For the eight time in Major League Baseball history, and the first time since 1996, there will NOT be a new member elected to Cooperstown as part of the Hall of Fame.
MLB Network broke the news at 1 PM Central on Wednesday, noting that no player received the required 75% of votes from the BBWAA writers. Former Houston Astros player Craig Biggio was the closest of all the names on the ballot, receiving 68% of the votes.
This year's list of hopefuls was the most controversial that MLB had seen in awhile, as several names from the steroid scandal of a few years back made an appearance on the ballot. Here are some of the more notable names on the list and how they were voted:
- Craig Biggio - 68.2%
- Jack Morris - 67-7%
- Jeff Bagwell - 59.6%
- Mike Piazza - 57.8%
- Curt Schilling - 38.%
- Roger Clemens - 37.6%
- Barry Bonds - 36.2%
- Sammy Sosa 12.5%
Biggio, Sosa, Pizza, Barry Bonds, and Roger Clemens were all on the ballot following being involved in the performance-enhancing drug controversy. None of them were voted in this year.
This was the 14th ballot for Jack Morris, giving him one more opportunity to make the list before he is declared ineligible. Under MLB law, a player is no longer eligible for the Hall of Fame if they are not voted in after their 15th appearance on the ballots.
That effectively puts former Atlanta Braves outfielder Dale Murphy out of contention. This was his 15th year on the ballot, and was not voted in by the BBWAA.
Next year's ballot will include several first time appearances. Among those making the cut will be former Braves stars Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. They will be joined by Frank Thomas, Mike Mussina, and Jeff Kent.
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