The Only Election That Matters
A Blog By Dean
Yesterday, MLB announced the Classic Baseball Era Committee candidates for the Hall of Fame. I saw a lot of people on X confused about how this works so I break it all down below.
The results of the vote will be announced on December 8th at 7:30pm. I bold and italicize my choices below.
Enjoy.
The Classic Baseball Era Committee is a component of the National Baseball Hall of Fame's election process, focusing on evaluating and potentially inducting individuals whose primary contributions to baseball occurred before 1980, including those from the Negro Leagues and pre-Negro Leagues eras.
Structure and Purpose:
Era Committees Overview: The Hall of Fame employs era committees to assess candidates who are no longer eligible for election by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA). These committees consider players, managers, umpires, and executives based on the periods during which they made their most significant contributions. The Classic Baseball Era Committee specifically addresses individuals from the period prior to 1980.
Selection Process:
Candidate Eligibility: To be considered, players must have played in at least ten major league seasons and have been retired for at least 15 seasons. Managers and umpires are eligible if they have ten or more major league seasons and have been retired for at least five years, with certain age-related exceptions. Executives are eligible five years after retirement, with provisions for active executives aged 70 or older.
Ballot Formation: A Historical Overview Committee, comprising veteran baseball historians and writers, selects the candidates for the ballot. This committee evaluates eligible individuals and determines the most deserving candidates for consideration.
Committee Composition: The Classic Baseball Era Committee consists of 16 members, including Hall of Famers, executives, and veteran media members. This diverse group brings a wealth of experience and perspectives to the evaluation process.
Voting Procedure: Committee members convene to discuss the candidates and cast their votes. Each member can vote for up to three candidates on the ballot. A candidate must receive at least 75% of the votes (i.e., 12 out of 16) to be elected to the Hall of Fame.
Recent Developments:
In April 2022, the Hall of Fame restructured its Era Committee system, consolidating the election eras into two primary timeframes:
Contemporary Baseball Era: 1980 to present, further divided into separate ballots for players and for managers, executives, and umpires.
Classic Baseball Era: Prior to 1980, encompassing all candidates from earlier periods, including those from the Negro Leagues and pre-Negro Leagues.
Classic Baseball Era Committee Candidates for the Hall of Fame Class of 2025
The following eight candidates are under consideration for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Classic Baseball Era Committee. These players contributed significantly to the game, and each left a unique legacy. Here’s a closer look at each candidate:
Dick Allen
Career: 15 seasons (1963-1977)
Teams: Primarily with the Phillies; also played for four other teams
Highlights:
351 home runs, 1,119 RBI, .292 career batting average
1972 AL MVP, 1964 NL Rookie of the Year
Seven-time All-Star selection
Ken Boyer
Career: 15 seasons
Teams: Cardinals, Mets, White Sox, Dodgers
Highlights:
1964 NL MVP, leading the Cardinals to a World Series championship
11-time All-Star selection
John Donaldson
Career: Over 30 years in the Negro Leagues and pre-Negro Leagues
Role: Pitcher, outfielder, manager
Legacy:
Renowned as one of the best pitchers of his era
Helped establish the profitable barnstorming model for Black baseball teams
Steve Garvey
Career: 19 major league seasons
Teams: Dodgers, Padres
Highlights:
.294 career average, 2,599 hits, 272 home runs, 1,308 RBI
1974 NL MVP, two-time NLCS MVP (1978, 1984)
10-time All-Star, four Gold Glove Awards, 1981 Roberto Clemente Award
Vic Harris
Career: 18 seasons in the Negro Leagues
Team: Primarily the Homestead Grays
Highlights:
.303 career batting average
Known as an aggressive base runner
Managed the Grays to seven Negro National League pennants and the 1948 World Series
Tommy John
Career: 26 seasons
Teams: Indians, White Sox, Dodgers, Yankees, Angels, A’s
Highlights:
288-231 record, 3.34 ERA
700 career starts (8th all-time), 4,710.1 innings (20th all-time)
Four-time All-Star selection, known for his pioneering elbow surgery in 1974
John’s durability and innovation, especially his groundbreaking surgery, helped prolong his career and set a precedent in sports medicine. His achievements make him a unique figure in baseball history.
Dave Parker
Career: 19 seasons with six teams
Teams: Notably with the Pirates and Reds
Highlights:
.290 career average, 339 home runs, 1,493 RBI
1978 NL MVP, two-time batting champion (1977-78)
Seven All-Star selections, three Gold Glove Awards
Luis Tiant
Career: 19 seasons
Teams: Indians, Twins, Red Sox, Yankees, Pirates, Angels
Highlights:
229 career wins, 3.30 ERA
Four-time 20-game winner, two AL ERA titles
Three All-Star selections, led league in shutouts three times
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