BBRT Looks at the Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot

Last year, first-timers on the ballot dominated the voting – with newcomers Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz being elected, along with Craig Biggio (in his third year on the ballot). This year, two newcomers – Ken Griffey, Jr. and Trevor Hoffman –  seem likely first-ballot electees. A few other notable first-timers on the ballot include: Jim Edmonds; Billy Wagner; Troy Glaus; Mike Lowell; and Mike Sweeney – all with at least four All Star selections on their resumes. (A full list, with brief bios, of those on the ballot is included at the end of this post.)

If recent balloting is any indication, we can expect a significant number of writers will decline to vote for players having admitted to (or being highly suspected of) PED use, which seems a legitimate reason.  Others will hold back votes from first-timers to make a statement on “what it takes to be a first-ballot inductee” (which seems to me a less legitimate reason than the PED issue). Still others may hold send in blank ballots (for no apparent reason). However, recent voting patterns provide reason for optimism regarding 2016 inductions.

New Rules/New Attitudes/New Players

Whether it’s recent amendments to  Hall of Fame voting rules, a change in voters’ attitudes or an influx of Hall-worthy players, there is reason to be optimistic about inductions going forward.

• In the two most recently completed HOF election years (for 2014 and 2015 inductions), seven players were elected through the regular BBWAA ballot and the voters supported an average of 8.40 players per ballot (up to ten votes allowed). Previous to the 2013 vote (for 2014 induction), the last year voters supported an average of eight or more players per ballot was 1983.
• In the five years immediately preceding the past two, only six players were elected through the regular voting process, and voters selected an average of 5.75 players per ballot.
• 2014-15 marked the first time since 1954-55 that three or more players were elected by the BBWAS to the Hall of Fame in consecutive years – and 2015 (voting in 2014) was the first time since 1955 that four players were elected by the BBWWA.
• For induction years 1936 to 1995, only twice did voters support an average of less than six players per ballot. For induction years since 1935, the average number of players selected per ballot has dropped below 6.0 eleven times.

In this post, I’d like to give readers a quick look at how BBRT would vote (if I had a ballot), as well as my predictions for the actual BBWAA results and, finally, take a more detailed look at the players who would garner BBRT’s votes and a brief look at the additional nominees.

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BBRT’s Hall of Fame Selections – if I had a vote – In Priority Order

First a quick list of BBRT’s selections, later a more detailed look at these ten players.

Group One – Should Be No Doubt

1. Ken Griffey, Jr. – 22-year-MLB career; thirteen times an All Star; 1997 AL MVP; 630 career home runs (sixth all-time, four-times league leader); ten Gold Gloves; 1,662 runs scored; 1,836 RBI.
2. Trevor Hoffman – 18-season MLB career; 1,035 appearances; 601 saves (second all-time); seven-time All Star; 2.87 career ERA; 1,133 strikeouts in 1,089 1/3 innings pitched.

Group Two – Debatable, But Clearly Deserving Support

3. Lee Smith– 18-season MLB career; 478 saves (third all- time); seven-time All-Star; four-time league saves leader; 3.03 career ERA.

4. Mike Piazza – 16-season MLB career; 12-time All Star; .308 career average; most home runs all time by a catcher.

5. Mike Mussina – 18-season MLB career; five-time All Star; 270 wins; seven-time Gold Glove winner; 3.68 career ERA; 2,813 strikeouts.

6. Jeff Kent – 17-year MLB career; five-time All Star; most home runs by a second baseman all time; drove 100+ runs eight times; 2000 NL MVP.

Group Three – More Debatable, But Would Still Get BBRT’s Vote

7. Jeff Bagwell – 15-season MLB career; four-time All Star; 449 HRs; 202 steals; 1,529 RBI; 1991 NL Rookie of the Year; 1994 NL MVP; twice recorded seasons of 40 or more HRs and 30 or more steals.

8. Tim Raines– 23-season MLB career; 808 stolen bases (fifth all time, led league four times); 2,605 hits (.294 career average); 1986 NL batting title; 1,571 runs scored.

9. Jim Edmonds – 17-year MLB career; four-time All Star; eight-time Gold Glove winner; 393 home runs; .284 career average.

10. Edgar Martinez – 18-season MLB career; seven-time All Star; .312 batting average (2,247 hits); two-time batting champion; defined Designated Hitter role.

BBRT Predictions as to Whom the Baseball Writers Will Vote In

BBRT projects that the BBWAA will elect (in order of likelihood):

Ken Griffey, Jr.

Trevor Hoffman

Mike Piazza

I also see two possible dark horse candidates, who should be helped by a shallower ballot than a year ago, but are likely to still fall short.

Jeff Bagwell – It’s a bit leap from last year’s 55.7 percent, but a somewhat less crowded ballot may enable Bagwell to make the leap.

Mike Mussina – Those 270 wins look better with no 300-game winners joining the ballot this year.

Note: Last year, BBRT correctly predicted the elections of Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and Craig Biggio and listed John Smoltz (who was elected) as the number-one dark horse candidate. BBRT’s number-two dark horse, Mike Piazza, finished fifth with 69.9% out of the 75% needed for election.

Once again some very big names associated with the PED issue – they will not be named here, but the vote totals will tell you who they are – are likely to remain on the sidelines.

 

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A More Detailed Look at BBRT’s Selections from This Year’s HOF Ballot

SHOULD BE ELECTED EASILY

BBRT believes this first group of players should be locks for 2015 Hall of Fame induction.

Ken Griffey Jr. (Center Field, 1989-2010 – first time on ballot)

“The Kid” put up some undeniably Hall of Fame numbers – topped by 630 home runs (sixth all time); 1,836 RBI (15^th all time); ten Gold Gloves; 13 All Star selections; and an AL MVP Award (1997). Griffey led his league in home runs four times (with a high of 56 in 1997 and 1998); drove in 100+ runs eight times (leading the AL with a high a 147 in 1997); scored 100 or more runs six times (leading the AL with 125 in 1997); and hit over .300 eight times. Griffey is also tied for the most consecutive MLB games hitting a home run (eight, tied with Don Mattingly and Dale Long). Griffey played for the Mariners (1989-1999 and 2009-2010), Reds (2000-2008) and White Sox (2008).

Ken Griffey, Jr.’s Best Season: In 1997, Griffey was selected the AL MVP after a season in which he played in 157 games and led the league in home runs (56), runs scored (125), RBI (147), total bases (393), slugging percentage (.646) and intentional walks (23), while also hitting .304, stealing 15 bases in 19 attempts and winning a Gold Glove.

Back-to-Back Jacks by George!

On September 14, 1990, with the Mariners facing the Angels in Anaheim, Ken Griffey, Sr. was playing in left field and batting second, while Ken Griffey, Jr. was beside him in center field batting third.  Seattle second baseman Harold Reynolds led off the game with a walk against Angels’ starter Kirk McKaskill – setting the stage for history.  The number-two hitter, Ken Griffey, Sr., hit a two-run home run to left-center (on an 0-2 pitch). The next batter, Ken Griffey, Jr., took advantage of a 3-0 offering to belt a home run over the left-center fence as well – making George Kenneth Griffey, Sr. and Jr. the first (still only) father and son to hit back-to-back major league home runs.

 

Trevor Hoffman (Relief Pitcher, 1993-2010 – first time on the ballot)

Hoffman is one of only two relievers to reach 600 saves – trailing only Mariano Rivera (652). Not only is he one of only two pitchers to reach 600 saves, he and Rivera are the only closers to reach 500 saves. (Note: Hoffman was also the first pitcher to reach the 500 and 600 save mark.) Hoffman led the NL in saves twice and reached 30 or more saves 14 times (with a high of 53 in 1998). He had a career record of 61-75, with a 2.87 ERA over 1,089 1/3 innings in 1,035 games – averaging 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings. Hoffman pitched for the Marlins (1993), Padres (1993-2008) and Brewers (2009-10).

Trevor Hoffman’s Best Season: In 1998, Hoffman appeared in 66 games for the Padres, converting 53 of 54 save opportunities.  On the season, he was 4-2 with a 1.48 ERA, striking out 86 hitters in 73 innings, while walking just 21. He was selected to the NL All Star team, finished second in the Cy Young Award voting and seventh in the MVP race.

Forty-one at Thirty-seven

Trevor Hoffman made his final All Star team in 2008 –  at age 41 – in a season in which he recorded 37 saves for the Brewers.

DESERVING CANDIDATES WHO WOULD ALSO RECEIVE BBRT’S VOTE (if I had one)

This next group of candidates consists of players whose entrance into the Hall of Fame might prompt some discussion and debate – but when the discussion is done, BBRT is convinced they should be seen as deserving of election.

Lee Smith (Relief Pitcher, 1980-97 – 14th year on the ballot)

I firmly believe Lee Smith has earned his place in the “Hall.” However, last year, Smith got only 30.2 percent of the vote – not much more than his 29.9 percent of the year before – and time is running out on his candidacy (one more year).

Smith’s 478 saves put him third on the all-time list (he was number-one when he retired after the 1997 season), but the presence of Trevor Hoffman (and his 601 saves) may cost Smith votes this year.   Why BBRT’s support?  Smith led his league in saves four times and made seven All Star teams, while recording ten seasons of 30 or more saves and two campaigns of 40-plus saves.  Smith reached 30 or more saves in a season for four different teams (Cubs, Cardinals, Orioles, Angels). He had a 3.03 lifetime ERA and 1,251 strikeouts in 1,289 innings pitched.  Smith also hold the NL career record for games finished (802) and is one of only three pitchers with more than 800 games finished lifetime (Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman are the others).  Couple all of this with the third most saves all time and Smith gets BBRT’s vote. Smith pitched for the Chicago Cubs (1980-87), Boston Red Sox (1988-90), St. Louis Cardinals (1990-93), New York Yankees (1993), Baltimore Orioles (1994), California Angels (1995-96), Cincinnati Reds (1996) and Montreal Expos (1997).

Lee Smith’s Best Season:  In 1991, as a Cardinal, Smith went 6-3, with a 2.34 ERA, 47 saves, 73 innings pitched, 67 strikeouts.

Flawless in the Field

Lee Smith holds the National League record for consecutive games without an error by a pitcher at 546.

Mike Piazza (C, 1992-2007 – fourth year on the ballot)

Mike Piazza’s stat sheet includes: a .308 career average; 427 home runs (an MLB-record 396 as a catcher); a Rookie of the Year Award; 12 All Star Selections; and ten Silver Slugger Awards as the best hitter at his position (most every by a catcher). Over his career, he collected 2,127 hits; 1,335 RBI; and scored 1,048 runs. Piazza topped 30 home runs in nine seasons, with a high of 40 in 1997 and 1999. He also topped 100 RBI six times.

Mike Piazza’s Best Season: In 1997, the Dodgers’ backstop hit .362, with 201 hits, 104 runs, 40 HR, 124 RBI.

Behind the Plate and At the Plate

In 1997, Mike Piazza became the first MLB catcher to record 200 or more hits in a season.

Mike Mussina (Starting Pitcher, 1991-2008 – third year on the ballot)

It may get a little easier for Mike Mussina this year.  In his first year on the ballot, he was overshadowed by fellow first-timers Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine (both 300-game winners). Last year, Mussina had to contend with ballot newcomers Randy Johnson (another 300-game winner) and Pedro Martinez.  Mussina’s 270 wins should look better to voters this year, but he’s not likely to gain enough traction (24.5 percent of the votes last year) to reach the necessary 75 percent.  If BBRT had a vote, however, Mussina would get it.

Mussina built a 270-153 record, with a career 3.68 ERA and 2,813 strikeouts over 18 seasons. While only a 20-game winner once (in his final season, at age 39), Mussina won 18 or 19 games five times, leading the AL with 19 wins in 1995. He was a five-time All Star and a seven-time Gold Glove winner. Mussina also recorded a .650 or better winning percentage in nine seasons, with a career (and league-leading) high of .783 in 1992).While the lack of a Cy Young Award on his resume may hurt him, he finished his career 117 games over .500 – and history says 100 or more wins than losses should be good for a ticket to the Hall.  Mussina appeared in 23 post-season games, with a 7-8 record and a 3.42 ERA. Mussina pitched for the Orioles (1991-2000) and Yankees (2000-2008).

Mike Mussina’s Best Season:  Mussina may have saved his best for last.  In his final season (as a Yankee), at age 39, he recorded his first twenty-win campaign.  That year, Mussina went 20-9, 3.37 – and proved his durability by leading the AL in starts with 34 starts.

The 700 Club

In his first three full seasons  in the major leagues (1992-94), Mike Mussina put up a .700 or better winning percentage each year (.783, .700, .762). His record over that span – for the Orioles – was 48-16.

Jeff Kent (Second Base/Third Base/First Base, 1992-2008 – third year on the ballot)

Kent dropped from 15.2 percent of  the vote in 2013’s balloting to 14 percent a year ago.  However, a less daunting ballot may help him this year (but likely not enough to close the gap). BBRT believes Kent is a deserving candidate.  Kent holds the all-time MLB record for home runs by a second baseman (351 of his 377 career round trippers were hit while playing second base). He has a healthy .290 career batting average; his 1,518 RBI are 51st all time; and his 560 doubles 25^th.  Kent was a five-time All Star and the 2000 NL MVP.  As primarily a middle infielder, he hit 20 or more home runs in 12 seasons (a high of 37 in 2007) and topped 100 RBI eight times. He hit .276, with nine home runs and 23 RBI in 49 post-season games. Kent has the credentials, but BBRT has a hunch the writers will make keep him on the bench – a couple of Gold Gloves, at this traditionally defense-oriented position, would have really helped his case.  Kent played for the Blue Jays (1992), Mets (1992-1996), Indians (1996), Giants (1997-2002), Astros (2003-2004) and Dodgers (2005-2008).

Jeff Kent’s Best Season: With the Giants in 2000, Kent put up these stats:  159 games; 196 hits; .334 average; 33 home runs; 125 RBI; 114 runs; 12 steals. His performance earned him the NL MVP Award.

Middle Infield RBI Machine

Kent has nine more career RBI than Mickey Mantle.

MORE DEBATABLE, BUT WOULD STILL GET BBRT’S VOTE

More debate is likely to swirl around this final group, but they would be on BBRT’s ten-vote ballot.

Jeff Bagwell (First Base, 1991-2005 – sixth year on the ballot)

Jeff Bagwell earned Hall of Fame consideration with a 15-year career that included 2,314 hits; 449 home runs; 202 stolen bases; and a .297 average – along with a Rookie of the Year Award (1991); a Most Valuable Player Award (1994); one Gold Glove; and four All Star selections.  He twice recorded seasons of 40 or more homers and 30 or more steals.

Bagwell drove in 100 or more runs in eight seasons, leading the league with 116 in 1994 and reaching a high of 135 in 1997. He also led the NL in runs scored three times, with a high of 152 in 2000. His .297 career average was bolstered by six seasons over .300. Bagwell’s chances are hurt a bit by the fact that first base has been manned by so many power hitters over time.  Bagwell played his entire career with the Houston Astros.  BBRT would vote for Bagwell, who picked up 55.7 percent of the vote last year and should improve this season.

Jeff Bagwell’s Best Season:  In 1994, Bagwell hit .368, with 39 homers and 15 stolen bases, while leading the NL in runs (104) and RBI (116) and earning a Gold Glove.  Bagwell also won the NL MVP Award despite playing just 110 of the Astros’ 144 games in the strike-shortened season.

He Came to Play Every Day

Jeff Bagwell was a durable player – playing in all 162 of the Astros’ regular season games in four of his fifteen seasons – and playing in at least 155 games ten times.

Tim Raines (Outfield, 1979-2001 –  ninth year on the ballot)

Tim Raines hit .294 over his 23-season MLB career, collecting 2,605 hits, 1,571 runs scored, 170 home runs, 980 RBI and 808 stolen bases (fifth  all time). He was a seven-time All Star; led the NL in stolen bases four consecutive years (1981-84); had a streak of six seasons with at least 70 steals; won the NL batting title in 1986 with a .334 average; led the league in runs scored twice and doubles once. In 34 post-season games, he hit .270 with one home run, six RBI, 18 runs scored and three steals. Raines played for the Expos (1979-1990 and 2001)), White Sox (1991-1995), Yankees (1996-1998), A’s (1999), Orioles (2001) and Marlins (2002).

Tim Raines’ Best Season: BBRT did not select Raines’ 1986 batting title year, but rather his 1983 season with the Expos – 156 games, 179 hits, .298 average, league-leading 133 runs scored, 11 homers, 71 RBI, league-leading 90 steals.

Raines Was a Runner

Tim “Rock” Raines was always running:  Over 23 seasons, Raines average 35 steals a year (and that included six seasons in which he played in less than half his team’s games).  Over his MLB career – from age 19 to 42 – Raines averaged 52 stolen bases for every 162 games played.

Jim Edmonds (Center Field. 1993-2010 – first year on the ballot)

Okay, I admit it.  I am swayed by players who flash lumber and leather.  Jim Edmonds falls into that category with 393 home runs and eight Gold gloves in a 17-season MLB career. He was a four-time All Star; hit 25 or more home runs in ten seasons (a high of 42 in 2000 and 2004); exceeded 100 RBI four times and 100 runs scored four times; and hit over .300 four times. He retired with a .284 average; 393 HRs; 1,199 RBI; and 1,251 runs scored – add the Gold Glove-caliber defense and BBRT sees a Hall of Famer.  Edmonds also hit .274 with 13 home runs and 42 RBI in 64 post season games. The fact that this highlight-reel defender never led the league in any of the traditional offensive categories will hurt his vote-garnering abilities (particularly for those stingy with first ballot votes) – however, Edmonds’ leather and lumber together make him an eventual Hall of Famer in BBRT’s book. Edmonds played for the Angels (1993-1999), Cardinals (2000-2007), Padres (2008) and Cubs (2008).

Jim Edmonds’ Best Season: With the Cardinals in 2004, Edmonds hit .301 with 42 home runs, 101 RBI, 102 runs scored – and, of course, earned a Gold Glove.

A Great Nickname Can’t Hurt Your Hall Chances

Cardinals’ Fans affectionately  refer to Jim  Edmonds as “Jimmy Baseball.”

Edgar Martinez (Designated Hitter/Third Base, 1987-2004 – fourth year on the ballot)

We’ve seen some prejudice against designated hitters in past voting, but Edgar Martinez clearly, and expertly, defined the DH role. In an 18-season MLB career, Martinez was named to seven All Star teams; won a pair of batting titles (hitting a high of .356 in 1995); topped 100 RBI in six seasons (leading the league with 145 in 2000); and scored 100 or more runs five times (leading the league with 121 in 1995). He finished his career with a .312 average; 2,247 hits; 1,219 runs; 1,261 RBI;  309 home runs; and 514 doubles.  Martinez played his entire career for the Mariners.

Edgar Martinez’ Best Season: One of two here:  In 1995, Martinez led the league in batting average (.356), runs scored (121) and doubles (52 doubles), adding  29 home runs and 113 RBI.  In 2005, Martinez put up a .324 average, 37 home runs, league-leading 145 RBI and 100 runs scored.

What An “Awarding” Accomplishment

In 2004, MLB renamed the Outstanding Designated Hitter Award the Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award.

So, there is how BBRT’s Hall of Fame Ballot would look (if I had one).  Now, here’s a brief look at the whole ballot (alphabetically) – with brief bios of those players not already discussed.

Anderson, Garret (Left Field, 1994-2010, first time on ballot)

Three-time All Star; twice led AL in doubles; .293 career average; 287 home runs.

Ausmus, Brad (Catcher, 1993-2010 – first time on ballot)

One-time All Star; three Gold gloves; one of eight MLB catchers ever with 1,500 hits (1,579) and 100 stolen bases (102).

Bagwell, Jeff  (First Base, 1991-2005 – sixth time on ballot; last year 55.7%)

Bonds, Barry  (Left Field, 1986-2007 – fourth time on ballot; last year 36.8%)

All-Time MLB leader in home runs (762); 14-time All Star; holds single-season home run mark (73);  seven-time MVP; two-time batting champion (.298 career); two-time HR leader; one-time leader in RBI (1,996 career RBI);  514 career stolen bases (high of 52 in 1990); 2,227 career runs scored.

Castillo, Luis (Second Base, 1996-2010 – first time on ballot)

Three-time All Star; three-time Gold Glover; .290 career average; 370 steals (twice lead league).

Clemens, Roger  (Starting Pitcher, 1984-2007 – fourth time on ballot; last year 37.5%)

Ninth all time in career victories (354); 11-time All Star; seven-time Cy Young Award winner; 1986 AL MVP; six seasons with 20 or more wins – led league in ERA seven times; strikeouts five times (third all-time in career strikeouts at 4,672); shutouts six times.

Eckstein, David (Shortstop/Second Base, 2001-2010 – first time on ballot)

Two-time All Star; 2006 World Series MVP; .280 career average; led NL second baseman in fielding percentage twice and AL shortstops in fielding percentage twice.

Jim Edmonds (Center Field, 1993-2010 – first year on ballot)

Garciaparra, Nomar (Shortstop, 1996-2009 – second year on ballot; last year 5.5%)

Six-time All Star; two-time batting champion; career .313 hitter (eight seasons .300+, high of .372 in 2000); 1997 Rookie of the Year – lead league one-time each in hits, doubles, triples and intentional walks.

Glaus, Troy (Third Base/First Base, 1998-2010 – first year on ballot)

Four-time All Star; 2002 World Series MVP;  320 career home runs (led league with 47 in 2000); hit 30 or more HRs in five seasons; topped 100 RBI four times.

Griffey, Jr., Ken (Center Field, 1989-2010 – first year on ballot)

Grudzielanek, Mark (Second Base/Shortstop, 1995-2010 – first year on ballot)

1996 All Star; 2006 Gold Glover; .289 career average (hit .300 or better four times); led NL with 54 doubles in 1997; topped 200 hits (201) in 1996.

Hampton, Mike (Starting Pitcher, 1993-2010 – first year on ballot)

Two-time All Star; led NL in wins and winning percentage in 1999 (22-4, .846); 148 career victories; solid hitting pitcher (five consecutive Silver Slugger Awards); 2003 Gold Glove Winner; 2000 NLCS MVP.

Hoffman, Trevor (Relief Pitcher,. 1993-2010 – first year on ballot)

Kendall, Jason (Catcher,  1996-2010- first year on ballot)

Three-time All Star; .288 career average (topped .300 six times); fourth in career hits among catchers (2,195); led league in games caught eight times; 189 career stolen bases (high of 26 in 1998).

Kent, Jeff (Second Base, 1992-2008 – third year on ballot; last year 14.0%)

Lowell, Mike  (Third Base, 1998-2010  – first year on ballot)

Four-time All Star; Gold Glove in 2005; .279 career average; 223 career home runs;  MVP of 2007 World Series.

Martinez, Edgar (Third Base/Designated Hitter, 1987-204 –  seventh year on ballot; last year 27.0%)

McGriff, Fred (First Base, 1986-2004 – seventh year on ballot; last year 12.9%)

Five-time All Star; 493 career home runs (led league twice, hit 30 or more  home runs in a season ten times); topped 100 RBI eight times (career total 1,550);  .284 career average.

McGwire, Mark  (First Base, 1986-2001 – tenth year on ballot; last year 10.0%)

Twelve-time All Star; 583 career home runs (led league four times, with a high of 70 in 1998); topped 30 HRs eleven times; collected 100 or more RBI in seven seasons (led NL  in 1999 with 147);  1987 AL Rookie of the Year; 1990 Gold Glove winner.

Mussina, Mike (Starting Pitcher, 1991-2008 – third year on the ballot; last year 24.6%)

Piazza, Mike (Catcher, 1992-2007 – fourth year on ballot; last year 69.9%)

Raines, Tim (Left Field, 1979-2002 – ninth year on the ballot; last year 55.0%)

Schilling, Curt (Starting Pitcher, 1998-2007 – fourth year on ballot; last year 38.2%)

Six-time All Star; 216 career wins (three seasons of 20 or more wins); fifth all time in strikeouts at 3, 116 (three season of 300 or more whiffs); 2001 World Series co-MVP – led league in wins twice, complete games four times, strikeouts twice, winning percentage once.

Sheffield, Gary (Outfield/Third Base, 1988-2009 – second year on ballot; last year 11.7%)

Nine-time All Star; 509 career home runs (topped 30 home runs in a season eight times, with a high of 43 in 2000); .292 career average (hit .300+ in eight seasons); won 1992 NL batting title; topped 100 RBI eight times; topped 100 runs scored seven times.

Smith, Lee (Relief Pitcher, 1980-1997 – fourteenth year on the ballot; last year 30.2%)

Sosa, Sammy (Right Field, 1989-2007 – fourth year on ballot; last year 6.6%)

Seven-time All Star; 609 career home runs (hit 30+ home runs in a season eleven times, 40 or more seven times, 50 or more four times, 60+ three times); collected 100 or more RBI in nine seasons (high of 160 in 2001); scored 100 or more runs in five seasons;  1998 NL MVP. Sosa led the league in home runs twice, RBI twice, runs scored three times, total bases three times, games played three times.

Sweeney. Mike (First Base/Catcher/Designated Hitter, 1995-2010 – first year on ballot)

Five-time All Star; .297 career average (five seasons at .300 or better); 215 career home runs (hit 20 or more six times); topped 100 RBI twice (high of 144 in 2000).

Trammel, Alan (Shortstop, 1977-1996 – fifteenth year on ballot; last year 25.1%)

Six-time All Star;  four-time Gold Glove winner; .285 career average (seven .300+ seasons); 236 stolen bases (high of 28 in 1987); three times scored 100+ runs in a season; 1984 World Series MVP.

Wagner, Billy (Relief Pitcher, 1995-2010 – first time on ballot)

Seven-time All Star; 422 saves (fifth all- time), with nine seasons of 30 or more; career ERA of 2.31; 1,196 career strikeouts in 903 innings; 47-40 won-lost record.

Walker, Larry  (Right Field/First Base, 1989-2005 – sixth year on ballot; last year 11.8%)

Five-time All Star; seven-time Gold Glove winner; three-time batting champion (career .313 average and nine season of .300 or better); 383 home runs (career high of 49 to lead the NL in 1997); 1997 NL MVP.

Winn, Randy (Outfield, 1998-2010 – first year on ballot)

2002 All Star; .284 career average (hit .300 or better three times); 215 stolen bases (topped 20 steals five times); in 2009, played 146 games in the outfield (all three positions) without an error.

So, there’s  BBRT’s regular Hall of Fame “selections.”

BBRT invites your comments on the upcoming Hall of Fame election.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

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