The Hall of Fame recently revealed the list of seven players and one manager eligible for induction through the Classic Baseball Era ballot. This group, selected by veteran historians, will face a vote on December 8 during the Winter Meetings. To be inducted, candidates must appear on at least 75% of ballots cast by a 16-member committee.
These nominees had their most significant impact before 1980. Players need at least ten major league seasons; managers and umpires require ten seasons and five years of retirement unless they’re over 65; executives must also be retired for five years unless they’re active and over 70. No one from baseball’s Ineligible List can be nominated.
Here are the eight names on this year’s Era Committee ballot:
Dick Allen
Allen was a powerful hitter in his time, playing for fifteen seasons and earning the American League MVP in 1972. His career boasts a WAR of 58.7 with an impressive tally of 351 home runs.
Ken Boyer
Boyer was known for his excellent defense at third base and strong batting skills during the ’50s and ’60s. He made seven All-Star appearances and won an MVP award while playing for the Cardinals in their championship year, 1964.
John Donaldson
Donaldson excelled as both an outfielder and left-handed pitcher in the Negro Leagues, later managing teams and scouting for the White Sox organization .
Fans might think it’s about time these legends get recognized!
Steve Garvey
Garvey was a reliable first baseman with over 2,500 hits to his name. Retiring in 1987, he had a career WAR of 38.2 along with ten All-Star selections.
Vic Harris
Harris played seventeen seasons in the Negro Leagues with a .303 batting average. He also managed the Homestead Grays to great success, winning seven league pennants.
Tommy John
John pitched as a lefty starter for more than twenty-five years, amassing 288 wins with a WAR of 62.1. He’s widely known because his name is associated with a groundbreaking elbow surgery that has saved many careers since he first underwent it.
Dave Parker
Nicknamed “Cobra,” Parker was famous both for his hitting prowess and strong arm in right field throughout nineteen MLB seasons, mostly with the Pirates. He claimed an NL MVP title in 1978.
Luis Tiant
Tiant entertained fans with his unique pitching style across nineteen MLB seasons while winning 229 games with a WAR of nearly sixty-six points! His postseason record is equally impressive .
What do you think? Should they all make it into the Hall?
