MLB all-stars like Ozzie Smith, Ken Griffey Jr., Wade Boggs, Don Mattingly and Jose Canseco; Now Hall of Famers in their own right, Boggs and Smith were on hand to welcome Simpson in the Hall.
Steve Sax, a five-time all-star who also appeared on Homer at the Bat, told the Associated Press, I get asked as much about being on The Simpsons as I do about baseball. They dont want to know how it was to hit against Nolan Ryan. They want to know about being on that show.
Simpson received his own Hall of Fame plaque, which will feature within the museums new Simpsons-themed exhibit.
In a prepared statement, Simpson said, My record for eating hot dogs will never be broken. Ive been a fan for 40 years, which is how long some games take. And I cant wait for the ceremony in Canton, Ohio. (Canton is the home of the Football Hall of Fame.)
Simpsons executive producer Al Jean previously spoke to the Baseball Hall of Fame about Homer at the Bat, which finished Number 15 on Rolling Stones list of the 150 Best Simpsons Episodes.
Its definitely one you hear about a lot, Jean said. Theres nostalgia because a lot of people were kids when it first aired. Looking at it again, as I did recently, its a real glimpse of 90s era baseball. Baseball has changed since then its a different kind of game.
A legendary reunion to celebrate Homers induction into the Hall of Fame. #HOFHomer #HOFClassic pic.twitter.com/JcVGPJNlBB
Baseball Hall (@baseballhall) May 27, 2017