January 12, 2009 Jim Rice elected to Hall of Fame Play video

(Chris Collins, NECN) - On his 15th and final try, Boston Red Sox legend Jim Rice made it into Cooperstown. Rice was one of the great sluggers in the late 70s and early 80s. Last year, he was just shy of the amount of votes to get into the Hall of Fame.

He is the third player elected by the baseball writers in his final year, joining Red Ruffing (1967) and Ralph Kiner (1975).

Rice will join career stolen bases and runs scored leader Rickey Henderson at the July 26 induction ceremony.

Rice received 412 votes, seven more than the required 75 percent of the 539 ballots cast.