The Baseball Writers’ Association of America have a chance to pick one of the best MLB Hall of Fame classes in recent memory for next year’s ceremony in Cooperstown. Three of the best pitchers of their generation make their debut on the ballot, along with a few big bats.
Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz and Randy Johnson are the three pitchers headlining the ballot. Shortstop Nomar Garciaparra and rightfielder Gary Sheffield are also eligible for the first time, notes MLB.com.
Craig Biggio is likely to finally get in after falling short the previous two years. He only missed getting in earlier this year by two votes. Candidates need 75 percent of the vote to get in and Biggio got 74.8 percent.
Another player who missed the threshold earlier this year was Mike Piazza, who got 62.2 percent. He hit 396 home runs, the most for any catcher in history.
If Smoltz gets in, he will join the other members of the great Atlanta Braves pitching rotation from the ‘90s. Earlier this year, teammates Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine were inducted with White Sox slugger Frank Thomas.
Smoltz’s career record is 213-155. Johnson, the winner of five Cy Young awards, has a 303-166 record. Martinez has a 219-100 record and two Cy Youngs.
The Associated Press notes that this year will also mark Don Mattingly’s 15th and last year of eligibility. The Hall recently decided to cut the eligibility term to 10 years, but Mattingly was grandfathered in.
The BBWAA is made up of around 600 writers. Results from the ballot are announced on Jan. 6 and the induction ceremony is set for July 26.
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