I am eventually going to tackle the 1 card per HoF project. When I get to the guys from the 1990s/2000s, my plan is to grab one of their Topps flagship rookies, and then a cool insert/oddball card from their playing days.
From your list, for example, when I get to Jim Thome I would grab his 1992 Topps, and then maybe this one:
Not all the HoFs were in the elite insert sets (hot gloves, to name one) so I'll be more creative there with what I pick up. Another angle I've considered when I eventually get to this project is to try and grab one card from each team the player played for, obviously with him in that jersey. For some guys that will be easier than others...