MLB Hall of Fame: Breaking Down the Ballot

It is that wonderful time of year when the MLB Hall of Fame ballot is announced. But which players listed have a chance at immortality this time through?

We are almost at that time when a new class of immortals will be inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame. This time, 34 players will have their careers measured and scrutinized, with the same question in mind – does this player deserve to be enshrined in the hallowed halls of the Hall of Fame?

For some players, just making the ballot is a validation of their career. They may earn a vote or two, but induction just is not going to happen. That does not mean that they were not very good players; but rather an indication as to the level required to achieve immortality.

Other players will remain on the ballot for years, not dropping off, but unable to receive enough votes to be enshrined by the writers. These former stars, and fan favorites, fell just short of the statistical milestones needed to reach Cooperstown. Or, in some cases, the taint of PED use overshadows their accomplishments, keeping them on the outside looking in.

Then, there are those rare few players who will be inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame. These players, the ones that we will tell our grandchildren about, played the game at a level that transcended the decades of history surrounding Major League Baseball. The true greats; these players whose names will become legendary over time, are the ones who will reach that 75% mark, becoming immortals.

In a year where there is not that sure-fire first ballot Hall of Famer, voting should be quite interesting. Let us take a look at each of the players on the MLB Hall of Fame ballot, and see who will get inducted.