Unlock the Path to Cooperstown's Glory

Holdovers

Billy Wagner, in his 10th year on the ballot and receiving 73.8 percent of votes in 2024, continues to hold hope. Andruw Jones, in his eighth year with 61.6 percent, shows no signs of slowing down. Carlos Beltrán, now in his third year with 57.1 percent, is making a strong case. These players have been through the grind and are still vying for that ultimate honor. Alex Rodriguez, in his fourth year with 34.8 percent, and Manny Ramirez, in his ninth year with 32.5 percent, bring a certain star power to the ballot. Chase Utley, in his second year with 28.8 percent, and Omar Vizquel, in his eighth year with 17.7 percent, are also part of this group, each with their own stories to tell.

Bobby Abreu, in his sixth year with 14.8 percent, Jimmy Rollins, in his fourth year with 14.8 percent, Andy Pettitte, in his seventh year with 13.5 percent, Mark Buehrle, in his fifth year with 8.3 percent, Francisco Rodríguez, in his third year with 7.8 percent, Torii Hunter, in his fifth year with 7.3 percent, and David Wright, in his second year with 6.2 percent, complete the list of holdovers. Each of these players has left an indelible mark on the game and are now fighting for that Cooperstown spot.

Newcomers

Carlos González, Curtis Granderson, Félix Hernández, Adam Jones, Ian Kinsler, Russell Martin, Brian McCann, Dustin Pedroia, Hanley Ramírez, Fernando Rodney, CC Sabathia, Ichiro Suzuki, and Troy Tulowitzki are the newcomers vying for a place in Cooperstown. These players have all made significant contributions to the game and are now looking to add their names to the list of legends. Each one brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table, making this year's ballot a truly exciting one.

Ben Zobrist also joins the fray, adding another dimension to the competition. These newcomers have a lot to prove and are sure to generate a lot of buzz as the voting process unfolds.

Other Ways to Make It to Cooperstown

The Hall of Fame's Era Committees offer another path to Cooperstown. These committees review retired players no longer eligible for the BBWAA ballot, along with umpires, executives, and managers. Players must have competed for at least 10 seasons in the majors and been retired for at least 16 seasons for consideration. Managers and umpires must have worked for at least 10 seasons in the majors and been retired for at least five years or have turned 65 years old. Executives must have been retired for at least five years or have turned 70 years old. Candidates cannot be on the ineligible list.

This year, Dick Allen, Ken Boyer, John Donaldson, Steve Garvey, Vic Harris, Tommy John, Dave Parker, and Luis Tiant are the candidates on the Classic Baseball Era ballot. These players represent a different era of the game and are vying for a place in Cooperstown through this unique avenue.

In addition to the main ballot, the Baseball Hall of Fame will also give out its annual Ford C. Frick Award, recognizing excellence in broadcasting. The winner will be announced on Dec. 11. BBWAA members will also vote on the Career Excellence Award each year honoring baseball writers.